Re-covering after Solafilm

[Tony H]

Hi all,

 

Does anyone have a any tips on how to re-cover a plane after Solafilm, I know it leaves half it coloured glue behind. 

 

 

[Andy Stephenson]

I found the only way to remove the colour was to wash it with cellulose thinners, although this isn't completely effective as it leaves a stain which soaks into the wood.

[Nightflyer]

I have same comments  and experience from trying to clean off the pigment as Andy Stephenson. The staining is not much of an issue if the pigment is light such as white or yellow but if red, dark blue or black can be visible certainly if the new covering is light in colour. Sometimes after using thinners I have found a light sanding of the airframe helps.

[leccyflyer]

Try using parcel tape, well burnished onto the remaining shards of de-laminate Solarfilm adhesive -experiment with heat and the angle of pull. Then it's a case of shaving or picking off any recalcitrant bits with a scalpel followed by sanding. I don;t like to use cellulose thinners because it just drives the colour into the wood.

[Engine Doctor]

 Only notice the problem if recovering with a lighter colour. A light coat of  white or beige paint prior to re covering or a darker covering will sort it. 

Thank goodness the old type solar film is becoming scarce although some of the cheap Chinese films can leave the colour on when pulled off.

[David Davis]

I left an old Solarfilm covered WOT 4 in the clubhouse for anyone to take away who wanted to restore it. One of our better builders did so, rubbed it all down and then covered the whole thing in brown paper. It was finished off in orange water-based paint. It doesn't look too bad.

[Engine Doctor]

Yes brown paper on sheeted models is an often overlooked or forgotten covering. It's also imparts strength to the airframe.