win some loose some

[MakMov]

I wasn't happy with the way the wing turned out so my Hellcat has become an experimental lab.

I recovered the lower panel here with Peck Polymer domestic, which doesn’t hold up to water or 50/50 white glue as well as the kit tissue. However, with the dope method and some new tricks I picked up hear and over at SFA it came out nearly wrinkle free.

The printed tissue experiment was a mixed bag. Dope didn’t seem to affect the color nor did alcohol, but water made a mess out of it. Black didn’t seem to be affected by anything, just the color.

[Phugoid]

Never mind your experimental wing, it looks like a super job on that canopy I can see in the bacground!

[MakMov]

Thanks, that was another experiement that was a success.

The other side turned out better.

[MakMov]

I just dont have the complete package yet. Something turn out really well and other are a complete disaster.

[MakMov]

So I got canopies with tissue down pretty well, even going around the curved part.

[Steve Blanchard]

MakMov,

I think you are making great progress towards success. When you print on tissue be sure you are using DuraBrite inks and an Epson printer. These printers are fairly cheap and the inks are water resistant. Not water proof but at least they don't run when you shrink the tissue. I have found that printing on the shiny side of Japanese tissue to give the best results. I think that a lot of domestic tissues are far too porous for this application. Easy Built sells a tissue called Easy Built light that has a much tighter grain and should work well also. You then cover dry. I believe ADW123 gave some good advice about this on another of your threads. After your covering is complete you can then mist with Alcohol or water to shrink. Be sure to do the top and bottom of 1 side at a time and pin down to dry. After all of your shrinking is finished you will then apply whatever sealer you prefer. I like to cover with glue stick and seal with either Krylon or spray lacquer. 2 to 3 very light coats does the job and keeps the finished product very light and flyable. I hope this helps.

Steve

[MakMov]

Yeah, I kind of figured that was going to need a new printer. It would be nice if a laser jet would work then I could print templates and transfer them to wood too.

I need to come up with a better mister, my current one is industrial, like a fire hose.

I am getting there, I recovered the wing and it came out better, just not perfect.

I have found at least with domestic tissue that good ole dope is the best way with a little help from a glue stick. It is the only way to get a good pull on the tissue. 50/50 white glue and the tissue just rips apart with any kind of force.

I just keep picking up tips and trying things, and eventually I will get it. not guite there but getting close.

[MakMov]

so now I got a wing that is 1/2 pefect not a wrinkle, could be tighter, and the no so perfect.

I have other coverings, but I have a lot of domestic tissue (a whole box of Peck Polymer) and a little bit of Japanese and some 000 silkspan.

I figure if I can master domestic then the others should come easy.

I was even thinking of picking up some litespan.

[Steve Blanchard]

The best thing you have going for you is that you keep on trying. You're gonna be better than best by the time you're done and you feel happy with what you got.

Keep up the good work!

Steve

[MakMov]

Thanks for the encouragement.

That's the only way to get anywhere is to keep trying.

I have also found they do make a durobrite like ink for my HP, vivera + inks, which are water resistant.

[MakMov]

I guess it is not water resistant after all.

I am looking a Epison wide format printer now. It will do 17x upto 40 inches long.

[MakMov]

Oh yeah, I have made countless mistakes. I am surprised nobody commented on the backwards landing gear yet.

[Steve Blanchard]

The tissue could be the problem too. The ink may be fine and the printer also. Try a piece of Japanese tissue if you have it and see if it does better. Again, it is only water resistant so you need to be light with the water/alcohol.

Steve

[MakMov]

Okay, yeah, I'll go with that. It's not wrong til it's installed

I did notice that Peck tissue is a lot thinner than the Guillow's. I do have some Japanese tissue to try.

Alcohol didn't seem to bleed the ink as much.