Author: R. Teliczan
Edition: Model Aviation - 1980/02
Page Numbers: 27

E-Z NUMBERS

By Ray Teliczan

Tired of buying every decal set from every hardware store in the neighborhood just to get one complete number? Here’s a great way to beat the rap — and a better way to use that trim MonoKote. As you can see from the picture, it takes three nines to complete my AMA number and my son has two sixes in his, so that is five nines or sixes I have to come up with. Usually I can get only one set on a decal sheet and that's it. So this system evolved.

Have you tried MonoKote but didn't like it because it sticks too readily, is too stretchy, tears when cut with a knife, or never looks right when cut with scissors? Read on — this method cures those problems and more.

Items needed

  • A piece of plate glass approximately 12 x 12" with tape around the edges (this is the cutting board). Using a hard, smooth surface prevents the MonoKote from stretching when cut, as happens on soft surfaces.
  • A small X-Acto handle with a couple of new blades. Don't cheat here — the blades must be sharp at the tip, otherwise the MonoKote will tear. Each blade should get you about five digits before dulling. After dulling from cutting MonoKote, the blade still has enough sharpness left for cutting wood.
  • Templates (obtainable at any hardware store). Choose the size and style you desire. Plastic templates are common, but metal ones are more desirable because plastic will cut readily and eventually develop flat spots.
  • Adhesive for the back of the templates (3M spray is good; a thin coat of silicone sealer will also work). The adhesive keeps the template from sliding on the MonoKote while cutting.

Operation

  1. Place the template on the trim MonoKote (not on the backing — unless you desire mirror-image numerals).
  2. Hold the template in place and cut closely with the knife, using the template as a blade guide.
  3. If the knife strays from the template, simply whittle away the excess.
  4. If any adhesive sticks to the MonoKote, remove it with lacquer thinner or lighter fluid.
  5. The same setup will work on light tissue as well — just leave off the adhesive.

Average time for five numerals is usually about 10 minutes. Have fun!

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.