Fiberglass

	PART I
Navigation Home Part II	Fiberglass that R/C project: You probably have seen those planes with the show stopping finishes on them. Nice smooth, painted finishes, deep rich colors. Wouldn't you like your next project to look like that, well you can. Presented here is a pictorial guide to the technique of fiberglassing. While other methods exist, this one here has worked very well for me on many model R/C planes.		Fiberglassing will produce a nicer finish, and a stronger airframe, but is allot more work than covering with film. Be prepared for sanding, and more sanding (my most dreaded task), and then when you think your finished, sand some more. If I haven't scared you out of fiberglass- ing yet, lets get started.
	What you'll need: Fiberglass cloth, Spray adhesive, Thin CA glue, X-acto knife, Sandpaper - 180, 220, 320, 400 grit, Wax paper, Sandable primer, Paint brushes, Spot putty, Dust mask.
		1) Here's what you need to get started: the part(s) you want fiberglass, spray adhesive (3M brand shown), fiberglass cloth. 2) Spray a light mist (and I mean light) of adhesive over the part, just enough to tac the fiberglass cloth in position and keep it from sliding around. Hint: start with the bottom surface of the part.
		3) Lay the fiberglass cloth down over the part. Pull out all the wrinkles and bubbles by lifting up the cloth and repositioning. You may have do this a few times, but the final result should be a smooth surface. Don't worry if you can't get it perfect, a few wrinkles won't hurt. You'll sand them down and fill them later.
	4) Laminate the fiberglass cloth to the balsa using thin CA glue. The laminated areas appear darker in the photo. Note: Always have adequate ventilation when working with CA glues. The fumes can be hazardous to your health. Use the odorless type CA's if necessary to avoid exposure to the fumes.
	5) Pull on the cloth and wrap the fiberglass around the edges of the part. Now laminate the edges. This is just like applying film covering here, start from the bottom surface and overlap at the leading edges. Hint: When working with larger parts, don't try to cover the entire surface with a single piece of fiberglass, use multiple pieces. Overlap them and sand joints flat later.
	Continue to Part II