Hi Everyone,
I like to scratch build with DTFB ( the white board ). I did a search of the forum and could not find to much info on covering foam board with monocoat. Right now I cover the foam board with packing tape. Has anyone use monocoat to cover foam board ? Or do you think that packing tape would work better ? My thoughts are that monocoat could be lighter in weight then packing tape. Just point me in the right direction please.
Open to all info,
Al
I asked the very same question a while back. I was advised to spray paint & I also saw a FT video on how to spray paint DTFB by first coating it with MinWax. Here’s what I found. The MinWax works well for water proofing & foam board resistance to spray paint carrier chemicals. I prefer to seal edges by ironing or hot glue to prevent paper delamination before paint. Paint takes me all day especially if I’m trying to make it look nice. Frequently, the more trouble I’ve gone to trying to make it look nice with paint, the worse the results. Tinted cellophane tape with paper backing on the adhesive side is very easy to apply. I need color contrast for orientation. It doesn’t makes sense for me to spent 2 or 3 days painting for an airplane that might only last less than a minute.
My best results, best looking & best flying airplanes have been DTFB, treated with MinWax & then merely trimmed over the white DTFB with contrasting 2” tape. I’ve found that a roll of 2” celophane tape is expensive, 2 rolls will do 2 standard FT designs but I use two colors, so that’s why 2 rolls. I use cheap hobby shop .5” tape for detailing. I don’t cover the entire airplane with the tape, I just tape some high visibility designs on it. Best results.
Finally, what I think might try for easy good looks is to seal edges, paint a solid color to most or all of the model, possibly using a contrast color on easy components to paint before assembly, so as not to require masking, like tail feathers. Then I’ll apply the 2” cellophane contrasting tape in designs as needed over the paint for contrast & visual orientation in flight. My next build will probably be done that way.
I’ve been wanting to try monocoat But have been advised it’s troublesome. Please let me know how it works for you if you try it. Simple & fast is good in my world.