Description

Back in the Day - Silk, Silkspan and Dope Finishes

Dope & Fabric is the grand daddy of all model finishing methods dating back to the days of vintage man carrying aircraft and gliders. This full scale system used cellulose based paints to shrink and seal the weave of cotton or linen fabrics used to cover fragile wooden structures of the era. Modelers adopted the use of full scale products to finish their free flight, glider and control line models that were covered in tissue, silkspan and silk coverings. The system worked so well that modelers refined the finishing method into an art form that evolved into a judged event at the Control Line Aerobatic US Nationals. The highly sought after “Concours d’Elegance’ award recognized individuals who exhibited exceptional craftsmanship, finish and aesthetic appeal of their aircraft.