Cover the opposite panel as before (above left), trimming wing tip and leading edge as necessary. Shrink the wing panels (above right) with the
would be preferable to cover top and bottom wing panels with one piece of fabric. Here, cement would be applied only to the frame on the inboard and outboard structures, and the trailing edges, top and bottom leaving the leading edge free of any cement. The fabric then is wrapped around the
wing starting at a trailing edge around the leading edge and back to the trailing edge of the opposite side and sealed. This will al- low the fabric to “slide around” the leading edge finding its own position when it is shrunk.
Shrinking polyester fabric Polyester shrinks proportionally to the heat applied and if care has been taken in
iron set between 220° and 240°F. Stubborn wrinkles may be removed with a slightly higher temperature (260–275°F)
the covering process, a minimal amount of heat will be required to produce a smooth, wrinkle free surface. Again, check to be sure your iron is between 220 and 240 degrees. Begin applying heat from the middle of the wing panel outward, keep the iron in physi- cal contact with the cloth and move the iron slowly across the surface of the fabric. Apply heat until the panel is smooth and wrinkle free. Repeat for each of the remaining panels. Once the wing is finished, it should be rechecked for any problem areas that might need touch-up. Stubborn wrinkles can usu- ally be removed with the application of a lit- tle more heat (260–275 degrees F). Always use the lowest temperatures necessary to
achieve the desired results. The covered structure is now ready for application of your favorite finishing system. This particular wing is going into a vin-
tage C/L model, the Sleekster, circa 1956, from the pages of FLYING MODELS magazine and was originally covered, (I believe) with silk. Along with the updated covering it has been modified for electric power. One pic- ture shows the Sleekster with its Ceconite covered wing, almost ready for fillets, fillers and final sanding. Finish will include 2–3 thinned coats of Polycrylic followed by 2–3 white base coats of a waterborne enamel thinned for spraying.
Repairing rips or punctures Generally if a rip or puncture of the cov-
ering occurs, it will not run because of the strength of the weave. If the fabric does get ripped or punctured, it’s easy to repair. Thoroughly clean around the affected area to remove any oil and grease and scuff with sandpaper or Scotch Brite. Cut a Ceconite patch that will provide a minimum 3⁄8-inch border around the tear and apply contact ce- ment to the area. Lay the patch into the ce- ment and seal and shrink with a hot iron. It’s now ready for your finishing process.
Resources
Nonflammable Contact Cement Ace Hardware
http://www.acehardware.com/ Ceconite fabric
F&M Enterprises
http://www.stits.com/
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/
Infrared Thermometer Harbor Freight
The Ceconite covered wing on a 1956 C/L design from FLYING MODELS. The model is almost ready for fillets, filler and final sanding. Finish will consist of 2-3 thinned coats of Polycrylic and three thinned coats of a waterborne white base coat.
FLYING MODELS
http://www.harborfreight.com/ 61
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