Ok, see guys, I'm a little confused.
I realize that the paint is the "finish" and that the covering just supports that, and is somewhat porous.
But covering with Polyspan, then something over that also just makes me think that will be heavier.
I realize the goal is to get rid of the porosity, and add stiffness to the airframe, but covering twice seems like you didn't pick the right thing.
I am very very good with monocote. I have been called "AR" by my RC sailplane flying and buddies with attentions to detail. My experience with dope and tissue was pre-teen though so a LONG time ago!!
I don't REALLY know what material to use for covering, and I assume that the first plane will come out fine, and later ones will be improvements.
While I care about appearance, models to me are for flying, so lightness and stiffness trump (sorry) appearance.
I have been told by the OFB's that I started flying C/L with that Polyspan is what to use on open structures and Esaki Tissue is good for solid areas, to seal the grain and make a good base for paint (also the tissue adds a lot of stiffness, I am told). So, my ARC SV-11 that I want to put a "REAL" finish on, I planned to Polyspan (Now probably Thermal Span) the wings, and fuse, and use tissue on the tail and probably flaps. Then paint in one form or another.
Is that a bad plan?
Charles- I have no idea if I have an interest in silk or not, as you can probably figure out from the above.
I appreciate the input, but some clarity would be nice. Will a Polyspan covered wing be heavier than one with Polyspan and something else, after paint?
Thanks!