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  • February 14, 2025, 01:44:25 AM

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Author Topic: ultracote vs ultrakote  (Read 753 times)

Offline C.T. Schaefer

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ultracote vs ultrakote
« on: January 19, 2025, 11:44:16 AM »
I have used ultracote numerous times over the years and as recently as a year ago. It is nice to handle and takes some paints pretty well.  I am working on a Ringmaster 576 from Dixson and got 2 rolls from Tower. It looked different but I figured it was ok.  It went on ok but definitly feels more 'flimsy and delicate'.  Today I measured old and new and found that old measures .002 and the new  .001.  Any feedback on this?  Why would tower change the spec and still call it ultrcote?   TS

Offline realSteveSmith

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2025, 04:21:29 PM »
I have used ultracote numerous times over the years and as recently as a year ago. It is nice to handle and takes some paints pretty well.  I am working on a Ringmaster 576 from Dixson and got 2 rolls from Tower. It looked different but I figured it was ok.  It went on ok but definitly feels more 'flimsy and delicate'.  Today I measured old and new and found that old measures .002 and the new  .001.  Any feedback on this?  Why would tower change the spec and still call it ultrcote?   TS

There's Ultracoat :
https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/ultracote-white/HANU870.html

..and also Ultracoat Parklite:
https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/ultracote-parklite-rc-airplane-covering-white/HANU0801.html

...and even something called Ultracoat Lite:
https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/ultracote-lite-transparent-white/HANU965.html

I didn't dig too far but one would presume the differences are in thickness/weight.  I'm not sure you're dealing with old vs new.  Instead, I suspect you have examples from 2 different product lines.
AMA 175438

Offline Dave Hull

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2025, 10:33:00 PM »
I think Real-SS has it right. I was at the hobby shop yesterday and got that same story. The shop guy told me that essentially the Parklite stuff is simply relabeled Ultracoat Lite and comes from the same place.

I was interested because I saw some transparent purple. It looked like a perfect match for a transparent purple SIG covering I had used on a Cardinal--but didn't hold up well and needed recovering. But the transparent purple seems to come only in the thinner Ultracoat (Lite), so didn't help me....

For those now having to "relearn their covering techniques" the Ultracoat rolls are about 2" narrower than the Monokote rolls.

Offline bill bischoff

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2025, 03:39:23 PM »
HANU955 transparent violet Ultracote shows in stock at Horizon. Should be the same shade as the lite stuff.

Offline Larry Renger

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2025, 06:32:46 AM »
If you put the Parklite material over undoped Polyspan it is more durable and tougher than the  heavier stuff and weighs about the same.
Think S.M.A.L.L. y'all and, it's all good, CL, FF and RC!

DesignMan
 BTW, Dracula Sucks!  A closed mouth gathers no feet!

Offline C.T. Schaefer

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2025, 05:20:52 AM »
Thanks for all the comments. It seems that we never stop learning!  While not the covering I had planned on, the plane is almost done now. Klass Kote on body and as trim over the covering.  Fingers crossed!!  TS

Offline Bill Schluckbier

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Re: ultracote vs ultrakote
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2025, 05:17:25 PM »
Our models generally fly slowly enough where it is possible to use Parklite assuming that the underlying structure is stiff enough. Combined with our relatively low wing loadings we are in the upper envelope of what would be considered a R/C parkflier.  I have used it on 3 different models so far without any issues:  a profile Shark 402 (25 size), an profile Oriental (35 size) and built up Legacy 40.  On the 40 sized model switching to Parklite save about 1.5 oz in weight; the model was originally covered in Monokote and I decided to rebuilt the flaps which eventually let to a full rebuild.

Good luck


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