How to Apply MonoKote

Last Updated: December 22, 2021

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

1
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.
2
Remove the clear backing from the MonoKote by attaching a small piece of cellophane tape on each side of the sheet and pulling gently.

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3
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).
4
Set the heat sealing tool to 275 F (135 C) and allow it to come to temperature before proceeding.
5
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.
6
Unroll a second sheet of MonoKote, and repeat the process on the other side of the aircraft part.
7
Trim the edges carefully with the utility knife, leaving a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) overlap.
8
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.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I treat balsa wood that is fuel shocked so the MonoKote will stick?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, model airplane fuel contains as much as 20 percent oil. The job is to remove the oil from the balsa wood. There are several techniques to do that. Dabbing on a solvent such as rubbing alcohol will get to the oil, which then must be blotted up with a dry cloth or paper towels. Some have used a dry treatment such as corn starch or talcum powder to draw out the oil. An excellent product is K2R stain lifter for fabrics. Spray it on the balsa and let it dry then brush off. It will draw the oil out of the balsa. All these methods need to be repeated until all the oil has been removed. For solvent, use in a well ventilated workspace. Avoid inhaling corn starch or talcum dust.
Question

I bought a glider with two holes in this layer of product. What's the best way to repair them?

Community Answer

Clear packing tape works. If you trim the corners to a radius, it will keep the corners from lifting up.

Warnings

Do not clean MonoKote with an acetone based cleaner. Instead use a mild dish washing detergent.

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When working with fiberglass parts, check heat tolerance on a scrap piece before working on the actual parts. You may have to lower the temperature of the heating iron.

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