Econocote Vs Monocote

[ezrydr]

Hi all,
can Econocote be used over balsa models? or do I need to stick to Monocote?

I looked on Top Flite's web site and it says Econocote is recommended for covering foam and balsa sheeted foam.

is it lighter weight than Monocote?

certainly is a bit cheaper.

Thanks,
Steve

[ezrydr]

hmmm no replies at all - is this just too stupid of a question to warrant an answer?

OK, let me try this, where is a good online source for Solite with wide selection of colors and in stock?

Thanks,
Steve

[bullseye000]

I've covered a trainer that I didn't think would last with econocote. It has a lower working temperature thus the recommendation for using it on foam and balsa covered foam. You'll have less headaches and a better looking covering job if you use regular Monocote. To avoid a brand bashing hijack of your thread I'll even recommend Ultracote over econocote. Both have their strengths and weaknesses that have been debated ad nauseum on these forums. I prefer Monocote only because I've used it for so long and know what to expect. It's a personal choice. If you are covering a balsa airframe choose one of those and you should do ok.

[ezrydr]

Thanks Bullseye for the reply

I did some searching on the forum and found way to much to digest. I want to cover my airplane not spend the rest of my life squinting at the computer monitor! :)

That's why i posted the question, to try and get to the heart of the matter.

But I guess it's a 'catch-22' isn't it- my posting something that's been discussed ad-nauseum only adds another thread to the mish-mash. :confused:

I am not liking much that I read about SoLite which seems to be what most use on Park Flyers with light balsa construction.

Then I read that Monocote will warp the light wings.

I have some Econocote on hand so maybe I'll just have a go at that and see what happens.

At the risk of asking another covering question, can anyone tell me if the Sig AeroKote Lite and Top Flite Econocote are similar?

Thanks,
Steve

[tailskid2]

I've never used Sig AeroKote, but concerning wing warping, yes, Monokote can, but then again ANY covering can - if you pull too much when applying the covering. BUT you can also 'unwarp' a wing by twisting it in the desired position and re shrinking the wrinkled part :) I do this on purpose on gliders to give the wing some 'washout' - trouble is it rarely stays for months so you have to keep 're-doing' it every so often.

[bullseye000]

One of the methods you'll find in these forums is the guys building smaller balsa planes and covering it with a product called doculam. Doculam is the raw plastic sheeting used to hot laminate paper stuff. Kinda like all the posters and stuff the teachers laminate and hang in their class room. I haven't covered a whole airframe but I covered a wing and it worked out rather well. Only trouble is it only comes in clear. I painted some stripes on it with regular spray paint and was quite pleased with the results.

If you get tired of trolling these posts mining for the elusive gold nuggets of covering wisdom, I'll suggest Faye Stilleys two books on covering. I think his are the best and really took me along.

I attached a pic of one of my latest covering jobs. Everything on it is Monocote. Whichever covering you pick just take your time and expect to make mistakes. I covered a lot of planes and still consider myself to be in a learning stage.

[ezrydr]

wow Bullseye - that's beautiful! gives me something to apire to!

I'll check into those books

thanks!!
Steve

[CSI]

Steve,
Yes, as you figured out, the Econocote is lighter weight. Monokote is great, but generally will add a significant amount of extra weight to lightweight park flyers. I have attempted to use some of the VERY lightweight coverings, but always ended up in disaster?! I have used iron on films for over 30 years, but like Bullseye said, I am still learning each time!
Another often overlooked, but extremely good covering is the Tower Hobbies 'Tower Kote' in house brand. It goes for $6.99 per role and comes in only the basic colors. Out of all the different covering materials i have used, the Tower Kote has by far given me the best results. Not sure why, but I get fewer wrinkles, crisp joints, etc with it? At only $6.99 a roll it is a bargain. I keep lot's of roles of it on hand and have covered all my foamy planes, as well as, balsa planes with it. It does great on both. It IS a LOW temp iron on film. Not a huge selection of colors, but all the basics are there. Just another possibility for you to consider.
Here's my Speed Wing with tower kote.
Good luck,
Ken

[rjarois]

ken very clean!!! like the launch handle.....btw i have used ultracote ultralite, its a fantastic light covering......kinda like solite in weight, but applys way better. perfect for them wings. randy.

[bullseye000]

Steve,
Yes, as you figured out, the Econocote is lighter weight. Monokote is great, but generally will add a significant amount of extra weight to lightweight park flyers. I have attempted to use some of the VERY lightweight coverings, but always ended up in disaster?! I have used iron on films for over 30 years, but like Bullseye said, I am still learning each time!
Another often overlooked, but extremely good covering is the Tower Hobbies 'Tower Kote' in house brand. It goes for $6.99 per role and comes in only the basic colors. Out of all the different covering materials i have used, the Tower Kote has by far given me the best results. Not sure why, but I get fewer wrinkles, crisp joints, etc with it? At only $6.99 a roll it is a bargain. I keep lot's of roles of it on hand and have covered all my foamy planes, as well as, balsa planes with it. It does great on both. It IS a LOW temp iron on film. Not a huge selection of colors, but all the basics are there. Just another possibility for you to consider.
Here's my Speed Wing with tower kote.
Good luck,
Ken

Never considered Towerkote. Not that I'm a Monokote snob, it's just what I'm used to. I think I'm going to try some for a foam project I have planned and I want to rebuild a Unicorn and cover it instead of using tape.

[wolw]

I used Tower kote for my first ever covering job building a break down suitcase plane. I had a great time, never thought that covering would be that easy and fun.

Peter :)