Why Silkspan

[Ken Miller]

I have just finished planking my first build and I know that people cover with silkspan. Not sure why you need the silkspan and why not just seal and paint directly on the wood.

[Xanadu]

Just for a smoother, fine finish. Balsa tends to still show the grain, etc through the paints etc. since it absorbs into the wood.

Just a matter of finishing techniques really and final result one wants.

[Ken Miller]

Thank you I assumed it was something like that. I have a plane the my father made about 70 years ago that was planked and it appears that it was painted and as you say you can see the grain.