Pre-painting?

[Mikeflys13]

Hello
As I wait for my Jenny kit to arrive, I have a question about painting. I normally see the Flite test folks painting after assembly. Would there be any issues with painting the foam board while it was still flat, before the parts are cut out and shaped/assembled?

 

[JasonK]

The only possible issues is if what you painted with caused it so the glue/etc. would have trouble adhering to the new surface created by the paint.

 

[leaded50]

also will not every cutted edge (as around wing?) not get paint.

 

[JasonK]

also will not every cutted edge (as around wing?) not get paint.

depends if you paint after cutting out, but before folding/shaping/etc or while still in the "sprue".

 

[kdobson83]

I now paint ALL of my builds while they are still in kit form (flat pieces). It is a little more difficult to get paint lines to line up right and requires a little more planning, but results usually end up better. After paint, I then cover the flat pieces with a thin packing tape (both painted and unpainted, any visible piece once built). Just lay the part out on your table, take the tape and line by line cover the part, then cut out with a xacto knife. Fairly simple process, adds TONS of strength with very minimal weight, adds decent water proofing, and makes parts in general last much longer. Protects from hanger rash as well. Took a few builds for me to master this, but ill never do a build without it now.

 

[Mikeflys13]

I now paint ALL of my builds while they are still in kit form (flat pieces). It is a little more difficult to get paint lines to line up right and requires a little more planning, but results usually end up better. After paint, I then cover the flat pieces with a thin packing tape (both painted and unpainted, any visible piece once built). Just lay the part out on your table, take the tape and line by line cover the part, then cut out with a xacto knife. Fairly simple process, adds TONS of strength with very minimal weight, adds decent water proofing, and makes parts in general last much longer. Protects from hanger rash as well. Took a few builds for me to master this, but ill never do a build without it now.

Thanks for that. One of my concerns is if packing tape will "stick" to the painted surface. Since packing tape is a structural member of the wing joints, I was a bit concerned.

 

[kdobson83]

Thanks for that. One of my concerns is if packing tape will "stick" to the painted surface. Since packing tape is a structural member of the wing joints, I was a bit concerned.

The tape sticks really well to the paint. Just give the paint its normal time to dry before adding the tape. Just be aware that if you do this method, and using the FT water resistant foam, once you put the tape down even just lightly, if you try to peel it up to adjust fitment, it likes to take the paint with it... lol
The larger parts like wings and fuselage are much harder to apply tape to than smaller parts like vertical/horizontal stabilizers. Trying to apply a long piece of tape to a long part with only two hands with little overlap and no wrinkles takes practice. If you love building, scratch or kit, I would suggest you give this tape covering method a try. The benefits you get from the tape are well worth the time.

See attached photos of 3 recent builds I did with this tape method.