Using Masking Tape to Help Stick Film on Wing

[Andy-H]

I’ve seen somewhere a reference to using masking tape over the centre section of a wing when epoxy & glass bandage is used to strengthen a wing. In this case, veneered foam wings. Sometimes it can be tricky getting heat shrink film to stick to an epoxy finish. 

 

Is it as simple as it sounds, ie when the epoxy has set, give it a light sand, stick a layer of masking tape over the joint and then apply the heat shrink film ? Presumably the film sticks to the masking tape more easily than the epoxy finish. 

[Alan Gorham_]

I do this and it works, but I also like to put a coat of Solarfilm Clearcoat over the masking tape to guarantee the film will stick down forever. 

 

It looks much nicer than filming on top of the glass cloth as the weave is completely hidden by the tape. 

[Andy-H]

Great, Thanks Alan.

Andy

[Cuban8]

This tip is as old as the Ark. Used it several times as you describe, but although it gives a strong joint at the centre section it's extremely difficult to get a nice smooth finish to the covering over the tape. Decoration and stickers can help disguise things - depends on how particular you are.

As an alternative, a couple of full depth ply spars cut into the foam wing panels works well and if designed correctly, prevents a nasty concentration of stress where the glass bandage wrap ends. Used quite commonly on glider wings so very strong method to withstand tow launch stresses.

Some folks taper the end of the glass bandage to reduce stress. Wide at the LE tapering back a bit to the TE.

Edited April 20, 2023 by Cuban8

[Andy-H]

👍

[J D 8]

  Bit of masking tape around the ends of plastic control snake outers keeps them firm where they exit a balsa fuselage and where end located in servo bay.