Because I'm building much of my current plane in the office, I'm looking for ways to avoid dope smells.
So, I'm reading stuff here and other places and decided to try something some others said worked. But I was skeptical.
So I started with a rudder.
Simply mixed Titebond II with hot water, dipped my finger in it (didn't have a brush) and rubbed it all over the wood structure. No sealer, just straight on the balsa.
Then, because I'm impatient, I hit it with a heat gun to dry.
About two minutes later, I laid the wet silkspan on it and used an iron on the leading edge. Pulled the covering tight, and went around the perimeter of the frame with the iron.
Flipped it over and did the same thing to the other side.
I did not hit the ribs with the iron because I want the silkspan to fully shrink before I adhere it anywhere but the very edge. I only ironed about 1/4" on the perimeter of the frame.
And Lo and behold, I think it turned out as good, or better, than anything I've ever covered. No wrinkles anywhere (of course there isn't a wingtip involved, either). Very clean, I was wearing a suit, minus the jacket. Fast and I never felt like I was fighting the clock.
I'm impressed. As of now, I plan on trying Polycrylic instead of dope. I'll cross my fingers my good luck keeps up.
[Edit]: After looking at that picture, I thought WTF ?? Can I not build anything straight
?!!!! So, I go down the hall and look at the rudder and the ribs are actually straight; I guess weird camera angle made it look like I built it passed-out drunk.