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How to Apply MonoKote to RC Planes

MonoKote is an iron-on film covering for model airplanes. Using a film covering to finish the plane rather than merely painting the wood frame makes the plane more durable and less prone to visible wear and tear, as paint can scratch and peel. Because MonoKote comes in an array of matte, metallic and neon hues with an assortment of accessories and pattern detailing options, you can decorate the plane to look exactly like a certain aircraft model or create a look that̵7;s all your own.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper
Model filler
MonoKote film covering
Model covering iron
Hobby knife
Gloves (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Sand down the airplane̵7;s wooden frame until it is completely smooth; if in doubt, close your eyes and run your fingers over the plane̵7;s surface to check for rough spots. MonoKote might not adhere correctly to a rough or uneven surface.
- 2
  Fill any dents or dings in the plane with model filler, which you should be able to purchase from the same store where you bought your model airplane. Sand the filled spots until they are smooth.
- 3
  Clear off an area of your workspace and unroll the MonoKote covering. Set one piece of your plane, such as one wing, on the MonoKote. Cut a panel of MonoKote that is at least 2 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the part; for wings, allow 3 extra inches at the wing tip.
- 4
  Set the airplane part on your workspace. Remove the MonoKote backing and place it, adhesive-side down, on the part. Ensure that you have at least 1 inch of overlap on all sides.
- 5
  Run a hot covering iron along the center of one side of the part to tack the MonoKote to the frame. Gently pull the MonoKote taut from the other end, and then tack that side. Pull the MonoKote from the opposite corner and tack that corner. Work back and forth in this way, pulling and tacking, until the covering is tight and heat-sealed to the frame.
- 6
  Trace the hot iron around the entire outer edge of the piece, moving slowly but not holding the iron still in one spot. When the covering is tight, with no large wrinkles, run the iron over the center of the part to seal it. Trim any excess material at the edges with a hobby knife.
- 7
  Cover curves, such as wing tips, by running the hot iron over the MonoKote to make it pliable before applying it to the frame. As you move around the curve, stretch the covering, reheating as needed, until it covers the curved part cleanly.
- 8
  Repeat this process to cover the rest of the plane̵7;s separate parts. Iron over all the edges to ensure that they̵7;re sealed, and shrink the covering tight by gliding the flat part of the iron back and forth over the frame.
- 9
  Assemble the airplane.

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