Uploaded May 2013 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Here is a step-by-step demonstration of the simple method used to pre-cover foamboard and Depron with thin colored packing tape. This covered foamboard forms the basic raw material for the Experimental Airlines construction technique for scratchbuilt RC airplanes. Also shown is the method for pre-covering for two-tone colored wings.
This method requires only a blade, a ruler, a marker, a gift card, a cloth, and a smooth working surface at least the size of the foamboard, preferably with a edge drop-off at one or both ends. Some builders modify the process using tape dispensers and pressure rollers but the method shown can be done with basic materials most guys already have.
Tape pre-covering gives a shiny, water-resistant, durable, high tensile strength finish to Readi-Board (aka Dollar Tree foamboard) and other foamboards so they are better suited to RC airplane construction. It adds only 20 grams (0.7oz) per 20"x30" foamboard, which amounts to only a 17% increase in weight if using Readi-Board. A 100m (110 yd) roll will realistically cover 9-10 foamboards of this size on one side.
The original tape covering video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=UNqFnzmm0vI&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Experimental Airlines buys all tape for this procedure from TapeBrothers.com
tapebrothers.com/Colored-Carton-Sealing-Tapes-s/218.htm
Depron is available in most of Europe and also in the Americas - but at a price!
KapaLine manufacturer page is here: display.3acomposites.com/en/products/kapa/kapa-line.html
Here is a step-by-step demonstration of the simple method used to pre-cover foamboard and Depron with thin colored packing tape. This covered foamboard forms the basic raw material for the Experimental Airlines construction technique for scratchbuilt RC airplanes. Also shown is the method for pre-covering for two-tone colored wings.
This method requires only a blade, a ruler, a marker, a gift card, a cloth, and a smooth working surface at least the size of the foamboard, preferably with a edge drop-off at one or both ends. Some builders modify the process using tape dispensers and pressure rollers but the method shown can be done with basic materials most guys already have.
Tape pre-covering gives a shiny, water-resistant, durable, high tensile strength finish to Readi-Board (aka Dollar Tree foamboard) and other foamboards so they are better suited to RC airplane construction. It adds only 20 grams (0.7oz) per 20"x30" foamboard, which amounts to only a 17% increase in weight if using Readi-Board. A 100m (110 yd) roll will realistically cover 9-10 foamboards of this size on one side.
The original tape covering video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=UNqFnzmm0vI&feature=endscreen&NR=1
Experimental Airlines buys all tape for this procedure from TapeBrothers.com
tapebrothers.com/Colored-Carton-Sealing-Tapes-s/218.htm
Depron is available in most of Europe and also in the Americas - but at a price!
KapaLine manufacturer page is here: display.3acomposites.com/en/products/kapa/kapa-line.html
