Estes Shark #1111, Build, Part 9, Smooth Fillet Areas?

Occasionally I've been asked how I get smooth fillets. "Fine Sanding!" 

After the first white undercoats, closely examine the reflection of your fillet areas under a bright light.

   

Even though you've carefully smoothed a glue fillet, there will be streaks and lumps.

Wood glue actually sands pretty easily using 400 (or finer) grit. Try to sand just the raised glue. You'll end up with something like what is shown at the left.

The area between the tunnel and small forward fins was tight and difficult to smooth out with sandpaper.

Here's what that looked like after sanding the undercoat and glue lumps.

Another white undercoat follows.

Check under sunlight and the areas around the fillets should be smoother. You might need yet another undercoat and very light sanding before the final "wet" gloss coat.

On the left is a good example of smooth fillets.

The same area around the tunnel is much better.

No masking, just an overall gloss white.

Ready for decals!