Hello everyone, Im sure this has been asked before but i am unable to find the thread.

My question is whether you prefer monokote or ultracote and why.

Thanks everyone

Alex

I've always preferred UltraCoat because it would go around corners easier...but I've heard MoneyKote has had a change in materials, making it easier to work with than the old stuff.

I've used ultracote in the past and liked the adhesive characteristics before heat is applied, as it helps with propositioning of the pieces. But have switched to monokote for no other reason other thank cheaper cost and LHS availability. The two material have different activating temperature, so once you figure out the optimal setting, they are both easy to work with, with similar results.

Ultra is thinner so seams are much harder to detect assuming they are pointing down and its just as strong. Much easier around compound curves and much easier to get a wrinkle free finish... IMO having used both.

As stated... some years ago Mono changed the formula or something.. but it used to be just as easy to apply as Ultra.

If you plan on keeping your plane around longer than a year or so, use Ultracote. I have had (as well as others at our field) issues wiht Monocote shattering after a year or so.

I use to use monokote till they changed it. The new stuff doesn't shrink well unless pulled real tight when installing. That is hard to do on open structures. It also wrinkes easy by temperature changes. Try the chinakote at HK. There are places that sell it for about 1.23 a meter also. I won't pay there prices for monokote, black baron, or ultrcote films after using the chinakote. 5 meters for 8 bucks at HK. Good stuff.

I use to prefer Monocote for open structures and Oracover/Ultracote for sheeted foam cores surfaces decades past
Now a days, Utracote for almost all.


Jared

Ultracoat. I dont use money coat anymore.
Edwin

As I said earlier, some people have stated the NEWEST Monokote is a big improvement over the materials that we have had to endure these past couple of years...almost is making me TRY the newest stock!

Ultrakote may be easier to apply, but it goes chalky with repeated wipe-downs, where Monokote retains its glossy finish a lot longer.

Monokote also comes in a wide variety of colors, where Ultrakote is more limited in color selection.

I have seen transparent red Monokote shatter like glass with a sharp impact. Some say other Monokote colors will do this, too. Ultrakote keeps its resiliency longer.

Monokote has more of a tendency to bubble up in the hot sun. Ultrakote will fade from UV exposure after a season or two. Ultrakote goes on at a lower temperature, so you can cover foam with it if you like. Pick your poison.

I'm going to be trying Hobby King chinakote soon, and I hear all good things about it (beyond just the amazingly affordable price!).

Originally Posted by Beardiedrg

I use to use monokote till they changed it. The new stuff doesn't shrink well unless pulled real tight when installing. That is hard to do on open structures. It also wrinkes easy by temperature changes. Try the chinakote at HK. There are places that sell it for about 1.23 a meter also. I won't pay there prices for monokote, black baron, or ultrcote films after using the chinakote. 5 meters for 8 bucks at HK. Good stuff.

Agreed on the cheap chinakote from HK works great. You twice as much for half the price of monokote.