Log in
Search
Latest topics
» Cox films/videos...by Coxfledgling Today at 4:46 am
» Purchased the last of any bult engines from Ken Enya
by Coxfledgling Today at 4:18 am
» My N-1R build log
by roddie Today at 12:32 am
» Happy 77th birthday Andrew!
by akjgardner Today at 12:27 am
» TEE DEE Having issues
by TD ABUSER Yesterday at 9:43 pm
» Landing-gear tips
by roddie Yesterday at 6:17 pm
» Roger Harris revisited
by TD ABUSER Yesterday at 2:13 pm
» Tee Dee .020 combat model
by Ken Cook Yesterday at 1:41 pm
» Retail price mark-up.. how much is enough?
by Ken Cook Yesterday at 1:37 pm
» My latest doodle...
by roddie Yesterday at 10:43 am
» Chocolate chip cookie dough.........
by roddie Fri Nov 22, 2024 1:13 pm
» Free Flight Radio Assist
by rdw777 Fri Nov 22, 2024 9:24 am
Cox Engine of The Month
shrinking tissue with alcohol
Page 1 of 1
shrinking tissue with alcohol
I ran across this http://www.instructables.com/id/Covering-a-model-airplane-in-Tissue/step1/Materials/ and was wondering if anyone has done it this way ? would be a lot cheaper and easier than dopeing not to mention the strong smellĀ Getback
getback- Top Poster
-
Posts : 10442
Join date : 2013-01-18
Age : 67
Location : julian , NC
shrinking tissue with alcohol
I have done a couple planes that way, it's a good way to cover. You can mix 50% alcohol 50% water for a slower shrink rate. Other stick glues work but UHU is supposed to be best-some dry to fast.
Exsanitary- Moderate Poster
- Posts : 28
Join date : 2012-02-06
Location : Palominas, Arizona
Re: shrinking tissue with alcohol
I've put tissue on freeflight models using the glue stick for years. I also use this method for installing trim pieces. It doesn't take the place of dope. In fact, while it installs the tissue, it doesn't seal the tissue or keep the tissue taught. While the initial install and water mist will tighten the tissue, any moisture in the air or wet grass will make your model look like a wrinkled bag. Jap tissue should be used due to it being semi sealed one side only (shiny side) and at least 2 coats of dope should be brushed on to provide moisture resistance. Ken
Ken Cook- Top Poster
- Posts : 5640
Join date : 2012-03-27
Location : pennsylvania
Re: shrinking tissue with alcohol
I have never used a glue stick on a balsa/tissue model but have used it on paper models. I never found it to make a satisfactory permanent glue joint but it is quick and easy.
I don't know what "krylon" paint is either but I have used alcohol to "assist" with shrinking delicate tissue. I have always been too ham fisted with wet tissue when applying it.
Pure alcohol doesn't shrink the tissue, it needs to be wet. I have only used it on delicate tissue with 90% alcohol to 20% water sprayed on. I have used this with tissue paste and , quite often, dope.
Not sure where the alcohol saves money. Here the isopropanol is more expensive per litre than cellulose thinners.
I use isopropanol as a substitute for the very expensive acrylic model paint thinners. It only comes around 90% pure - has 10% water content.
I don't know what "krylon" paint is either but I have used alcohol to "assist" with shrinking delicate tissue. I have always been too ham fisted with wet tissue when applying it.
Pure alcohol doesn't shrink the tissue, it needs to be wet. I have only used it on delicate tissue with 90% alcohol to 20% water sprayed on. I have used this with tissue paste and , quite often, dope.
Not sure where the alcohol saves money. Here the isopropanol is more expensive per litre than cellulose thinners.
I use isopropanol as a substitute for the very expensive acrylic model paint thinners. It only comes around 90% pure - has 10% water content.
ian1954- Diamond Member
- Posts : 2688
Join date : 2011-11-16
Age : 70
Location : England
Re: shrinking tissue with alcohol
I apply silkspan wet, but tissue is applied dry. The alcohol simply speeds up the drying/shrinking time since it gasses off more quickly than water. But, like Ken said, you'll have to seal the tissue with dope; clear dope works just fine with colored tissue and will be lighter than colored dope over white tissue. Without sealing, tissue soon looks like a cat tossed in a pond if the plane is flown outdoors with morning dew.
Re: shrinking tissue with alcohol
Many times I would apply UHU glue stick to the framework. If I didn't get to finish a wing panel, I could easily do it the next day because the alcohol will reactivate the glue stick on the wood. The alcohol serves a dual purpose. Like I mentioned, Jap tissue works far superior over domestic tissue. I found that I can make domestic tissue work well, but you can't play with it stretching it out. Ken
Ken Cook- Top Poster
- Posts : 5640
Join date : 2012-03-27
Location : pennsylvania
Shrinking tissue with alcohol
This is my Lancer (coincidentally the same model in the OP's link), covered in tissue applied with a glue stick. sprayed with clear paint.
Exsanitary- Moderate Poster
- Posts : 28
Join date : 2012-02-06
Location : Palominas, Arizona
Re: shrinking tissue with alcohol
Marvelous job on the Lancer. They fly quite well. Ken
Ken Cook- Top Poster
- Posts : 5640
Join date : 2012-03-27
Location : pennsylvania
Similar topics
» cheep tissue
» Printing on Tissue
» Baby Flite Streak build thread
» repurposing/recycling items for hobby-use
» Help with tissue needed
» Printing on Tissue
» Baby Flite Streak build thread
» repurposing/recycling items for hobby-use
» Help with tissue needed
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum