Has anyone heard of applying Ultracote using a "cold application" method? If so, can you describe the process?

Ok, background - just got off the phone with a guy at Aero-works. He told me that the Chinese manufacturing company that builds their ARFs use a "cold application" technique to lay down the covering, both base and trim. Ilike the result - especially where they overlay the base with a sizable trim piece - no bubbles (of course)but what got my attention was that the trim piece looks like it's been "tightened" so that the Ultracote "pre-shrink" marble texture is gone.

TIA

BTW- the guy at Aero-works has competed at Toledo with his personal build projects and has won several awards - so he's got serious building skills. He wasn't able to explain the details either.

Could be some microwave process to heat them after assembly. They could use a thin water based adhesive on the frame for the initial attachment.

no answers but this brings up a couple more questions, I was under the impression for some reason that Aeroworks were built in the US.  Apperently not.  Even so it seems that Aeroworks is a higher quality plane than your average Chinese ARF, almost like they use CA instead of the hot melt glue or whatever on most ARFS and high quality hardware and actual Ultracote. Or am I under false illusion.
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AW designs and specifies the manufacturing process for their planes. The 1st prototype is sent back to Denver where Rocco flies the hell out of it. Engineering changes (if necessary) are submitted back to the manufacturer in China. The new prototype is sent back to Denver where Rocco flies the hell out of it. (see a pattern). This cycle continues until Rocco is satisfied with the flight characteristics and manufacturing process. Yup, they use Ultracote exclusively.

My only experience is with an older "traditional" ARF (Edge 540T 46/.60) that takes 20 or so hours to assemble. Just finished the assembly and it has a half dozen flights on it (OS91FX). Their new crop are QB's - Quick Builds. Wouldn't know one if it bit me in the arse. Not all is perfect - the covering has flaws - stretch marks (like post pregnancy stretch marks). What amazed me and prompted this thread was the wing covering. The bottom has a white base with 6" Bright Red stripes LE to TE. These were applied over the white. Absolutely fantastic job. The trim and the base are both a glossy smooth surface with no hint of bubbles. And I'm not taking medications!

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SeamusG,

I've not heard of a "cold application" method with Ultracote, but I'm very interested. Perfect overlays on MonoKote are fairly easy, but it's been a challenge for me with Ultracote.

Please keep us posted if you learn what the technique is.

Mike</span></span>

AW planes are built using the same methods but with a lot more care, better grade of wood but still use the hot glue. They just get it on the parts a lot better. From the ARFs I have assembled for people the quality of the AW is just a lot better. Things fit very well. I don't know if there is different types of hot glue used by different manufactures or not but AW is one of the top ARFs I have seen. So is Wildhare. The price of an AW is a lot more then other manufactures but they do make a quality product compared to other ARFs I have seen. The QB series is a very easy assembly. I'm not 100% sure but with AW it seems you are getting what you pay for. They still need a bit of help in the LG block area but there planes are built for a better pilot then I am, someone that doesn't bounce the landing like I tend to do.
However they get the covering on it is usually second to none. I have never heard of cold covering???

For what it's worth, You can apply Ultracote using no heat by using a solvent called Xylene or Xylol (available at hardware or home stores)

It works the same way the MonoKote Trim Solvent works on MK

Mike - Thanks for reminding me that I have a quart on the shelf.

Does the texture of the film ever achieve a nice smooth glossy finish as it does when you "tighten" film with a heat gun?

I've never really noticed. I've only used it on small pieces. But you could always try heating after it has cured

And how long have you kept this little bit of info to yourself?

Actually I've said it several times - But who listens to me?

I think ya gotta hit 28k posts before anyone remembers what you said, or takes you seriously.

Keep up the good work Mike!

Now that's funny right there, I don't care who you are

Only problem with this is the stuff is highly toxic, and I would not use it indoors, or out, without a respirator. Of course in China there are no laws, for workplace protection and workers are routinely exposed to toxic chemicals,when they get sick, they just get replaced by the next person in line. [] I would just stick to the prefered and safer method of heat.

In that case, I'll just get my wife to do it for me from now on

LOL LOL LOL

How is that different from most of the glues, paint, dope, fuels, ... that we use?

I sure hope she doesnt read RCU, for your sake. Sure would miss seeing ya hit 28K.