Hi,
    Any idea how foam wings can be covered? I have a couple of foam kits made of "blue foam" and "pink foam" (from www.steelheadproducts.com). The foam wings need to be sanded lightly and then can be covered. Question is any tape on the wings tend to lift off after a few days. Pls. post any tips on how to cover these wings. I have one roll of black zagi tape and one roll of ultracote that I picked up some years back and intend to use for cover this wing.

Interesting product company 

BTW, their own website says do not use any type of monkote, just use packing tape.  Scroll down to the middle of the page http://www.steelheadproducts.com/faq.htm

Yes, and they are pretty inexpensive too for some well cut RTB (ready to build)  kits. Ok, I'll try out 3M tape first.

You do get Colored Cello tape as well brand name wonder tape . It is fairly thin and light weight .

I prefer fabric paint on my foam models though
sai

You can use coloured packing tape available in stationery shops. Here are some pics of my first trainer plane and a pusher. Thermocol covered with tape makes a tough model that can take quite some beating. Very good low cost option for beginners.

I used TOWERKOTE covering film to cover a thermocole(EPS) type trainer and experienced no problems.

All,
Fabric paint imparts a kind of a dull look, is there any mechanism of adding gloss to the finish?

Pankaj

See if any of the below info will help....

EEP FOAM is Expanded Polypropylene. EPP is heavier in weight but more durable material compared to rigid foams such as white beaded EPS FOAM ( Expanded Polystyrene )

EPP is suitable for scale or sport models,       Originally developed for motor vehicle and aerospace applications, EPP is impact resistant bead cell foam. With good memory effect due to the molecular structure, this material is excellent for crash / impact protection, used extensively in crash helmets, car bumpers, and aircraft cockpit.

EPP models are typically covered with cross weave and Coloured Tape, or a low temperature heat shrink covering 

EPP is not suitable for surfaces that you intended to sheet with balsa wood. Rigid EPS foams are better suited for covering with sheet balsa.

WORKING WITH EPP FOAM   To ensure a good adhesion to EPP always spray any foam surface with 3M-77 type Spray  Adhesive before applying coloured or cross weave tape. Or latex adhesive, this helps the tape to stick.  I even spray a light coat on the balsa elevons before applying coloured Tape.  After you apply any self adhesive tape to your model, take a credit card shaped piece of cardboard and smooth the edge from the middle to the edge. Use it stick like a squeegee to iron out any remaining air bubbles and smooth the tape to the foam, then use a covering iron on the lowest temperature to iron down the sticky tape to the foam. Warning go gentle or you will warp the EPP. It only takes a few minutes to do this to a completed glider, and it really makes the whole covering job look great. It will also increase the efficiency of your model by making the smooth surface fly that much better.

GLUE’S COMPATIBLE WITH EPP FOAM   (ALWAYS TEST ON SCRAP BEFORE COMMITTING TO YOUR PROJECT) ; Foamsafe cyano (superglue) - latex based glue - uhu por-2 - part epoxy - hotglue gun. You can decorate with foam friendly felt tip pens and paints.

B4ggu

Some days back i was flying my easy star and it was high up about 50ft and suddenly the wings came out and the fuselage kissed the earth like a rocket..

Result - only a bend nose.. I so badly wanted to straighten it and tried eveyrything to make it straight but nothing worked, so i searched on google for some ideas and one article caught my eye on how to treat bends for these kinds of foams..

I just got my wife's hair dryer and blow dried the place where it was bent , voila it automatically straightened out..

Multiplex products are super kool, am thoroughly enjoying every bit of it..

But i heard there are chinese made easy star's too so just make sure you buy an original german made..

cheers

atul g.

Why don't you try using a water based Polyurethane to add gloss to your model. But dont be generous in applying the coat...or you have a weight penalty..

Quote from: ankurkaul17 on September 01, 2009, 03:11:10 PM
Why don't you try using a water based Polyurethane to add gloss to your model. But dont be generous in applying the coat...or you have a weight penalty..

Now what is this stuff? is it something that is commonly available in paint shops? else sourcing this may be an issue in Delhi.

Pankaj

Hi pankaj

WBPU is water based polyurethane, a great base for coating foam and Depron prior to airbrushing. This is what we get and use in Delhi, from paint shops. you can actually think it of as a water based varnish...since it it not alcohol based it does not eat foam...try paint shops around you or may be even art shops in any...good luck

here i got a hand on one pic...maybe of some help

Ankur,

Does WBPU also take care of the surface? I mean do we need to sand and apply some sort of primer before hand? Or can this be applied directly? In case of later, after sanding a foam I think there is a need for curing as well.

Pankaj

hi pankaj

i just apply it directly..but don't be too generous..it even smoothens the surface...filling any minute irregularities on the foam surface.

You may want to try on a dummy piece first before you put it on your model

Ankur Kaul

Other methods:
http://aeromodelismoextremadura.jimdo.com/el-taller-h%C3%A1ztelo-tu-mismo/chapas/

cover in fiberglass.
http://aparatosvoladores.mforos.com/1639483/7680718-alas-al-vacio-con-fibra-de-vidrio/