forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: Europapete on December 19, 2025, 12:59:03 PM

Title: PE Rib tapes
Post by: Europapete on December 19, 2025, 12:59:03 PM

Hi Gang. I am trying to apply some very nice PE ribtapes to a Roden 1/32 Albatros D3 wing. Everything goes well until 2 to 3 days later, when the tapes peel off.  Details: The plastic wing has been sanded to introduce a "key". The reverse side of the tapes were "keyed" also. I used ZAP CA thin for the glue. Any suggestions to keep the tapes attatched? Should I overcoat the assembly with a varnish? Use a different glue? I am open to all ideas and suggestions.

Title: Re: PE Rib tapes
Post by: WD on December 19, 2025, 01:59:33 PM

Photo-etch rib tapes???? I have never heard of such.

Warren D.

Title: Re: PE Rib tapes
Post by: NigelR on December 19, 2025, 07:29:58 PM

You might like to try Deluxe Materials photoetch glue: https://deluxematerials.co.uk/collections/all-products/products/photo-etch-glue-25g?_pos=1&_sid=dd0e34795&_ss=r

I haven't tried it myself but I was chatting with Dave Hooper who recently tried it out and found it to be effective. It's like a cross between PVA glue and CA it has a bit of grip and wiggle time when you apply it (like PVA) but dries stronger than PVA. Maybe that with some thin CA on top?

I know Aviattic did some PE rib tapes in the past (I think I have some somewhere....)

Title: Re: PE Rib tapes
Post by: Europapete on December 20, 2025, 09:18:23 AM

Awesome! thank you Nigel, will order some. Regards, Pete.

Title: Re: PE Rib tapes
Post by: Tim Mixon on December 21, 2025, 02:14:33 AM

Pete,
Have you tried any of the CA glue accelerators?  It seems to really increase the bond on the tiny 1/72 parts I often use.

Title: Re: PE Rib tapes
Post by: Tim Mixon on December 21, 2025, 02:16:37 AM

Also, I would anneal the metal first before applying it over a curved surface.