I wasn't happy with the way the wing turned out so my Hellcat has become an experimental lab.
I recovered the lower panel here with Peck Polymer domestic, which doesn’t hold up to water or 50/50 white glue as well as the kit tissue. However, with the dope method and some new tricks I picked up hear and over at SFA it came out nearly wrinkle free.
The printed tissue experiment was a mixed bag. Dope didn’t seem to affect the color nor did alcohol, but water made a mess out of it. Black didn’t seem to be affected by anything, just the color.
I think you are making great progress towards success. When you print on tissue be sure you are using DuraBrite inks and an Epson printer. These printers are fairly cheap and the inks are water resistant. Not water proof but at least they don't run when you shrink the tissue. I have found that printing on the shiny side of Japanese tissue to give the best results. I think that a lot of domestic tissues are far too porous for this application. Easy Built sells a tissue called Easy Built light that has a much tighter grain and should work well also. You then cover dry. I believe ADW123 gave some good advice about this on another of your threads. After your covering is complete you can then mist with Alcohol or water to shrink. Be sure to do the top and bottom of 1 side at a time and pin down to dry. After all of your shrinking is finished you will then apply whatever sealer you prefer. I like to cover with glue stick and seal with either Krylon or spray lacquer. 2 to 3 very light coats does the job and keeps the finished product very light and flyable. I hope this helps.
Yeah, I kind of figured that was going to need a new printer. It would be nice if a laser jet would work then I could print templates and transfer them to wood too.
I need to come up with a better mister, my current one is industrial, like a fire hose.
I am getting there, I recovered the wing and it came out better, just not perfect.
I have found at least with domestic tissue that good ole dope is the best way with a little help from a glue stick. It is the only way to get a good pull on the tissue. 50/50 white glue and the tissue just rips apart with any kind of force.
I just keep picking up tips and trying things, and eventually I will get it. not guite there but getting close.
The best thing you have going for you is that you keep on trying. You're gonna be better than best by the time you're done and you feel happy with what you got.
The tissue could be the problem too. The ink may be fine and the printer also. Try a piece of Japanese tissue if you have it and see if it does better. Again, it is only water resistant so you need to be light with the water/alcohol.
