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COVERING AND PAINTING
For the strongest, most durable, and most realistic finish on your
framed-up Spacewalker, we recommend that it be covered with
some type of fabric, such as Sig Koverall. No matter what you
choose for covering material, it will not conceal a rough framework.
Be sure all surfaces are sanded smooth before proceeding.
The manufacturer's directions for applying iron-on coverings are
packed with the material. Follow these closely, for different types of
material have different iron temperatures and techniques of
application. The rest of these instructions describe the use of Sig
Koverall.
Koverall is a polyester-base, heat-shrinkable, synthetic fabric much like the covering used on full-scale aircraft such as the
Spacewalker. Its toughness makes it ideally suited to giant-scale model aircraft - we've used it successfully on all of our
Spacewalker prototypes. It is relatively low cost and will add a great deal of strength to the model's framework. One large
package of Koverall (KV-003, 48"x5 yd.) is not quite enough to cover this airplane; you will need at least one large and one
small (KV-001, 48"x36") package for your Spacewalker. It can be applied to the model using dope or Sig Stix-lt, a heat-
activated adhesive.
Surface Preparation
Whichever application method is used, you should first brush two coats of clear dope onto the framework wherever the
covering material makes contact (even the capstrips on the wing). If you plan to use dope for the entire finish, use Sig
Supercoat (butyrate dope) for the first two coats. If you plan to use enamels or epoxy colors, use Sig Nitrate dope. Lightly
sand after each coat to remove any raised grain or fuzz.
Applying Koverall With Dope
The bottom of an outer wing panel is a good place to start covering. Cut a piece of material about an inch larger all around
the panel, with the grain running spanwise. (The grain of woven materials runs parallel to the finished bias edge.) Lay the
Koverall on the wing, pulling out any major wrinkles. Koverall shrinks up considerably under heat - there's no need to
worry about such things as packaging fold creases because they will come out easily with the iron. Brush clear dope
around all the edges. This will soak through the fabric and adhere it to the dope already dried into the framework. Allow the
dope to dry before trimming off the excess material with a sharp razor blade. Check for any rough edges or places that are
not stuck down properly and apply more dope, let dry.
Applying Koverall With Stix-It
Directions for applying Koverall with Stix-It are on the can. The basic procedure is to apply Stix-lt around the edges of the
framework where you want the covering to attach. When dry, the fabric can be ironed-on around the edges where the Stix-
It was applied.
Shrinking and Sealing Koverall
After both sides of a surface are covered, shrink the Koverall evenly with an iron or hot-air gun (read the Koverall package
instructions). The fabric can now be sealed with three or four coats of clear dope. Thin the dope until it brushes on easily
and flows out smooth (about 25% to 30% thinner). The first coat should be applied sparingly to avoid puddles underneath
the fabric. The second coat will seal most of the pores of the Koverall and from then on running through will not be a
problem. Sand the model VERYLIGHTLY with FINE sandpaper after the second coat is dry. The next two coats will
completely seal and begin to fill the weave of the fabric. When dry, sand again. Your Spacewalker is now ready to be
finished with its colored paint scheme.
Some Notes on Covering the Spacewalker
The covering on the wing panels can be extended to cover the entire fiberglass wingtip. This will add a little strength to the
tip and provides a more consistent surface for the paint.
The fuselage can be covered two different ways. The easiest method is to use four separate pieces of material; one for the
bottom, two for the sides, and one for the turtledeck, applied in that order. The turtledeck piece should end about halfway
on the small dorsal fin (R-6).
Summary of Contents for SIGRC61
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