Removing paper from $ Tree foam board in 15 seconds... This should be stickied

[Mik3]

I know it is probably posted on the forum somewhere, but this should really be stickied at the top somewhere.

I will be doing this to all of my scratch-builds, maybe even laminating the sheets together as well.

I realize that the paper is adding some strength to the foam, but it seems like more of a liability to me with the possibility of it getting wet and peeling off anyway. If the "water proofing" methods such as minwaxing or taping fail then you have a non flying turd. It seems logical to me to remove the liability of the paper as the foam itself is waterproof.

 

[willsonman]

I peel mine dry just fine. No issues.

 

[Freaky_1]

I peel mine dry just fine. No issues.

X2

Frank

 

[Tactical Ex]

I started adding laminating film to the pieces after I cut them out (leaving the paper on) and that makes it super strong and super durable without compromising the rigidity. When you remove the paper you can "Dent" the foam more easily. The paper makes it not only durable to snaps but also more resistant to scrapes and contact wear. The laminate makes it water proof and provides less air resistance as well which feels like it makes up for the extra weight when it is in the air. The method in the video might work for some applications but In my personal opinions its appears to be counter-productive.

 

[Bolvon72]

X2

Frank

X3 Except the black covered foam, that stuff is stuck on.

 

[rcspaceflight]

I was removing some paper off of Dollar Tree foam board today. I always do it dry. Today a bit of paper tore off and stayed on the foam, but a very little piece and I was able to peel that off dry too.

If the paper was glued on then you'd need a process to remove it. Like Elmer's foam board or Flip Side.

If you want a good, solid, waterproof plane, then definitely remove the paper. It isn't glued on so it easily peels away from the foam which can make paper hinges weak. And wet paper doesn't stick to foam very well. Generally gluing the edges and hinges goes a long way, but even that eventually fails.

 

[rockets4kids]

I have read that a long, long time ago, the paper on DTFB was attached with an adhesive and did require techniques like this for easy removal.

These days, no adhesive is used, and no special techniques are required to remove the paper from DTFB foam.

This is a blessing for those who want to build with foam alone, and a curse for those who want to leave the paper on.