Trim solvent
 

I've tried using Acetone to seal graphics made from Monokote onto Monokote with pretty good success, here is my question, is Acetone the same as Monokote trim seal? I've read an article on applying Monokote over Monokote by mixing water, dish washing liquid, alcohol, and Monokote trim solvent, spray it on apply graphics push out the solvent and let sit for a few hours. Do you think I could substitute Acetone for trim solvent?

RE: Trim solvent
 

I don't know about acetone - never tried it.

What I have used with great success is BLUE Windex.

Make sure the area the graphic is going to be applied to is clean.
Apply the graphic and position it where you want it.
Squeegee the excess Windex out from underneath the graphic.
Let it sit for 24 hours.
Go over the edges with a trim iron or trim solvent to ensure they are sealed.

The Windex trick ONLY WORKS ON MONOKOTE. It activates the adhesive on the film.

There are several threads on this here.

RE: Trim solvent
 

Acetone is not the same as the monokote trim solvent. I tried acetone but it evaporates too quickly to be useful. The trim solvent works well but is tricky to get the right amount. If you use too much it turns the adhesive into a gloopy mess that oozes out when you try to press the trim piece into place. I found that the best technique for me was to put some on a cotton ball and wipe a thin film on the surface and then press the trim into place while the solvent is still damp. Contrary to some claims you cannot easily reposition the piece once it touches the surface.

For large trim pieces I like to use windex as described by campy. You can slide the piece around to get it positioned just right and after you squeegee the excess out, the piece is tacked in place and will stay put until the windex dries. After letting it dry for a day or so go over it with a warm iron. I have planes that have been flown several seasons with no lifting of the edges of the trim.

RE: Trim solvent
 

exactly what Stew99 said. The best way is the windex method and use an iron on low heat, then i take a trim solvent soaked Q-tip and run along the edges. this has worked wonders and everything i have done this has stayed exactly where it should.

Mark