Sealing Iron on Film edges

[Phil Spillman]

What is a preferred method for sealing down the edges of Film on models? Will "No Heat" or Monocoat Film adhesive do this job? I just don't want my covering to succumb to fuel seep!

Any help most appreciated!

Phil Spillman

[Dennis Adamisin]

I just don't want my covering to succumb to fuel seep!

Any help most appreciated!

Phil Spillman

Hi Phil,

Its easy, electrons will not soak the covering!

All seriousness aside, the Monocote Trim Adhesive will seal it up pretty good - but do not overdo it; a little goes a long way.  I apply it with a wet (but not soggy wet) Q-tip, wipe quickly along the edge.  If it is too wet the adhesive will kind of leak out - looks like leakage under the masking tape of a dope paint job. if you do get leakage then a paper towel with the adhesive or even lacquer thinner will remove the leakage.  Wipe it one direction and try not to get it too wet or the leakage can get worse.  You will get the hang of it...

[fred cesquim]

What is a preferred method for sealing down the edges of Film on models? Will "No Heat" or Monocoat Film adhesive do this job? I just don't want my covering to succumb to fuel seep!

Any help most appreciated!

Phil Spillman

Phil i have built 100īs ( not figure of speech) r/c models and most of them are monokote jobs. my trick was to seal the most prone to lift parts like wingtips, edges of cowl, LE of wings/stabs , sharp pointed trim overlaps and so on with 2 part clear coat car varnish. just seal with a small brush and you can go crazy and seal every overlap as thereīs no significant weight, another bonus is that you hardly feel or see the overlap after that. no worries about delaminating too.
this plane flying surfaces are all oracover

[Steve Dwyer]

While we are in the subject of using Monokote what's the general consensus on the product working properly? Two years back I used it on my Bi Slob and it was disastrous it would not shrink evenly in both directions. I've since started using Ultracote but recently picked up some Monokote at our local Hobby Town and had great results with it on my PDK Ringmaster Bipe 45. Did Hobby Town have some earlier stock or have they corrected it?

Steve

[fred cesquim]

While we are in the subject of using Monokote what's the general consensus on the product working properly? Two years back I used it on my Bi Slob and it was disastrous it would not shrink evenly in both directions. I've since started using Ultracote but recently picked up some Monokote at our local Hobby Town and had great results with it on my PDK Ringmaster Bipe 45. Did Hobby Town have some earlier stock or have they corrected it?

Steve

i was a huge fan of ulktracote for ages but found out they delaminate on the last 10 years or so, and switched to monokote, this one i assure wonīt delaminate (have planes made 20+ years ago still good.
the problem is old stock, they tend to get brittle, and i am pretty sure monokote changed formula on the last 5 years or so, now itīs more friendly to use. unfortunately i have read they resumed production....not sure about that

[Steve Dwyer]

I wished there was a date code on the product so we could identify if it's of a bad lot or whatever. I keep hearing good results so chances are the problem has been resolved.

Anybody out there have a recent problem?

Steve

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

>  2 part clear coat car varnish applied with a small brush

What product is this?

[fred cesquim]

>  2 part clear coat car varnish applied with a small brush

What product is this?

automotive finish clear coat. sold i 2 parts to be mixed
not sure wich brands you have in USA goes on top of the colors of the cars as a protective final transparent coat

[Brett Buck]

Interesting. I have heard about this stuff for 50+years, with various methods. But, I used to use monokote on all my airplanes, and never sealed anything, and never had a hint of it peeling up. Even in the Fox 35 days where every square inch got soaked with oil.

     The only thing I did that might be different is I "buried" the edges, that is, use a hot enough iron and enough pressure on the seams to  push it down to the extent possible, with the adhesive leaching out a bit.

      Brett

[john e. holliday]

Mono-Kote shrinks better the length of the roll.  I too have not had troubles with the edges of the seams.  I also use Mono-Kote for trim and graphics.    Put trim and graphics down with the iron just hot enough I can hold it in my hand for a minute.

[mccoy40]

While we are in the subject of using Monokote what's the general consensus on the product working properly? Two years back I used it on my Bi Slob and it was disastrous it would not shrink evenly in both directions. I've since started using Ultracote but recently picked up some Monokote at our local Hobby Town and had great results with it on my PDK Ringmaster Bipe 45. Did Hobby Town have some earlier stock or have they corrected it?

Steve

It's the inverse color theory of Monokote. Which says:

"The uglier the color of monokote the better it will work, The prettier the color of Monokote the worse it will work"

It's still a theory thpugh...       

[Phil Spillman]

My most sincere thanks to all who've responded to my plea! Unfortunately I used a small brush and didn't pay particularly close attention to how wet I made the bristles! I am now about to go into my upstairs shop and see how it turned out or didn't! However I am now equipped with sufficient knowledge to pay attention to the situation next time I have to consider this operation!

THANKS AGAIN!

Phil Spillman

[Steve Helmick]

Didn't they discontinue the Monokote Trim Solvent? If they did, does anybody know what sort of solvent will work the same?    Steve

[Phil Spillman]

Hi Steve, I think Mono Coat ceased making anything! I NEVER throw anything out and I tend to acquire more stuff each year so I've had my NO Heat and Mono Coat solvent for many years! As noted above I did apply some on my most current project and it appears to have worked. I have also been told that a mixture of 1/2 Fletch Glue with 1/2 MEK will work quite well. Well I went to the store to buy MEK and they have MEK alternative whatever that may be I have no clue! fletch glue is what archers use to attach feathers to arrow shafts at the rear end where the groove for the bow string is located.

All of my fletch glue dried out and left so I posed my question! Hope My old stuff work out as it appears to have so far.

Perhaps Fletch Glue and Acetone might work! Who knows?


Phil Spillman