Finishing with composites

[stanger89]

Oh, composite sages, I've got a question for you. I'm building a Wing MFG A-26 (specs (http://www.wingmfg.com/Pages/WingA26.html)). The plane uses sheeted foam wings, and as such has a completely solid exterior. I'm getting to the point where I need to decide whether to cover it with "traditional" film or use a composite and paint. I must say I kind of like the idea of composites/paint.

However I've never finished a model that way, so I am unsure of a couple things, namely weight difference and work difference. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

[aethertek]

Weight will increase W/ composite(glass,carbon or kevlar & epoxy) A plane of that size could easily go up another 6-12 oz with a full glass job.
Balsa will soak up epoxy like a sponge, so a sealer on the balsa first will help alleviate that. As the plane is all solid anyway maybe you can just seal & paint the model & only glass where it may come under stress. Not in the same class as that model, but I've nearly doubled the weight of a bare foam frame(gws A-10) out of the box was 6oz & so far I'm up to nearly 10oz & still need to finish the kevlar on the wings. Work difference from film is night & day. Have you glassed before?