SkyKing RC Tips - Finishing Fiberglass Fuselages

This tip will save you a lot of time and you’ll love the results. You’ll be able to fill pinholes and prime your fuselage all in one step. Your results will impress the most discerning modelers.

Wash your fuselage in warm soapy water. I use a white Scotchbright pad for this but you could also use 200 grit wet/dry sandpaper or fine steel wool. You want to remove any trace of wax or PVA release agent and LIGHTLY scuff sand the surface to remove any glaze.

Make sure your fuselage is perfectly dry before proceeding to the next step.

If your fuselage has a seam joint, scrape it flush with the edge of a single edge razor blade. Lightly sand as necessary.

Your fuselage should be free of any large imperfections. Don’t worry about pinholes or air bubbles that caused a crater in your fuselage surface. The next step will take care of that.

Purchase some Klass Kote epoxy primer. I use white but there are other colors. This is the best primer I know of. It sands better than anything I’ve ever used. If you ever used the old K&B epoxy primer you know what this is like.

Mix up a small batch (you determine how much that will be) Once you have it completely mixed start adding micro balloons until you reach a consistency similar to heavy cream.

Allow this mixture to sit in an open container for about 45 minutes. Just before using, give it another stir.

Use a disposable paint brush (NOT a foam brush) and paint this mixture on. Don’t worry about globs or runs. At this point your fuselage will look awful. Don’t cry because you are about to turn this mess into a beautiful gem.

Don’t dispose of any left over primer. You might need it for spotting in any really bad areas.

Allow your fuselage to cure for about an hour. Now, look for any areas that did not get filled in with the first brushed on coat. If you find any apply more of the now thickened primer/micro balloon mixture. Just gob it on over the imperfection.

Now it’s time to go do something else while this horrible mess cures.

A rough and textured surface is what you can expect until you sand it out but you will have filled nearly all surface imperfections with this one step.

Allow your fuselage to cure for a day (24 hours). Now, using a rubber sanding block with 200-grit wet/dry paper begin to wet sand your fuselage. Sand to a smooth and even finish. I usually do this at a basement sink or even outside with a garden hose. Wet is good.

All pinholes and even some larger imperfections should be filled BUT if you find imperfections you can mix a very small batch of primer and micro balloons. (make sure your fuselage is dry) This time use an artist’s brush to fill the remaining imperfections. Just spot them in. Allow to cure.

Lightly sand out the small areas that you just filled in. You should now be ready for your color coat but if necessary you may spray a light mist of primer and proceed to spray your finish coat.

If you have spray painting equipment your could spray a light application of Klass Kote WITHOUT the microballoons. You’ll want to get some Klass Kote thinner for your paint if you intend to spray it. A high quality lacquer thinner can be used for gun clean up.

Once you’ve tried this process I think you’ll agree that it is worth the effort and cost of materials.

Klass Kote Epoxy paints are available from many hobby shops or you can order directly from them. Their web address is: http://www.klasskote.com/