How to Apply Monokote on Balsa Airplanes
Balsa is a sturdy, lightweight and flexible wood that is often used to create realistic and high-quality models of airplanes. Once your plane parts are formed, you can apply a thin, pliable material called monokote, which provides a smooth and solid surface to your balsa parts. The application of monokote is simple and straightforward as long as you work deliberately and patiently. The monokote will help you achieve a professional finish on your model.
Instructions
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1
Spread out the monokote on the table, and lay the balsa airplane on top of it. Make sure the parts that you want to cover in monokote are over the material.
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2
Trim the monokote with scissors to the shape of the part of the plane you want to cover. Cut the monokote 2 inches wider than each section of the plane you want to cover.
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3
Peel off the backing paper from the monokote to expose the adhesive film. Carefully lay the sticky side of the monokote on top of the airplane, centering the monokote over the balsa.
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4
Run your hand along one edge of the monokote to press it against the balsa, and apply a light touch from the iron in the center of the pressed down edge. Use a silk or 275 degree Fahrenheit setting on the iron.
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5
Press down the right and left corners of the edge of monokote that you have started pressing down. Run the iron lightly across the entire pressed down edge of the monokote.
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6
Pull the monokote tightly so it lays flat and smooth on top of the balsa, and press down the edge parallel to the first secured edge.
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7
Attach the loose edges of the monokote to the balsa in the same way as you did for the other edges. Make sure you grasp the monokote tightly as you press the iron down onto the wood.
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8
Use scissors to trim down the excess monokote as close to the sealed edges as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep several different colors of monokote in your supply so you always have the correct hue on hand.
Do not cut your monokote too small or you will not be able to achieve a proper seal on the wood.
