in all my years of modeling I have never had to remove monokote/ultracote but since I STEPPED on the stab of my giant stinger the other day, I need to remove the covering to repair and then recover. I tried a heat gun, etc. That stuff is REALLY ON THERE! The covering is very brittle (the airplane's OLD) and only wants to come of in itty bitty chunks. I even tried some acetone!
Any great ideas out there?
Any great ideas out there?
Still have the plans? Build another stab.
I've been pondering this since the thread came up...and one of the things I'd be inclined to try would be...
...cut away the unsupported "windows" between the ribs, then, using some really tenacious tape, like 3M packing tape (the clear stuff), press it onto the old monokote, let it develop a good grip, then pull both layers away as one.
Caution: untested -- use at your own risk
As John Miller suggested... Cut out the big chunks between the ribs/formers. But then try some Top Flite Trim Solvent. It's made for "activating" the glue on Monocote. I'm not sure exactly what chemical it is (not alcohol and not acetone) but I've used it successfully for removing old Monocote. You may have to moisten a small area at a time and gently scrape it with a modeling knife but it should come off pretty well. If you are not changing the colors, just concentrate on getting the plastic part off. Monocote color actually seeps into the wood and you might have to sand excessively to get the color out. Good Luck!
--Mark
Thanks Mark. I'm not sure, but I think the solvent is MEK solvent. Smells like it anyway!
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