Covering 101
By Ron Roberts
I was once asked the question: "Do the airplanes shown in photographs of modeling events really look that good
"close up"? The answer to that question was: "Yes, most of those planes DO look that good up close!" I printed
the photo above large enough so that it's easy to see the detail on this model.
The person who asked confessed that he was asking because his airplanes never looked
that good. His covering always turned out "wrinkled with bubbles in it, looked "scratched" and generally "sagged"
after awhile." Well, the truth of the matter is, very few modelers "get it right" the first time… or maybe not even the
second or third time.
Monokote is my favorite "film type" of covering material because it is easy to use and provides durability. However,
had you asked my opinion of Monokote after my first experience with it in 1968, my response would not have been one
used in "Top Flite" advertisements. I applied it to an "Ugly Stick" and let me tell you, that airplane lived up to its name!
Actually, besides Monokote, there are a number of covering materials available to the modeler, and yes, there are
differences in them. It has been my experience that some of those coverings go on easily and look good, while others
are a pain to use but look VERY good, and still others that never look good for very long regardless of what you do.
(I believe the reason for my opinion is that I have not learned how to use them correctly.)
Knowing all of the benefits (and the drawbacks) of the covering you intend to use will help you decide if its right
for the model you have. For example: And again, in my opinion, even if you are an expert at using and applying any one of the
"plastic films" that are available, they will not look "really good" on a vintage airplane! Vintage airplanes, such as
the Waco in the photo above, J-3 Cub's, Stinson's, Taylorcraft's, Fokker's and etc. were all covered with fabric and just do not
look good covered in plastic. As I said, that is my opinion. If your airplane is "vintage" learn to use and apply
one of the "cloth" coverings such as Coverite's "21st Century Fabric" or Hobby Lobby's "Superfabric".
Having said that, it is still true that most airplanes at the flying field (mine included) are covered with one of the "Plastic
Films", so let me give you a few hints that may help with your next covering job. I mentioned that Monokote is my
favorite "film" covering material, so beginning on Page 3, let's use some Monokote and begin covering an airplane!
I was once asked the question: "Do the airplanes shown in photographs of modeling events really look that good "close up"? The answer to that question was: "Yes, most of those planes DO look that good up close!" I printed the photo above large enough so that it's easy to see the detail on this model.
The person who asked confessed that he was asking because his airplanes never looked that good. His covering always turned out "wrinkled with bubbles in it, looked "scratched" and generally "sagged" after awhile." Well, the truth of the matter is, very few modelers "get it right" the first time… or maybe not even the second or third time.
Monokote is my favorite "film type" of covering material because it is easy to use and provides durability. However, had you asked my opinion of Monokote after my first experience with it in 1968, my response would not have been one used in "Top Flite" advertisements. I applied it to an "Ugly Stick" and let me tell you, that airplane lived up to its name!
Actually, besides Monokote, there are a number of covering materials available to the modeler, and yes, there are differences in them. It has been my experience that some of those coverings go on easily and look good, while others are a pain to use but look VERY good, and still others that never look good for very long regardless of what you do. (I believe the reason for my opinion is that I have not learned how to use them correctly.)
Knowing all of the benefits (and the drawbacks) of the covering you intend to use will help you decide if its right for the model you have. For example: And again, in my opinion, even if you are an expert at using and applying any one of the "plastic films" that are available, they will not look "really good" on a vintage airplane! Vintage airplanes, such as the Waco in the photo above, J-3 Cub's, Stinson's, Taylorcraft's, Fokker's and etc. were all covered with fabric and just do not look good covered in plastic. As I said, that is my opinion. If your airplane is "vintage" learn to use and apply one of the "cloth" coverings such as Coverite's "21st Century Fabric" or Hobby Lobby's "Superfabric".
Having said that, it is still true that most airplanes at the flying field (mine included) are covered with one of the "Plastic Films", so let me give you a few hints that may help with your next covering job. I mentioned that Monokote is my favorite "film" covering material, so beginning on Page 3, let's use some Monokote and begin covering an airplane!