Priya Kapoor
Painting tissue-covered model airplanes can be a rewarding part of the building process. There are several methods for applying paint to tissue-covered model airplanes, including using an acrylic spray paint, paint or dope. It is important to note that the tissue should be prepared before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. This can be done by using a sanding block with sandpaper to smooth out the surfaces of the model that will be covered. Additionally, the tissue should be applied with the grain running in the correct direction to avoid wrinkles. Once the tissue is applied and dried, it can be painted with a variety of paints, such as those from the Testors ModelMaster series, and sealed with a product like Krylon Crystal Clear spray paint.
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting Tissue-Covered Model Airplanes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tissue Type | Ordinary craft tissue or "Domestic Tissue" (shinier on one side and dull on the other) |
| Tissue Brand | Esaki (recommended for its wet strength and colour fastness) |
| Adhesive | White glue (e.g., Elmers) mixed with water, model cement, CA glues, glue stick, dope, tissue paste, or wallpaper paste |
| Tools | Sandpaper, razor blade, scissors, spray bottle, Q-tips, paintbrushes |
| Surface Preparation | Sanding with 180-220 grit sandpaper, ensuring a smooth surface |
| Tissue Application | Lay tissue on a flat surface, cut to size, apply adhesive to the model, gently press and smooth out wrinkles |
| Tissue Shrinking | Use water, alcohol, or steam to shrink tissue, spraying or wetting evenly to avoid warping |
| Final Coating | Krylon Color Maxx Flat Finish or Satin Finish, acrylic spray paint, or dope for a water-resistant finish |
| Painting | Use paints from brands like Testors ModelMaster, apply 2 coats of clear acrylic spray to tissue for better adhesion |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tissue paper
When it comes to choosing the right tissue paper for covering model airplanes, there are a few options and important factors to consider. Firstly, the type of tissue paper you use can vary depending on your preferences and the specific requirements of your model airplane. Ordinary craft tissue paper, also known as "Domestic Tissue", is a commonly used option. Many modellers also prefer Japanese tissue paper, such as Esaki, Asuka Flying Bird, or Mitsumata, which is known for its lightweight and smooth finish. Peck-Polymers tissue from the USA and Eze Tissue from the UK are other alternatives.
It is important to choose tissue paper that is non-bleeding, meaning it will not transfer colour or ink onto other surfaces. Additionally, look for tissue paper with one shiny side and one dull side, as this can improve the adhesion and overall appearance of the covering. The weight and texture of the tissue paper are also important considerations. For example, ultralight tissue paper is suitable for creating lightweight model airplanes, while a rougher texture can add character to your model.
Before choosing your tissue paper, consider the size of your model airplane and the number of sheets you will need. Typically, tissue paper comes in large sheets that can be cut and trimmed to fit your model. You may require at least 6 sheets of tissue paper to cover your model, and it is recommended to have extra sheets on hand in case of mistakes or future repairs.
Lastly, the direction of the grain in the tissue paper is a critical factor. Determine the direction of the grain by tearing a small piece of tissue; it will tear more easily along the grain line, usually lengthwise. When applying the tissue to your model, ensure that the length of the model part is parallel to the grain to achieve optimal shrinkage and minimise wrinkles.
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Preparing the tissue paper
Next, you'll want to cut the tissue paper to size. Spread the tissue on a flat, smooth surface and place the part of the model to be covered on it, aligning it with the grain direction. Using a razor blade or sharp scissors, cut the tissue roughly 1/2 inch or more larger than the section to be covered. It is recommended to cut separate pieces for different parts of the model, such as the fuselage, where you would cover the bottom, sides, and top separately.
When it comes to adhering the tissue to the model, there are various methods and adhesives to choose from. Traditional methods involve using "dope," a type of adhesive that can be water-based or diluted with thinners. However, dope has a strong odour and can be messy. A popular alternative is to use a mixture of white glue (such as Elmers) and water in a 50/50 ratio. Apply this mixture to the model or tissue using a glue stick or brush. Some people also use model cement or instant glues, but these require more care due to their fast-drying and strong bonding properties.
Before attaching the tissue, it is essential to prepare the model's surface. Use fine-grade sandpaper (180 to 220 grit) to smooth out all the surfaces that will be in contact with the tissue covering. Remove any glue build-up or wax paper residue from previous steps. Additionally, consider using a sanding sealer or a mixture of dope and baby powder to prepare the surface.
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Preparing the model's surface
Sanding the Surface
Start by sanding the model's surface to create a smooth base for the tissue covering. Use fine-grade sandpaper, such as 180-220 grit, to gently sand all the areas that will be in contact with the tissue. This step helps remove any glue build-up, imperfections, or rough spots, ensuring a uniform surface for the tissue to adhere properly.
Selecting the Tissue
Choose a high-quality tissue with good wet strength to ensure durability. Ordinary craft tissue, also known as "Domestic Tissue," is a popular choice, but avoid tissue that bleeds colour. Look for tissue with one shiny side and one dull side, as this seems to work better for covering models. Additionally, consider the grain of the tissue. Tear a small corner of the tissue in both directions to determine the grain direction. The tissue will tear cleanly along the grain, usually lengthwise. This is important because the tissue will shrink perpendicular to the grain, affecting how it adheres to curved surfaces.
Preparing the Tissue
Before applying the tissue, determine the direction of the grain in relation to the model. Place the tissue on a flat, smooth surface, and lay the part of the model to be covered on the tissue, aligning its length parallel to the grain. Using a razor blade or sharp scissors, carefully cut out a piece of tissue that is slightly larger (about 1/2" or more) than the section to be covered. This extra tissue will help you pull and smooth out wrinkles during the application process.
Applying the Tissue
Start by applying glue to the section of the model where you want to attach the tissue. Work in smaller sections for larger panels to make it more manageable. Carefully lay the pre-cut tissue over the glued area and gently press it onto the frame. As you work, gently pull on the tissue to remove any wrinkles. If the glue starts to dry before you're done, reactivate it by swabbing a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the tissue with a Q-tip. Be cautious when working with wet tissue, as it can tear easily.
Shrinking the Tissue
Once the tissue is applied and dry, it's time to shrink it to create a tight skin over the frame. You can use various methods for this, including water, alcohol, or steam. Spraying the tissue with water or alcohol using a spray bottle will cause it to shrink as it dries, tightening the material around the frame. Alternatively, you can use steam, but be careful to avoid scalding yourself. The goal is to slightly moisten the tissue, not drench it. During the shrinking process, pin the frame to your building board to prevent warping.
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Applying the tissue paper
Before applying the tissue paper, it is important to determine the direction of the grain of the tissue. To do this, simply tear a corner of the tissue paper sheet in both directions. The tissue will tear more easily in the direction of the grain, which is usually lengthwise. Knowing the direction of the grain is important because the tissue will shrink perpendicularly to the grain.
Now, spread the tissue paper on a flat, smooth surface and place the part of the model to be covered on top of it, with its length parallel to the grain of the tissue. Using a razor blade, carefully cut out a piece of tissue paper that is about 1/2 inch or more larger than the section to be covered. It is recommended to cut a rough box around the part.
Next, apply glue to the section of the model where you want to attach the tissue paper. For larger panels, it is easier to work in smaller sections. Carefully lay the tissue paper on the model and gently press it onto the frame, pulling on the tissue paper to remove any wrinkles. If the glue starts to dry before the tissue is completely attached, use a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol to reactivate the glue. Be cautious not to pull hard on the tissue when it is wet, as it can easily tear.
When covering wings, it is best to work in sections to reduce the number of wrinkles, especially on the top curved surface. Avoid trying to go around corners in one piece; instead, cover the bottom, sides, and top of the fuselage with separate pieces of tissue paper.
After applying the tissue paper, let it dry thoroughly, preferably overnight. The next step is to shrink the tissue to create a tight skin over the frame. This can be done using water or alcohol, sprayed evenly over the tissue. As the surface dries, it will tighten the tissue around the frame. To avoid warping, pin the frame back to your building board while the tissue dries.
Finally, seal the tissue with a spray-on finish. Krylon "Crystal Clear" spray paint or Krylon Color Maxx Flat Finish are popular choices, offering a water-resistant finish. Apply the spray paint in ideal weather conditions, with a temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity below 85%. One thin coat is usually sufficient, but a second coat may be needed if the sheen is uneven after the first coat dries.
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Finishing touches
Once you have applied the tissue, allowed it to dry, and shrunk it, you can apply a final finish or coating. Some people use a product called Krylon Color Maxx Flat Finish, which comes in a spray and in Flat or Satin finishes. It is important to apply spray paint in ideal weather conditions, such as when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is below 85%.
You can also use an acrylic spray paint, paint, or dope to make the tissue covering less porous. Giving the model two coats of clear acrylic spray can work well without adding much weight to the model. Clear acrylic spray or dope will also help eliminate sagging in tissue covering.
Cellulose dope, when diluted with thinners to 50%, leaves a robust finish on your model when dry. You can also use non-shrinking dope, but the tissue will still need to be water-shrunk.
When applying the final finish, consider using a paintbrush for detail work and larger surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Ordinary craft tissue, also known as "Domestic Tissue", is a good option. Ensure it has good wet strength and is colour-fast. One side should be shiny, and the other dull.
You can use a glue stick, such as UHU Purple Glue Stick, or watered-down white glue, like Elmers. A 50/50 mixture of glue and water should be applied to the framework of your model.
First, determine the grain of your tissue. Tear the corner of the tissue sheet in both directions, and it will tear most easily in the direction of the grain. This is important because the tissue will shrink perpendicular to the grain. Lay the tissue on a flat surface, and place the part of the model to be covered on the tissue, with its length parallel to the grain. Cut a piece of tissue about 1/2" larger than the section to be covered.
Apply glue to the section of the model you want to attach tissue to. For larger panels, work in smaller sections. Lay the tissue on the model and gently press it onto the frame, pulling on the tissue to remove wrinkles. If the glue begins to dry before the tissue is attached, use a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol to reactivate the glue.
After the glue has dried, you can shrink the tissue using water or rubbing alcohol. Spray the tissue with water or alcohol, and as the surface dries, it will tighten around the model. Finally, seal the tissue with a spray paint such as Krylon "Crystal Clear" or Krylon Color Maxx Flat Finish.
