Detailed Instructions

ManualsBrandsHangar 9 ManualsAirplanesUltraCote, Transparent Red

Table Of Contents

Detailed Information

Detailed Information

Surface Preparation:

The covering job can only be as good as the finish of the

surface it's applied over. In order for the covering to properly

adhere to a surface, the surface must first be smooth and

clean. Sand the model using a sanding block and

progressively finer sandpaper, with the final sanding being

done with 320 grit paper. Vacuum away all of the dust, as

specks of dust under the covering will leave unsightly bumps.

Fill gaps and dents with a high-quality filler. If using light-

colored UltraCote® (such as white or yellow), use a tan-

colored filler that matches the wood color to prevent the filler

from showing through.

Pro Tip - Some professional builders “raise the grain” then sand a second time with 320 or 400 grit

paper for the ultimate finish. After the model is sanded, use a damp cloth to wipe down the model.

Some modelers prefer to use a fine-mist squirt bottle filled with water to dampen the surfaces to be

covered. As the surface dries, imbedded wood fibers in the surface will “stand up.” When dry, sand the

surfaces again using 320 or 400 grit paper. Raising the grain now and sanding it off will prevent the

grain from raising later under the covering, creating a bumpy finish. Vacuum the model thoroughly and

avoid touching the model with oily hands. Your model is now ready for covering!

Trim Film to Size:

Start by covering the bottom of one wing half. Using scissors

or sharp hobby knife, cut a piece of UltraCote® a few inches

larger than needed to cover the wing. Remove the backing

(save for later) and place the covering with the adhesive

(dull) side down, centered over the wing. Set the covering

iron to the application temperature of 220°F.

Pro Tip -

If the iron you're using does not display the actual temperature, here is a tip that will ensure

your iron is properly set. Water boils at 212°F. Allow your iron to warm up at a medium setting. When

the iron reaches its stabilized temperature, carefully pour a few drops of water on the iron's surface.

Adjust the temperature until the water just begins to boil off. This method is surprisingly accurate and is

generally within 10° (of the exact application temperature of 220).

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
Detailed Information Surface Preparation: The covering job can only be as good as the finish of the surface it's applied over. In order for the covering to properly adhere to a surface, the surface must first be smooth and clean. Sand the model using a sanding block and progressively finer sandpaper, with the final sanding being done with 320 grit paper. Vacuum away all of the dust, as specks of dust under the covering will leave unsightly bumps. Fill gaps and dents with a high-quality filler.
PAGE 2
Tacking Covering to Spar: Tack the covering to the spar or the high point of the wing, using your iron as shown (an iron sock is highly recommended). Gently pull the covering toward the root and toward the tip, as you work the iron from the center of the spar to the root and tip of the wing. Press gently with the iron, allowing the heat (not pressure) to activate the adhesive and bond the covering to the high point.
PAGE 3
Covering the Top of the Wing: Using the backing from the wing panel that you just covered as a template, cut a piece of UltraCote® to be applied to the top of the wing. Be sure to cut a top panel, making sure that the adhesive is on the correct side. Apply the covering to the top of the wing using the same techniques as described in steps 3 through 6. Be sure that the covering overlaps a minimum of a 1/4" when trimming the edges and securely seal the edges with the iron.
PAGE 4
striping tape for quick reference, as this temperature is used frequently whenever putting on covering. Shrink On-Set Temperature-300°F (134°C) At 300°F, UltraCote® begins to shrink. This is called the Shrink On-Set point. After the covering is attached using an iron set to 220°F, the next step is to shrink the covering. This initial shrinking is done with the iron set at 300°F. Maximum Shrinkage Temperature-350°F (162°C) At 350°F, UltraCote® reaches its maximum shrinking point.
PAGE 5
Dryer is Better: Wood naturally absorbs moisture. Wood models actually grow and shrink slightly throughout different seasons. This can be experienced by traveling from the humid Midwest of the United State to the dry deserts of Las Vegas. After a few days in the desert, the model develops covering sags due to model shrinkage. It is recommend that you cover the model in a dry climate if possible.