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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Paul Taylor on December 10, 2007, 06:36:21 PM

Title: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Paul Taylor on December 10, 2007, 06:36:21 PM

So I put balsarite on my wing getting ready to put on monokote. So do you a lite sanding to get it smooth before the monokote goes on?

My guess is yes.

Thanks
Paul H^^

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Bill Little on December 10, 2007, 10:05:36 PM

Hi Paul,

Did the balsarite raise the grain?  If so, I would lightly knock off the fuzz.  I have never used it, so I can't give you a *real* answer! LL~

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: john e. holliday on December 11, 2007, 10:16:24 AM

In my experience with balsa rite I have never sanded it after application to the surfaces to be covered.  When you iron the covering down it will smooth out.  Using it in engine compartments, I usually put a second coat on without sanding.  MERRY CHRISTMAS,  DOC Holliday

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Wynn Robins on December 11, 2007, 02:00:14 PM

A real light sand to get the "fuzz" off is a good idea - any little bump shows through film

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Perry Rose on December 12, 2007, 02:10:57 PM

I've been using monokote since it first came out as a wet glue covering and never had to use anything to get it to stick.
Perry Rose

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Mike Griffin on December 12, 2007, 02:20:34 PM

Hey Paul,

I have used Balsarite quite a bit when using film type coverings.  I ususally put two coats on and then sand lightly with about a 220 grits.  Wipe off the dust and apply the film.  Works great.  Some people like Sig Stixit also.

Mike

Title: Re: Sand after balsarite???
Post by: Alan Hahn on December 13, 2007, 08:24:20 AM

Balsarite for film isn't a glue (unlike the original Balsarite that you use for fabric coverings), but more like a balsa conditioner. It hardens up the balsa surface (but not as hard--or heavy) like epoxy. It is also a fuel proofer, so maybe is a good choice around a fuse or anything that you intend to cover with plastic covering material.
Any the hardened balsa surface does provide a nicer grip for the plastic covering adhesive, but as Charlie Bauer use to tell us in his monocote covering demo---he never used anything other than monocote. He did say tho' that you want a nice smooth dust-free surface.