Finishing Balsa Wood surface...?

[Mutant-Enemy]

So, I have a space-fighter hull roughed out in Balsa Wood but have no idea's as far as finishing the surface so that I can scribe neat clean lines onto it.
Can anyone suggest a method?

 

[franz bolo]

Check out David Sisson's site:

http://homepages.tesco.net/d.sisson/spcar.htm

The model was given one more partial coating of SP113 resin and sanded smooth, then several coatings of spray filler and again sanded smooth, before final painting began.

For Panel Lines:
http://homepages.tesco.net/d.sisson/tb2.htm

Panel lines were drawn on with a biro then a sharp blade was run over them to just cut the surface of the paint. This helps to highlight the lines in the light and catch some of the weathering.

FB

 

[Mutant-Enemy]

Sweet deal!
thanks, I'll check out both of these.

 

[Mutant-Enemy]

I don't know...
I may just over-spray it with a primer and sand that down...
Thoughts? Comments?

 

[Mostly Fantasy]

Freeman Mfg. out of New Berlin Wi. has a wood sealer that works pretty well...

 

[franz bolo]

I don't know...
I may just over-spray it with a primer and sand that down...
Thoughts? Comments?

Try Dupli-Color Sandable Filler Primer. It's good on wood.

FB

 

[clonesix]

Dope (lacquer) to seal it, and sandable (high build) primer. Sand to 600 grit.

 

[Mutant-Enemy]

Wow!
You guy's are the best....great ideas and suggestions.
I'll give them a try and let you know which one works out the best.
Also: I've heard about "doping" for a long while but can't seem to get anyone to explain the process or out line the supplies needed to do it...
Clonesix...can you give me the low-down?

 

[clonesix]

Dope, or airplane dope is lacquer with a filler. (Probalby baby pawder) It was used on model airplanes with tissue paper before the invention of Monocote. You apply several coats for a smooth glossy finish. I still use it on stick and tissue models.

For your purpose, high build primer and sanding will do fine for you.

 

[mbmcfarland]

Jon, that's so cool that you still build stick and tissue models. That (along with model rockets) was how I got into aeronautical engineering when I was young. Dope is good for balsa wood model rocket fins too, but I guess these days the fins are mostly plastic.

As for the original post - yes, dope (sanding sealer) is your friend. Just apply a coat, sand, and repeat until you're satisfied. You can also use balsa grain filler instead.

 

[Mutant-Enemy]

Really great info guy's, thanks again for sharing.
I hope to have some pics up of my project before too long.