Anyone out there have a good method for making checkerboards from monokote? Actually, making them is the easy part. Getting them on the plane straight is a bear!
I have heard of taking the backing film off and wetting a piece of glass and squeegeeing it to the glass, then layout and cut, but how do you get that nice checkerboard off the glass and onto the plane? By the way, these will be 1" squares.

Any Ideas?
Thanks,
CC

Hi!
Take my advice ...use Oracover (Ultracover in the US) instead of Monokote, It's much better, stronger easier to applie and doesn't have the arkward clear backing film to remove.
Been using it for decades.

Ultracote is available with checkerboard so you don't have to make it.

Thanks Jaka, but ultracover doesnt come in Neon Pink. Dont laugh.... Neon Pink over Metallic Plumb checkers can be seen for a 1/4 mile. Nice to know which side is up...

CC

Follow the method you already mentioned (wetting and glass), then go to a sign supply shop and get a roll of transfer tape.
You can just lay the tape over it rub it down and pick it all up in one piece. Then you can use your iron to stick the monokote in place on plane. Nice part about this method is that it prevents wrinkles and a lot of the bubbles.
Of course being thicker it will take a little more heat than it normaly would.

cc, If I recall corectly. I read something someweare about the method you are talking about and I think I remeber the author went on to ironing the pattern/trim scheme on high heat,as the temperd glass draws the heat at such a rapid rate the monocoat only adheared to it's self. Or something like that. Give it a try. Bart(man)

The 'glass method'

Generally, it's for making complex patterns, so you don't have 3-XX layers of MK on top of each other. Basically, you iron down at low temp, the covering edge to the glass. It sticks, but the glass won't allow it to shrink. And it won't stick to the glass, so the glue remains on the covering. You then just iron it on as you would a regular sheet. A bit of care is required..

As for your checkers, this is what I woudl try..

Lay down your base colour. Windex the glass, and squeegee out the windex. Let dry, 24hrs. The MK shoudl them be 'self adhered' to the glass. Then, apply the checker squares, and tack in place with a low temp iron. Or use Trim sovent (But practice first!!!!). Then once happy seal the edges of teh squares with a bit more heat.

Patients & practice are the name of the game!

Try it this way
http://winshiprc.tripod.com/how_to_apply_checkers.htm