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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Bombat on April 05, 2007, 03:15:24 AM

Title: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: 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 ? 

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm
Post by: Bill Little 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!)

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Ralph Wenzel (d) 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 . . .

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Gordon Tarbell 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.

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Ralph Wenzel (d) 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

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Gordon Tarbell on April 08, 2007, 08:53:30 PM

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

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Ralph Wenzel (d) on April 08, 2007, 10:04:07 PM

East Coast

Title: Re: Dope under Fibafilm/Micafilm
Post by: Bombat 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