Example #3: Hold excess free, use the rounded edge and side of Sharpie© marking pen included in FK packaged © to stretch the aluminum over the rounded edge then trim off excess aluminum. TIP: Apply © in a slightly larger than needed piece, to extend out beyond taped perimeter of panel. Burnish firmly but not excessively against sharp edge of 3M© Fine Line tape. Trim excess aluminum with curved bladed hobby knife, dragging heel to toe following tape edge beneath aluminum as guide. Peel off excess tape. Repeat for next panel.

I recently received an inquiry from rcwarbirds.com's Rob Bailey . Rob wrote to ask a question for one of his readers. It seems a viewer read the instructions you just read and can not imagine how to apply ©  to a convex or concave surface otherwise known as a compound curve. Click here to read how & why©  is best applied per our instructions.

Specialty applications: Covering Corrugated Aircraft Surfaces. Click "here".

Replicating Machined Swirl Panels. Click "here".

After entire surface is covered, use our finishing pad to achieve realistic brushed aluminum finish. Rub finishing pad lightly in a "circular" motion for best effect. For individual circular / swirl strokes, place corner of pad under index finger and spin clockwise.

Although you will be tempted, do not use finishing pad on aluminum until the surface is completely covered. Scuffing aluminum before the aircraft is completely covered will result in the creation of dust particles and reduce adhesion on yet to be applied panel areas.

Create rivets divots using rivet maker tool with a straight edge as a guide. Position straight edge on model along panel lines. Run rivet tool along straight edge, pressing firmly to create rivet divot.

Example #5 Practice on scrap material until desired effect is achieved.                        For wider rivet spacing, file alternate points off rivet wheel.

After covering is complete, model may be masked and painted. (I’ve had good results with all paint brands. Before painting remove any dust or oil residue from surface of aluminum. An etching primer can be used if you do not want to use 0000 steel wool.

TIP:  
After painting and/or applying decals, rub panel lines with finishing pad or fine sandpaper, revealing underlying aluminum slightly for scale looking wear and tear. Flite-Metal is aluminum and can be polished with aluminum wheel polishes.

Note:
Exposed edges within engine compartments, cowlings bomb bays, and hatches should be sealed with thick CA or thinned epoxy to prevent oily residue from migrating to unprotected wood.

© usage with your radio system: Click Here