Just read this thread as well... WOW, something clicked.

I built a kit about 20 years ago. I was getting into the hobby, no ARFs around, so I built an AeroStar 40. Did the monokote thing and I didn't have any problems. Maybe not the prettiest plane (covering-wise) on the field, but respectable given my lack of experience.

Fast forward to this past January. I'd been out of the hobby for a while, and decided to build again. A 40 sized GP Tracer. Monokote. After attempting to cover the wing, I ripped it off in disgust. No problems sticking, but the stuff would not shrink (hardly). I went back to the LHS and told them of my problems... never thinking it was MK, but I can assure you that I didn't have THIS much trouble 20 years ago, otherwise I would not have attempted this again.

The LHS guy told me to tack the shorter edge, STRETCH it (hard) to the other side, tack it, and then work your way around it, stretching and tacking, and then finally hitting it with the heat gun. MUCH better results this time.

From my very limited experience, I'd have to say that MK doesn't seem to shrink as much (any? lol) as it used to. Maybe for someone starting out, and learning the "right way", they'd do much better not knowing the difference.

Best... Roger