The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

[Alpha]

A good friend of mine, The RC Geek, published a series of amazingly detailed videos showing his preferred method for refinishing a foam plane. I use a slightly different method, but Chris' method produces fantastic results as well, and I think his videos and their accompanying blog posts rank among the most organized start-to-finish tutorials on the subject of foam plane refinishing anywhere on the internet.

Video/Blog Part 1 of 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXSSPvyPfVs

http://thercgeek.com/2015/08/how-to-refinish-a-foam-warbird-ep1-fms-p-51/

Video/Blog Part 2 of 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r5_Ro3Hw94

http://thercgeek.com/2015/08/refinish-a-foam-warbird-ep2-fms-p-51/

Video/Blog Part 3 of 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kN1l4ULYJg

http://thercgeek.com/2015/09/how-to-refinish-a-foam-warbird-ep3-fms-rc-p-51/


What are your favorite tips for refinishing your plane's foam surface?

[weedsnager]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Plane looks fabulous !

[bobbiejane]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Loved the series of videos he did and his blog page is full of great data.

[Alpha]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Chris ("The RC-Geek") does great work. I really respect what he has to say, and the efforts he does to share his knowledge with other pilots. He doesn't hoard info, but instead actively spreads it. It's an admirable quality and embodies a lot of the best values about this hobby. Chris has years of experience and alongside Jet Hangar Hobby he and his father have been Icons in the RC World for a long time.

[doctormike]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Great videos, however, Varathane waterbase clear coat is MUCH better quality than Polycrylic. I'll even go so far as to say Polycrylic is AWFUL compared to Varathane! Doc

[Alpha]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Interesting, I haven't used Varathane, but I'm always open to trying new products. Do you have photos or would you please elaborate on the comparative virtues of Varathane versus Polycrylic?

[doctormike]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

Hi, Alpha. Polycrylic ( I foam brush it on) bubbles badly, leaves streaks, does wierd things if you apply more than 2 coats, and dries to a brittle and often dissapointing finish. I used it for several years. Varathane brand does none of this. I get a nice clean glossy finish that looks sprayed on, every time, with Varathane. It takes the pucker factor out of clear coating! I can only find it at Home Depot. Doc      P.S. Metal paint cans begin to rust around the top, and ruin the contents with rust flecks. I pour my clear coat into plastic containers. It is also much easyer to keep the lid and edge gunk free.

[Alpha]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

I see that Varathane makes many products. Are you talking about something like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA82A3DU8420&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-AT+-+Finishing-_-9SIA82A3DU8420&gclid=CLOrsf-CucoCFcRlfgodsJ4PMg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is the cured finish sandable at all? I have to add baby powder to Minwax WBPU to give it some sort of a sandable attribute.

[doctormike]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

I see that Varathane makes many products. Are you talking about something like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA82A3DU8420&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-AT+-+Finishing-_-9SIA82A3DU8420&gclid=CLOrsf-CucoCFcRlfgodsJ4PMg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is the cured finish sandable at all? I have to add baby powder to Minwax WBPU to give it some sort of a sandable attribute.

 Yes, that's it. I find it sands just fine. I also apply this as a primer before spray painting. It also adheres quite well to completely dried spray paint, giving it a very nice gloss. Doc

[Davy101]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

I've found the smaller cans at Home Depot for about $13. Lowes carries just the gallon size for $45. Home Depot for the win!

[Grossman56]

RE: The RC Geek's guide to refinishing foam

I see that Varathane makes many products. Are you talking about something like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA82A3DU8420&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-AT+-+Finishing-_-9SIA82A3DU8420&gclid=CLOrsf-CucoCFcRlfgodsJ4PMg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Is the cured finish sandable at all? I have to add baby powder to Minwax WBPU to give it some sort of a sandable attribute.

Hey Alpha, this is what I used based on Doc's info and recommendations

Used it on Old Crows new wings and one coat give it the wet look, beautiful!!
I had to use several coats with Minwax, its definitely worth a try and a good call by Doc.
Here's a shot of OC's new wings.

Now this is the outdoor gloss version with UV protectant in it. We need all the protection we can get, it wasn't that expensive either, on a par with Minwax

Grossman56