Painting the cowl and canopy

I love painting but unfortunately the prep work is 90% of painting and I hate the prep work.

I first sanded the cowl with 180 grit then 220 and used tack clothe and wax and grease remover before priming. After the first coat dries I will sand it with 220 and fill any pin holes with a spot putty and shoot another coat of primer before a final sand and paint with the colors.

While the primer was drying I mounted the rudder servos (Hitec 7954) and the receiver tray.



Covering the Slick 540

I the base colors are on the wings and stabs. I used Balasarite on the sharp curves and around the engine box to help the covering stick good. And yes I am using my usual colors.

The first thing I do after sanding is use tack clothe on everything and get all the dust out of the shop.

I start the covering on the end points and then overlap 1/8" onto the ends (see pics). I am using Ultracote which uses much lower heat than Monokote. It does not stretch as good as Monokote either. Curves are a little more cumbersome. It's taking some getting used too.

I have ordered some custom designed graphics from B and E Graphics that should arrive next week. Hopefully they will make up for my lack of creativity in covering. Lol.

Applied Balsarite

 Covering the end points and sharp curves first

 



Ready to cover