Silkspan vs. tissue

Szyp · Post by **Szyp** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 1:22 pm

I am showing my age, but what is the difference between silk span and tissue, if any. I am building for static display, and as a kid I used silk span and it was more like silk and I probably thought it was silk; I remember it was great to work with back in 1960, but is there any difference/merit to using it now, other than price?

UPLANDBOY · Post by **UPLANDBOY** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:17 pm

I prefer silkspan. it is stronger, easier to work with, and looks very good. It has good wet strength and can put it on wet or dry. It is also availble in different weights for the size of the model. I suggest you apply it with thinned white glue or nitrate dope. Butyrate dope will shrink and tear the covering. So if you are going to use dope, put it on with nitrate dope. If fuel proofing is a concern, cover the nitrate dope with butyrate dope since nitrate dope is not fuel proof.

Cordially
Dave

Szyp · Post by **Szyp** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:10 pm

Thank you. You confirmed my suspicions and I appreciate your taking the time to help me. I am still learning.

SteveM · Post by **SteveM** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:24 pm

http://balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1906

Allen1 · Post by **Allen1** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:25 am

Hi.,
I have tissue and some silkspan. I do not think the structure will withstand
water shrinking of the covering. However, I think it will need doping for
strength.

regards,.