Aerofilm Stevens Aeromodel
Thank you for choosing Aerofilm, a Stevens Aero product, to cover your model aircraft. Aerofilm is an incredibly lightweight (.6
oz per square yard), yet durable, iron-on plastic film covering. It is an excellent covering solution for your small electric model
aircraft.
Preparation
For best adhesion and appearance, it is critical to adequately sand all small imperfections on the part you intend to cover. The
surface should be free of cracks, dents, and rough edges. When sanding balsa, use 220 grit sandpaper for the best finish. The
pads of your fingers are good indicators of smoothness, if you feel ridges or bumps between adjoining parts, they will be visible
from under the covering. It is not necessary to apply other adhesives to balsa structures prior to applying Aerofilm (although it is
acceptable if so desired). When covering over plywood or other hardwoods, you may need to apply a heat activated glue or
dope for best adhesion.
Iron Temperature
Aerofilm is a low temperature iron-on plastic film. The temperature of your sealing tool is critical to a professional look and
durable application on your model aircraft. Small variations in temperature will have a large impact on the quality of your
covering job. A modelers thermometer or an infrared temperature gauge is an important tool to use. The temperatures are as
follows:
LOW: 175f 195f
Use low temperature for sealing edges of covering
to framework. Also used for covering sheet balsa.
HIGH: 230f 250f
Use high temperature for shrinking open areas and
attaching to compound curves.
Heat Gun
It is acceptable to use a heat gun to shrink covering after all edges have been
sealed. Temperature ranges of heat guns very greatly, so it is advisable to test
your particular heat gun and its different settings on scrap before covering your
model.
Layout and Cutting
Cut Aerofilm with a new blade. Ensure you have at least 1-2 inches of overlap
over the edges of the structure. For a good cut, replace blades often. As soon as
your hobby knife blade starts tearing the covering, replace the blade with a new
one.
Aerofilm has a clear plastic protective film on the adhesive side of the covering.
Once removed, the covering has a shiny side and a dull side. The dull side is the
adhesive side. To remove the plastic backing, we find that applying a small piece
of tape to both the covering side and the protective film side and slowly pulling the
two apart works well.
Application
Overlay the part to be covered with the cut piece of Aerofilm with the adhesive
side facing the part. With your sealing iron on low temperature, gently tack the
covering to the part along one side. Pulling the covering slightly taught with your
free hand, tack the covering on the opposite side of the part. Slowly work your
way around the piece until all sides are tacked down. Make a concerted effort to
avoid wrinkles as you seal the edges to the framework. Before shrinking the
covering, ensure that all edges are adequately sealed. Failing to do so will result
in the covering detaching from the edges of the piece as the covering is tightened
in the next steps.
Trimming
We recommend wrapping the covering in such a way that you have at least of
overlap on the part you are covering to ensure adequate surface adhesion. On
some parts, this requires you to wrap the covering around the edge of the piece
being covered slightly. Using a new hobby blade, trim the excess covering from
the sealed edge. Pulling the covering tight with your free hand during the trim
enables a clean, straight cut. Final seal all cut edges after trimming.
Shrinking
Use a sealing iron or heat gun to shrink the covering. If shrinking with an iron,
use high heat. Start near the center of the piece and work outward. Keep the
iron moving on the covering surface. Holding the iron stationary will quickly melt
the covering. Apply only light pressure to the part, letting the heat do the work.
If shrinking with a heat gun, use a test piece to determine the correct distance to
hold the heat gun from the part being tightened. Keep the heat gun moving over
the surface. Holding the heat gun stationary will quickly melt the covering.
Covering Compound Curves
Use high heat on your sealing iron for applying Aerofilm over compound curves.
Gently tack the covering at the center of the part where the curve begins. Pull the
covering taught around the curve, being careful to avoid bunching of the covering. Keeping the covering tight, gently tack the
covering to the part as it conforms to the curve. Let the heat do the work. Most importantly, work slowly and deliberately for the
best finish.
Overlapping Colors
When using multiple color covering schemes, we find it is easiest to overlap colors on existing structural elements (rather than
over open areas in the model). It is possible to overlap colors in open areas, but the two pieces of Aerofilm must be joined
together before being applied to the model. A flat piece of glass works well as a surface to join the two pieces of covering
together. Be sure to overlap the two pieces of covering by at least inch. Use care when shrinking to avoid detachment of the
seam.
Stevens Aeromodel
