I've been using Monokote for 30 years. After 10 years on an aircraft exposed to UV, it does tend to get brittle. I've also noticed that 10 year old scraps tend to have less flexibility and adhesion than a fresh roll. Monokote that has been sitting around with loose backing or without backing is even tougher to adhere.

Once you have a handle on pulling the covering while heating it, to go around compound wing tips etc, you will appreciate the quality of finish compared to other materials. The biggest thing I still have to learn, is assuring adequate overlap on changes in color or seams. 1/8" may be good for ailerons, but not wings and fuselage - you need to have up to 1/2" overlap in some cases.

The different colors have different weights of pigment, reflect and absorb heat differently as well. I am happy with Monokote - except for the silver. It is tougher to get a good finish and the color/metalic tends to swirl/distort more than other metalic colors. Oracover/Ultracote is easier to shrink down with fewer wrinkles - but the gloss level and depth of color is not as good as Monokote.

I am just looking for the miracle "rejuvenator" that can take a 20 year old finish, seal the occasional loose edges and take care of all the scratches from transport and hangar damage. This stuff should also be a liquid wrinkle remover for those situations where I over heated/shrank a sealed seam and pulled the material too much! They can call it "Oil of Olay for Monokote". Will the FDA require approval?

Have a great day!

BR549