How to...
 

Hi scale modeller,
I'm finisching a GP spitfire, and my target is paint all frame to learn about scale finish.
I have covered my model whit alluminun monokote, and now I want paint over.
My color choice are the following:

- humbrol enamel (perfect for FS standard)
- nitro spray can (I do not know if some color exist)

what is the best choice?

Then I must fuel proof all model. I have a epoxy trasparent paint, but ny doubt is that the color paint do not work well over monokote.

Anyone have painted a monokote covered model?

Thanks
Alessandro

RE: How to...
 

Model Airplane News several months ago had a feature article on painting Monokote.
I'll try to find my copy and post what month it was.

RE: How to...
 

I too remember that article...and i also remember a "how-to" on the net. Let me search through my vast sea of favorites and see if I can't find it...

RE: How to...
 

Hi hircflyer,
I'm very interested about this article. Can you scan for me the pages with mookote paint tips?
I'm unable to find MAN [>:] in my country.

Thank you

Alessandro

RE: How to...
 

I've repaired a badly damaged balsa cowl. Work required use of wood filler and, of course, a lot of sanding. It's time for Monokote now. Do I need to put a thin coating of something on this before I attempt to get the Monokote to adhere? If so, what and what else should I do?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

ggogmo

RE: How to...
 

For painting MonoKote or any film covering.

1. Scuff the surface with 0000 steel wool OR the green pot scrubbing pads. Be careful you do not go through the covering on the "high points" - ribs, etc.

2. What you want is a "frosted" appearance on the covering.

3. THOROUGHLY clean the area(s) with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol.

4. Prime

5. Mask and paint.

6. If the paint is not fuel proof, clear coat it. I have found the water base polyurethane is definitely fuel proof to 10% nitro and several reports indicate it is good to 15% nitro.


For ggogmo

You do not need to put anything on the cowl before applying the MonoKote, although many people would suggest a coat of BalsaRite over the cowl.

I have a suggestion which may be easier in the long run. Why not paint the cowl ? Bring a sample of the color you need and have it matched in latex paint (about $10 a quart ). Put a coat of sanding sealer on the cowl, sand, then prime. Spray your latex and let it "cure" - typically 7 - 10 days, then clear coat with a water base polyurethane to fuel proof it. There are several threads here on painting with latex.

RE: How to...
 

Thank you for your answer and particularly the suggestion to "paint" instead of using MonoKote. I certainly like the "painting" idea, since I am having some difficulty forming the rounded shape of the cowl so the monocoat will lie smoothly.

Mike