How to Apply MonoKote
How to Apply MonoKote
MonoKote is a great way to seal and cover your model aircraft, but you have to apply it properly to avoid getting bubbles or wrinkles. Keep reading for the tips you need to achieve a perfect finish!
Steps

Unroll a sheet of MonoKote on a clean work surface, and lay the model part on top of it. Carefully outline the part with a fine tip marker, and cut out the section allowing an extra 2 inches (5 cm) in width and 4 inches (10 cm) in length.

Remove the clear backing from the MonoKote by attaching a small piece of cellophane tape on each side of the sheet and pulling gently.

Place the MonoKote, adhesive side down, over the part. Allow a minimum overlap of 1 inch (25 mm) all around except the wing tip which needs a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm).

Set the heat sealing tool to 275 F (135 C) and allow it to come to temperature before proceeding.

Pull the MonoKote to the edge of the piece to be covered, and run the heat sealing iron along the edge to activate the adhesive and seal MonoKote to the part. Continue working around the edges, left to right, top to bottom, right to left and bottom to top. While sealing the edges, keep the MonoKote pulled taut so that when you finish tacking down the edges, the covering is smooth and wrinkle free. If you see wrinkles developing, stop and carefully peel up the edges, using the ironing tool to loosen the adhesive if necessary, and pull tightly while smoothing the MonoKote, until the wrinkles are eliminated. Once the edges are covered, go back to the top and run the iron over the entire surface, working from the top down. Alternately, you can do this part with a hot air gun to avoid scratching the new finish. Either way, avoid overheating and loosening the edges or you will create wrinkles.

Unroll a second sheet of MonoKote, and repeat the process on the other side of the aircraft part.

Trim the edges carefully with the utility knife, leaving a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) overlap.

Finish the edge by carefully folding the top edge under to the bottom side and using the heating iron to seal it in place. Or you could cut thin pieces of MonoKote or use their special trim to wrap around the edges.

What's your reaction?

Comments

https://tupko.com/assets/images/user-avatar-s.jpg

0 comment

Write the first comment for this!