by Ron Fikes at srfikes@earthlink.net
02/08/2002

When I first used sandwich wrap (Reynolds "Crystal Wrap" - which comes in colors), I thought I would loose my mind! The dang stuff stuck to itself everywhere - then I took a deep breath, and swore that it wouldn't get the best of me. I still recommend NOT using it if you are in a bad mood!

Now to the gluing. I found that “UHU” colored glue stick works well - buy it at stationary stores. It is colored purple as you apply it, then it turns clear as it dries - the color lets you see where you have applied it (or not). I am now using the clear plastic wrap ("StretchTite" from Costco's) on all my lite stuff - it seems thinner. I color the framework, instead. Apply the glue to your plane and put on the covering.

Make sure to apply the covering to the glued frame while the glue is fresh and sticky.

Press the covering down, going around and gluing the whole perimeter. Trim the edges with a new Xacto #11 blade and press down (you can work out the wrinkles for a long time after applying). I have only used this covering on single-surface wings, but if you do both sides, allow the first surface to dry a while. Then do the other side, overlapping like regular coverings. You will have to apply more glue to the overlap (if you need a small amount of glue on something, use a small piece of balsa to scrape some glue from the glue stick and spread where needed).

Allow the glue to dry overnight, then shrink - BE CAREFUL - don't get the heat gun near the covering, the covering will disappear! Hold the heat gun up above the surface and let the warm air FALL on it. Or put the plane in a warm car - the covering doesn't seem to warp the structure, shrinks 'till snug, then it stops shrinking.

Enjoy,
Ron Fikes
Palo Alto, CA