Theta 18 Aerospace Speciality Products Page 7
Fold the streamer in half lengthwise. Fold in half again two or three more times then roll the streamer
into a small cylinder. Wrap some of the shock cord around the streamer to hold the streamer into a
cylinder. Insert the shock cord then the streamer into the body tube - if the streamer doesn‘t fit easily,
rewrap tighter until the cylinder fits easily. Slip the nose cone into place.
Finishing and Decorating
The model may be decorated and/or painted in many ways, depending on how you want it to look and
how much time you wish to put into it. The following instructions refer to a full finishing of the model
including filling the wood grain. Be sure to do all balsa filling, painting, etc. in a well ventilated area.
Alternately you may simply decorate the model with any colors of felt tip markers, decals/stickers, etc.
You may paint the model with spray or brush paint without filling the wood grain as described below,
but the finish will be rougher and it may take several coats to get the color(s) as desired as the wood
parts can soak up the paint. If you decide not to fully finish the model as described below, skip on to
the Flight Preparation and Launching section.
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10) Prior to beginning this step, be sure to read any instructions on the brand of sanding sealer you
are using - follow the manufacturers directions if they vary from those below. Be sure to use the
thinner recommended by the manufacturer to clean your brush. Using fine sandpaper (then extra fine,
if desired) go over all the wood parts to ensure they are smooth. Wrap a single layer of cellophane
tape (or masking tape) around the shoulder of the nose cone (the part that goes into the body tube) -
this will prevent building up the thickness of the shoulder while painting. Insert the nose cone
shoulder into the top of the body tube. Next apply a coat of sanding sealer to all wood parts (the nose
cone and fins)- it is not necessary to seal the nose cone shoulder. Allow the sealer to dry then apply a
second coat. After the second coat is dry, sand with medium or fine sandpaper until the surfaces are
smooth. Continue with single coats of sealer, sanding in between each coat, as needed until the wood
grain is completely filled and the surface is smooth.
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) You will need to use something such as a dowel or a section of newspaper rolled into a tight
cone inserted into the base of your model to hold it while painting. If desired, lightly go over the model
with a tack cloth to remove any excess dust or other particles which could mar the finish. It is a good
idea to do this before applying each coat of primer and paint. Be sure to read the instructions on the
brand of paint you are using - follow the manufacturers directions carefully. Be sure not to mix
different types or brands of paint without testing. It is recommended (but not absolutely necessary)
that you apply one or more coats of primer before the color coats of paint - this will give a much
smoother surface to your model and allow the paint to adhere better. If using primer, sand with fine
and/or extra fine sandpaper after each coat is completely dry. Use as many coats as needed to get a
smooth finish before proceeding to the color coats.
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) First give a base coat of the lightest color you will be using on the model - several light coats
are preferable to one or two heavy coats (this will be true for all the colors you will be using). Apply as
many coats as needed to get a nice even color. Allow to dry thoroughly.
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) If applying other colors, use masking tape to cover up the areas of the model you do not wish to
paint with the second color. Apply the second color as you did the first and allow to dry. Continue this
process if other colors are desired. After the paint has dried carefully remove the masking.
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) At this time you may apply any decals, stickers, trim tape, etc. if desired.
To protect the paint and other decorations, you may apply one or more coats of clear paint (such as
Krylon Crystal Clear or similar) and allow to dry.
