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covering with 48mm (2”) wide coloured polypropylene tape due to its simplicity and low cost.
Those who wish to spend a little extra money and take a little extra care can use a variety of other
covering materials such as Ultracote, Oracover and Profilm. These iron-on coverings provide a
much nicer finish and a little more strength but are a bit trickier to apply correctly. If using an iron-
on covering be sure not to use too high a heat or it may deform (melt) the foam. Also be careful not
to introduce any warps or twists into the wing when shrinking the covering. 3M Super 77 (“multi-
purpose”) spray adhesive is required regardless of the covering method used and is hereto referred
to simply as “spray adhesive”.
88.
Thoroughly remove all dust from the glider and your work area.
89.
Use masking tape to mask off any exposed radio equipment that you don’t want to get
sprayed with glue.
90.
Go outside and spray the entire bottom surface of the wing with adhesive and then place it
upside down on a cardboard box (or anything else to keep it up off your work surface). Let
the spray adhesive dry for about 5 minutes (or until aggressively tacky).
91.
Now it’s time to apply the filament tape. This provides essential tensile strength to the EPP
foam wing and helps to keep the glider rigid during flight. For each piece of tape applied,
overhang the wing by 25mm to 50mm (1” to 2”) and wrap around to the opposite surface of
the wing. When a piece ends at the balsa trailing edge you can just cut if off flush with the
edge (don’t wrap around). Rub each piece that is laid down with some fine sandpaper to
remove any release agent from the tape’s backing for better adhesion of subsequent layers of
filament tape, spray adhesive and/or covering. Thoroughly wipe off any dust that is created
each time.
92.
Working on the bottom surface of the wing (that you just sprayed), lay a length of filament
tape along the spar line and continue along to the opposite wing half’s leading edge. Repeat
for the other wing half.
93.
Lay a length of filament tape across the inner panels along the CG line (ballast tube
location) to form an “A” pattern with the previously laid filament tape.
94.
Apply strips of filament tape to the wing in a crisscrossing pattern as per illustration.
95.
Go outside again and spray the entire top surface of the wing with spray adhesive. Let dry
for about 5 minutes (or until aggressively tacky).
96.
Apply filament tape patches over the servos and receiver (if mounted flush with the top
surface) to hold them securely in place.
97.
Working on the top surface of the wing (that you just sprayed), lay a length of filament tape
along the spar line and continue along to the opposite wing half’s leading edge. Repeat for
the other wing half.
