the guy fixing my stuka had to rip most of the covering off. i thought i might try to recover myself. whats the easiest covering to work with if i try to do this. and by the way i never hear back from hobby services. i guess tower and great planes need a new warrenty center.

if you identify the construction material, it would help. is is foam , Balsa sticks, balsa sheeted or good OLD PINE 2x4 ??? dick

As far as iron on material, I think the best is definitely ultracote. I've done ultracote (oracover) and monocote both. Monocote has more colors, but is really a two person job--at least at my present skill level. One to pull and one to iron. Otherwise, you'll have wrinkles out the wazoo--especially around the curves. Ultracote, on the other hand, is EASY to work with. I've covered an entire plane without help using ultracote. I know there are lots of people out there that can cover planes by themselves with monocote--I'm simply saying that at my present skill level (includes three kit builds, and one complete arf re-covering job, and of course, miscelaneous other covering chores), I cannot do an entire plane by myself. With your present skill level (no experience), then you'd have a hard time using monocote, IMO, by yourself. Sure, you'd get it covered, but it might look like crap, with wrinkles all over the place, and uneven seams, just probably woulddn't look good. Ultracote will make you look like a pro.

OK, enough before I start sounding like the CEO of Horizon.

I agree. Both are good but ultracote is easier for me. I have seen some amazing jobs with monokote though. It just takes longer to learn I think.

My first and only plane I've built so far was covered with Ultracote and it was relatively easy.

If you plan to lay film over film go with Monokote for the graphics layer. Ultra over ultra can be tricky.

I LIKE MONOCOAT MYSELF IT IS PACKAGED BETTER I MEAN THE BACKING IS HARDER TO GET OFF BUT IT DOESNT FALL OFF. PLUS WHEN YOU GET TO THE END OF THE SHEET MONOCOAT IS TAPED TO THE ROLL AND DOESNT FALL OFF.
MONOCOAT TAKES A HIGHER HEAT

I have tried both Monocote and Ultracote and hands down prefer Ultracote (Called Oracover here in Europe).
It's not a big deal to put layer on layer but requires initially low heat to tack it down without bubbles.
Also the paper backing is great to draw patterns on before cutting, paper backing comes off easier than the Monocote plastic backing.

Overall I belive Ultracote is more user friendly but for a more experienced builder it might make less of a diffrence.
Go Ultracote for your first cover job. Get good tools such as covering iron and heat gun... Also stock up on razor blades and #11 blades, you NEED to have sharp blades to trim the material.

A tip for covering in tight corners without having any special trim iron or tools:
Put something out of metal on your normal covering iron, such as a normal kitchen spoon or handle from a fork.
When it's heated you use it to tack covering in hard to reach corners.
Of course you need a glove since the whole thing will be hot.

thanks for the tips guys!!

Whichever you choose, you might want to pick up a book or a video on covering. Not only will you get the basics on tecnique but you'll also get some great covering ideas for future projects. Covering is like any other skill, the more you practice the better you get.

I've never used anything but Monokote and can't understand what the whining is about. Ultracote may be easier, I don't know, but I have had no problem with Monokote.

I did find this article on ultracote that may help.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/...ArticleID=1472

Oh boy, the argument between Ultracoat and Monokote always seems to get people worked up. I've used both monokote and ultracoat and have had no problems with either. If asked what I prefer to use I will tell you that I prefer monokote. Why? Becasue is has more colors available, and I feel that it stays tight better than ultracoat does. Before all of the Ultracoat users start telling me why Ultracoat is better, this is based on my experience. I just feel I get better results with Monokote.

Ken

Hi!
My 30 years experience tells me that Oracover is best...

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

He didn't ask for the BEST. He asked for the EASIEST.

Hi!
....and easiest to use and strongest

Regards!
Jan K

thanks again. but im not sure if ultracote comes in olive drab. so i may end up having to use the monokote.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=HANU904

Note: Oracover and Ultracote are the same product.

Same product, diffrent names:

UK
Profilm

Europe
Oracover

USA
Ultracote

Hey guys im new to covering so please someone give me a step by step instructions how to cover with solartex, ifr possible please include a picture. i will be very greatfull. THX

pat, you might want to start a new thread this is an old thread and you may not get much of a response.

Ok ! this myight be a good idea.

I am going crazy trying to cover my supersportster 1.20 size!!! I've been trying to cover the section between the vertical and horizontal stab. It is definately getting the best of me. I'm using ultracote, ANY tips????

What kind of problem are you having? Making it fit? Making it stick? Choosing a color? Sorry about that last one, couldn't resist.

Flyboyz, cover the corner with a 3/8" wide strip (or narrower) first.

I've been using Monokote, and I just started doing covering myself. Havent had any problems with it at all. It's just a matter taking your time. Minnflyer's video's on this site helped me quite a bit on my first project. It's just like anything else though, the more you do it, the better you'll get!