Alternative Plane Coverings

[sconno]

Good day all,

I have recently rediscovered this hobby and am in the process of finishing a P-40. I have covered it in Balsa wood sheeting instead of tissue etc but i am at a loss as to what i can cover the wood in to achieve a pre-painting fiberglass / metalic finish to the static / non-fly model.

I have tried a PVA solution but no joy. I am awaiting some Hobbylite balsa filler but was wondering if anybody had further suggestions. I did look at an epoxy mix but i have been banned from using it within a 20mtr radius of the house due to fumes etc. All suggestions welcome and thank you in advance.

[ADW 123]

you can use full strength dope.... maybe some primer. i always thought that when it came to the plane having a metalic or shiney finish, it would all be in the paint. im sure there are some metalic paints you can use. i would suggest a gloss color.

[Xanadu]

Just some cheap spackle should do the trick. The finish depends entirely on the surface under the paint. The smoother the finish, the nicer the paint goes on and looks.

[BillParker]

bondo

[sconno]

Thanks for the responses. I have an enamel spray paint which i am going to try on the internals of the plane. So I will let you know how that goes.

I previously read about Bondo and Spackle. Spackle sounds similar to a substance called polyfiller over here. Its a substance used for filling in cracks in plastered walls. If so, it tends to dry rigid and crack itself. Might be something different though.

I would love to get my hands on some Bondo but i cant find anywhere that will send it to the UK / Ireland. Any suggestions on where i might be able to pick up some?

[BillParker]

Go to the auto parts store, and buy whatever product y'all use for minor car body repair... (that's what bondo is...)