How to paint...

[Shawn45]

After this last wreck I am going to be re-painting my plastics.  I am looking for the best type of paint to do this with, and how to actually do it without spray painting.  Any ideas... :dunno:

[Roadstergal]

Use automotive-grade paint.  I get it from our local Wesco; they'll put it in spray cans for you, and makes UV-resistant paint.  Since this is for plastic, make it clear to the mixer that you need paint with flex agent.  It will crack otherwise.

You have to use spray paint if you don't want it to look like crap.  Period.  You can't get a thin, even coating with any other available-to-the-average-Joe method.

Sand the area to be painted with 400 grit to even dullness, if there's paint already there.  If not, sand it, wash it, dry it, primer it a few coats, and sand that with 400 grit.  Rinse, dry, and apply 4-5 even thin coats of top, letting it dry between.

You have to make a paint bay out of plastic if you want it to come out without crud sticking in it from insects landing, things being blown by, etc.

[Shawn45]

Thanks for the help I appreciate it...I think that will be a project this weekend.  I will let you know how it turns out.

[raylarrabee]

Use Duplicolor spray cans.  Spray goes on very even and the paint looks good.  Take your time doing the prep work.  lots of sanding before primer.  Lots of sanding after primer.  

Here's some useful info:

Good How-To
Good How-To from UK site
Info on Color Sanding
Thread on prep work and stripping
Great How-To on color sanding and finishing your paint job

[raylarrabee]

forgot to mention:  

do NOT use chemical stripper on your plastics.  The stripper is extremely caustic and will melt/eat the plastic.

If repainting tank, (1) strip tank w/chemical stripper; (2) clean and lightly sand; (3) spray with self-etching primer; (4) spray with primer; (5) color coat.  (make sure to sand in-between steps where appropriate)

Take your time, don't cut corners and it will come out great.  Good luck  

[Gisser]

There's different techniques when it comes to applying rattle-can...  

I've had the best results when I spray it on *wet*.  Just to the point before it runs.  Two coats of color, ditto clearcoat.  No sanding necessary after  primer prep.  Rattle-can isn't worth the elbow grease.  This is easier, faster, and will give a deeper gloss.  Takes practice, tho'.

[Shawn45]

Thanks for all the input...looks like I have some reading and research to do before I start this project...but all the info helps a ton.