Author Topic: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm (Read 1222 times)

Bombat · « **on:** April 05, 2007, 03:15:24 AM »

I am going to cover the flying surfaces of a Vector with Fibafilm (a near equivalent to Micafilm?).

The normal method is just to sand the surface smooth, apply balsaloc (the heat activated adhesive: emulsion based ) and then apply the Fibafilm and heat shrink etc.

I would like to dope the structure with a couple of coats of nitrate dope prior to sanding to toughen the balsa and achieve a better, smoother surface. I then intend using Sig Stix it (compatible with nitrate?) to attach the Fibafilm.

Anydody tried this or any views on potential issues ?

Bill Little · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2007, 05:19:56 PM »

Quote from: Bombat on April 05, 2007, 03:15:24 AM

I am going to cover the flying surfaces of a Vector with Fibafilm (a near equivalent to Micafilm?).

The normal method is just to sand the surface smooth, apply balsaloc (the heat activated adhesive: emulsion based ) and then apply the Fibafilm and heat shrink etc.

I would like to dope the structure with a couple of coats of nitrate dope prior to sanding to toughen the balsa and achieve a better, smoother surface. I then intend using Sig Stix it (compatible with nitrate?) to attach the Fibafilm.

Anydody tried this or any views on potential issues ?

I hope you get an answer on this. It is something I haven't tried!

(I'm going to add "micafilm" to your title, I haven't heard of Fibafilm, and I guess others haven't, either. I hope you don't take offense!)

Ralph Wenzel (d) · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2007, 05:49:58 AM »

FWIW, Chris, I just started using Nitrate (and love it). Before, I always used Butyrate to firm up the underlying structure for sanding before applying the MicaFilm adhesive. I rather suspect that Nitrate will provide improved adhesion as compared to Butyrate.

If you've used SIG Stix-It and like it, more power to you. I greatly prefer BalsaLoc. Seems I can never get rid of the Stix-It in time to re-use the brush . . .

Gordon Tarbell · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2007, 09:45:47 AM »

How much heat is needed when applying the film over balsa loc? Would this be a safe system to use over non sheeted foam.

Ralph Wenzel (d) · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2007, 06:48:22 PM »

You'd have to try it. But DO use a low-temp film. I honestly don't know at what temperature BalsaLoc is activated, although I suspect it is probably low eningh not to damage the foam. Try it on scrap first.

My very best suggestion on this is to call BP Hobbies and ask. 732-287-3933 - - 9 AM - 5 PM, M-F

Gordon Tarbell · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2007, 08:53:30 PM »

Is that an east coast or left coast phone #? I am on the left coast.

Ralph Wenzel (d) · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2007, 10:04:07 PM »

East Coast

Bombat · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2007, 11:21:23 AM »

Quote from: Ralph Wenzel on April 07, 2007, 05:49:58 AM

FWIW, Chris, I just started using Nitrate (and love it). Before, I always used Butyrate to firm up the underlying structure for sanding before applying the MicaFilm adhesive. I rather suspect that Nitrate will provide improved adhesion as compared to Butyrate.

If you've used SIG Stix-It and like it, more power to you. I greatly prefer BalsaLoc. Seems I can never get rid of the Stix-It in time to re-use the brush . . .

Ralph have you had success with the nitrate balsaloc combination ? I have balsaloc but never used it?

Cheers

Author Topic: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm (Read 1222 times)

Bombat

Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Bill Little

Re: Dope under Fibafilm

Ralph Wenzel (d)

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Gordon Tarbell

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Ralph Wenzel (d)

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Gordon Tarbell

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Ralph Wenzel (d)

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm

Bombat

Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm