Sofia Martinez
Fiberglassing an RC plastic wing can be a challenging task, but it's a great way to add strength and create a smooth, stable surface. The process involves using a fiberglass cloth embedded in resin, which locks the cloth in place and provides structural integrity. When preparing to fiberglass an RC wing, it's essential to have the necessary tools, such as paper towels, chip brushes, a squeegee, a hobby knife, and Z-Poxy Finishing Resin. The wing should be finish-sanded and vacuumed clean before applying the fiberglass, ensuring a smooth and flat surface. Different weights of fiberglass cloth are available, with heavier cloths providing more strength but requiring more patience to lay down properly. The addition of Peal ply during the covering process can reduce the amount of sanding needed and create a more uniform layer.
Characteristics and Values Table for Fiberglassing an RC Plastic Wing
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create a smooth and stable surface, add strength, and protect against hanger rash |
| Materials | Fiberglass cloth, resin/epoxy, balsa wood, foam core, water-based PU, ultra coat, alcohol, sandpaper, squeegee, hobby knife |
| Technique | Sanding, vacuuming, and dent removal create a smooth surface for fiberglass cloth application. Cloth is locked in place by resin, oriented with the loading axis for optimal strength |
| Weight | Heavier fiberglass cloth is more challenging to lay down properly; weight choices depend on the wingspan of the model |
| Alternatives | Water-based PU or epoxy resin alone can be used for coating, but fiberglass adds strength and durability |
| Additional Tips | Peal ply reduces sanding needs. Alcohol should be 90% strength to thin resin effectively |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the wing surface
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the wing surface is smooth, flat, and free of any dents or imperfections. Start by finish-sanding the entire wing with 220-grit sandpaper. This process will create an even and slightly rough texture on the wing surface, promoting better adhesion for the fiberglass cloth. After sanding, use a vacuum to remove any dust or debris generated during the sanding process, ensuring a clean surface to work on.
If your RC wing is made of balsa wood and has any dents, there is a simple trick to remove them. Spray a small amount of water onto the dented area and gently rub it in. As the area dries, the wood grain will lift slightly, causing the dent to disappear. This method can be repeated as needed until the surface is smooth and dent-free.
The choice of fiberglass cloth weight is important and depends on the size of your RC wing. For smaller models with wingspans in the 80-inch range, use fiberglass cloth weighing between 3/4 oz. to 1 1/2 oz. For larger models with wingspans of 100 inches or more, opt for cloth weighing between 2 oz. and 3 oz. You can find suitable fiberglass cloth at hobby shops, large distributors, or local boat/marine hardware stores.
Before applying the fiberglass cloth, divide the wing into four imaginary quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. This will help you work in sections and ensure a more uniform application. Prepare your workspace by covering a flat surface, such as an old table or workbench, with newsprint or any other disposable covering. This will provide a clean area to set the wing parts during the fiberglassing process.
Additionally, gather the necessary tools and materials for the job. You will need items like paper towels, 1-inch hardware-store chip brushes, a "squeegee" (a credit card or plastic-coated playing card works great), a hobby knife with #11 blades, Z-Poxy Finishing Resin, denatured alcohol (preferably 90% for thinning the resin), and 5-oz. disposable drinking cups for mixing the resin. These supplies will help you effectively prepare and apply the fiberglass to the wing surface.
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Choosing the right cloth weight
For smaller model airplanes, lighter cloth weights are generally recommended. If your model has a wingspan in the 80-inch range, you can typically use fiberglass cloth ranging from 3/4 oz. to 1 1/2 oz. This weight category is suitable for most RC projects and provides a good balance between strength and ease of application. Keep in mind that lighter cloth weights can be more challenging to work with and may require protective gloves to prevent skin tags from catching on the fabric.
When working with larger models, you will need to adjust the cloth weight accordingly. For models with wingspans of 100 inches or more, consider using heavier cloth weights, such as 2 oz. to 3 oz. options. This will ensure that your RC plane has sufficient strength and rigidity.
It's important to consider the specific application of your RC plastic wing. For areas that require additional strength, such as wing joints, you can either use multiple layers of light cloth or opt for a single layer of heavier cloth. Heavier cloth weights, such as 2 oz. or 3 oz., can provide the necessary reinforcement in critical areas.
The desired strength of your RC plastic wing will also influence your choice of cloth weight. If you require high strength, such as for RC racing planes that reach speeds of up to 140 mph, consider using aerospace-grade cloth. Style #7781, for example, is an 8.9 oz. four-harness satin weave that is commonly used in aerospace applications.
Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of personal preference and experience. Some builders prefer using two lighter layers of cloth with a double taper, providing a wider coverage area and reducing stress risers. Others might opt for a single layer of heavier cloth to simplify the application process. Experiment with different cloth weights and techniques to find the approach that best suits your skills and requirements.
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Applying the fibreglass cloth
Applying fibreglass cloth to an RC plastic wing is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply fibreglass cloth effectively:
Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate weight of fibreglass cloth for your RC wing. Different weights of cloth work differently and will impact the final product. Generally, for RC wings with wingspans in the 80-inch range, a cloth weight between 3/4 oz to 1 1/2 oz is suitable. For larger wings exceeding 100 inches, a heavier cloth weighing between 2 oz and 3 oz should be used. It is worth noting that heavier cloths may be more challenging to lay down properly, so take your time and be patient during the application process.
Before applying the fibreglass cloth, ensure that the wing surface is smooth, flat, and free of any dents or imperfections. Sand the wing with 220-grit sandpaper to create a uniform surface, and if there are any dents, spray a small amount of water onto the area and gently rub it in to remove them. Once the surface is adequately prepared, you can begin the process of applying the fibreglass cloth.
When applying the fibreglass cloth, it is essential to work in sections to ensure a precise and accurate application. Pretend that the wing is divided into four quadrants: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. This will help you work systematically and ensure that the cloth is applied evenly across the entire wing. Take your time with each section, smoothing out any air bubbles or creases as you go.
During the application, it is crucial to use the correct tools and materials. You will need items like paper towels, chip brushes, a "squeegee" (a credit card or plastic-coated playing card works well), and a hobby knife. Additionally, ensure that your work area is covered with newsprint or a disposable covering to catch any resin drips or spills. Mix the resin in disposable drinking cups, and always remember to wear the appropriate safety gear, including gloves and a respirator, when working with these chemicals.
Finally, once the fibreglass cloth has been applied to the entire wing, it is essential to allow it to cure completely. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the curing process, as this may vary depending on the type of resin used. After the resin has cured, you can begin the finishing process, which may include sanding and painting to achieve the desired smooth surface and aesthetic for your RC plastic wing.
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Using resin to lock in the cloth
When using resin to lock in the cloth for an RC plastic wing, it is important to understand the role of each component and how they work together. In the context of fiberglassing, the term "matrix" refers to the combination of the glass cloth and resin working together to provide strength and stability to the wing.
Before applying the resin, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the wing. Start by finish-sanding the entire wing with 220-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth and flat surface. If there are any dents in the wing, spray a small amount of water onto the dented area and gently rub it in to help raise the wood grain and eliminate the dent. Vacuum the wing to remove any dust or debris created during the sanding process.
Once the surface is prepared, you can begin the resin application process. Measure your wing panels and cut your fiberglass cloth, allowing for an inch of waste material around the edges. Lay the cloth over the wing panel, ensuring no dust or debris is underneath, as this can affect the finish. Mix your resin, adding about 5 to 10 percent alcohol to the mixture to help the cloth adhere smoothly without pulling it out of shape.
Apply the first coat of resin to the wing panel by pouring a small line of the mixed resin down the center and spreading it evenly across the surface. Use a credit card or a plastic-coated playing card as a "squeegee" to smooth out the resin and remove any excess. Allow the resin to cure before trimming the edges with a hobby knife and lightly sanding them. Repeat this process for the remaining panels, and then flip the wing over and apply cloth to the other side.
When working with resin, it is important to be patient and take your time. The resin and cloth combination is what gives the wing its strength, so ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate curing time between coats.
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Finishing the wing
Before you begin, ensure that the whole wing has been finish-sanded with 220-grit sandpaper and then vacuumed clean. If your balsa wing has any dents, spray the area with water and gently rub it into the dent. Let the area dry; the wood grain will lift slightly, causing the dent to disappear. The general idea is to have smooth, flat, ding-free surfaces over which to lay your fiberglass cloth.
When it comes to fiberglass cloth, the weight you use is directly related to the size of your airplane. For models with wingspans in the 80-inch range, use anything from 3/4 to 1 1/2-ounce cloth. For anything 100 inches and over, use 2- to 3-ounce cloth. You can find glass cloth in hobby shops, large distributors, or local boat/marine hardware stores.
When using resin, remember that the cloth embedded in it is what gives the wing strength. The resin locks the cloth in place, adhering to the surface and not allowing the strands of cloth to displace when a force is applied. You can use epoxy resin or water-based PU. Epoxy resin is stiffer and stronger, but it may add unnecessary weight. Water-based PU will give you a lighter finish. If you use epoxy, remember to use 90% alcohol to thin the resin. Standard "rubbing alcohol" is 30% water.
You can also add Peal ply on top of the fiberglass, which will eliminate about 90% of the sanding required to be ready to paint and will give you a more uniform layer of epoxy/fiberglass and a lighter product.
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Frequently asked questions
Fiberglassing adds strength and creates a smooth and stable surface.
You will need paper towels, chip brushes, something stiff to use as a squeegee (e.g. a credit card), a hobby knife, Z-Poxy Finishing Resin, denatured alcohol, sandpaper, a rubber sanding block, and disposable drinking cups for mixing the resin.
First, sand the wing with 220-grit sandpaper and vacuum clean it. Then, lay the fiberglass cloth over the wing, using different weights of cloth depending on the size of the airplane. Finally, apply the resin, using a squeegee to smooth it out.
Use Peal ply on top of the fiberglass to reduce the amount of sanding required. When using alcohol to thin the resin, use the 90% version as standard "rubbing alcohol" is 30% water.
