Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ApogeeRockets.com -
We’ve all seen the suggestions on the rocketry forums. Now, we’re putting them to the test.
In our previous videos, we’ve mastered the art of wood-glue papering. But the internet is full of builders claiming that self-adhesive label stock is the faster, cleaner alternative for fin lamination. Is it actually better? Or is it more trouble than it’s worth?
In Episode 3 of our build of the SpaceShipTwo-ish plan rocket, we step away from our "tried and true" methods to experiment with this alternative technique. We’re documenting the entire process—the successes, the frustrations, and the unexpected workarounds required to make this method viable for high-performance builds.
What’s inside this technical experiment:
The Forum Challenge: Why we’re testing self-adhesive skins and what we hope to achieve.
The "Gummy Edge" Problem: Watch as we encounter the biggest drawback of label paper—the sticky adhesive mess that clogs sandpaper.
The Thin CA Breakthrough: See how a real-time "mistake" led to a vital discovery. We use water-thin superglue to "flash-cure" the exposed adhesive, turning a gummy edge into a sandable, rock-hard surface.
The Verdict: How does the weight, bond strength, and finish compare to traditional wood glue papering?
The Project: Building the "SpaceshipTwo-ish"
This experiment is part of our most ambitious series yet: constructing the SpaceshipTwo-ish. This is a high-complexity, multi-pod rocket being built entirely from scratch using only basic plans. With no pre-cut parts and no written instructions, every step—from fin lamination to structural assembly—requires real-time engineering and creative problem-solving. Join us as we navigate the challenges of bringing a complex design to life from the ground up.
Missed the Plans?
The plans and templates for this rocket are available in Apogee's free "Peak-of-Flight Newsletter," issue number 667. You can download it at: apogeerockets.com/education/downloads/Newsletter667.pdf
ApogeeRockets.com -
We’ve all seen the suggestions on the rocketry forums. Now, we’re putting them to the test.
In our previous videos, we’ve mastered the art of wood-glue papering. But the internet is full of builders claiming that self-adhesive label stock is the faster, cleaner alternative for fin lamination. Is it actually better? Or is it more trouble than it’s worth?
In Episode 3 of our build of the SpaceShipTwo-ish plan rocket, we step away from our "tried and true" methods to experiment with this alternative technique. We’re documenting the entire process—the successes, the frustrations, and the unexpected workarounds required to make this method viable for high-performance builds.
What’s inside this technical experiment:
The Forum Challenge: Why we’re testing self-adhesive skins and what we hope to achieve.
The "Gummy Edge" Problem: Watch as we encounter the biggest drawback of label paper—the sticky adhesive mess that clogs sandpaper.
The Thin CA Breakthrough: See how a real-time "mistake" led to a vital discovery. We use water-thin superglue to "flash-cure" the exposed adhesive, turning a gummy edge into a sandable, rock-hard surface.
The Verdict: How does the weight, bond strength, and finish compare to traditional wood glue papering?
The Project: Building the "SpaceshipTwo-ish"
This experiment is part of our most ambitious series yet: constructing the SpaceshipTwo-ish. This is a high-complexity, multi-pod rocket being built entirely from scratch using only basic plans. With no pre-cut parts and no written instructions, every step—from fin lamination to structural assembly—requires real-time engineering and creative problem-solving. Join us as we navigate the challenges of bringing a complex design to life from the ground up.
Missed the Plans?
The plans and templates for this rocket are available in Apogee's free "Peak-of-Flight Newsletter," issue number 667. You can download it at: apogeerockets.com/education/downloads/Newsletter667.pdf
