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Film Covering
Basic Description Model airplane builders know all about the film coatings that are used to cover wings, but few people outside the hobby are aware of these amazing materials. You simply glue together a light wooden frame and then apply the film with an iron; the covering becomes drum tight and the entire assembly becomes remarkably strong. The film is available in a rainbow of colors and with some imagination you can create some wonderful projects; this technique would be perfect for a model, sculpture, dollhouse etc.


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Design Considerations


frame materials

The film has an adhesive on the underside and it is critical that it sticks to your frame material. Most wood, plastic and metal should work fine. The heat from the iron melts the adhesive but it also serves to shrink the film to drum-tightness. It is critical that the glue you use is not heat sensitive because the ironing may hinder your joints.
a covered wing

the film

The films currently available are usually designed for model airplanes and therefore are made as lightweight as possible. If you will be making a sculpture, for example, weight is not critical and you can choose one of the heavier versions of film. Many colors are available including transparent, translucent, and opaque.

ideas

Film coverings are designed for model airplanes but we have found many other uses. The technique is great for making all sorts of models, sculptures and decorative shapes.
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