Paint for Lexan only???

[johnboy72]

I have some local boys back home that started up a little airbrush and custom paint shop. To help promote their business, I'm going to have them paint up a body or two for me. Then hopefully I can get some of my fellow troops to get some work done from them.
I'm sure these guys haven't painted lexan RC bodies before...so what paints should I refer them to? Can they use regular paint that they use on other projects like cars? I'm a shaker can man myself always picking up whatever catches my eye at the hobbyshop.

[DavidB]

Parma Faskolor paints are water-based and are formulated for use on Lexan.

It is the only paint I will use unless I need a rattle can rush job.

I use it straight from the bottle with no thinning at 50 - 60 psi (recommended by Parma)

Available in just about any color you might want.

Do not use regular car paint. It will either flake off or melt the Lexan...both have pretty ugly results.:D

[johnboy72]

well since it's waterbased, I think while be locked down here in Iraq, what better time to actually learn how to airbrush! We found a small air compressor and one of my buddy's has an airbrush kit. He says we need a watertrap and I think we'll be ready to go. I've always been a shaker can guy because I've never got up the nerve to hit up the airbrush. So any techniques or secrets would be greatly appreciated.

[johnboy72]

ok, looking at Parma's paint. 2 oz bottles....about how much of an area is that going to cover? I have an idea for a stadium truck with one color covering the top and sides from the 1/4" below the window and another color on the sides. So how much paint would this require. ????

[DavidB]

A bottle in each color should be plenty.

[johnboy72]

Thanks David.

[clintscreations]

if they use laquer based paint in their shop they are good to go...........ive got a buddy that works for a paint store, and he whipped me up some killer colors that you cant get in fascolor or pactra......................nice eye candy

[Damage Inflictor]

Stick with water based paints, the fumes and thinning,mixing,cleanup,etc etc etc associated with lacquer painting is really not for the inexperienced painter.

I have used both and speak from practical experience, if you make a mistake with water based paint it can be removed, not so with lacquer paint, ya get what ya spray.
I like to experiment on a piece of glass to perfect my scheme before commiting paint to the body, it just washes off the glass and your next canvas is ready.
Have fun and enjoy...

[WrenchHead]

I had to learn to paint my own cars.1 I have to many cars.2 the local R/C painter charges $75 on up per paint job and that does not include the body.Another $30 +/- for the body.Most of the early cars were all one color so it worked out well.Then I got onto the more difficult paint jobs with paint masks and all that.I am not a free hand artist like most painters are.I can say to practice alot.I would get 2 liter bottles and cut them down the middle lenthwise and apply a paint mask and practice blending colors to see what worked and what didn't.I use Pactra Laquer paints because I have had all others flake off. Prep you work well,wash with warm soapy water.Then apply masks and clean again with denatured alchoholworks best.Push all edges down again and paint away.Later,WrenchHead.

[johnboy72]

I enjoy the tips and advice. I've been talking with a member off this site and I'm going to turn to him for painting up three bodies with my design. Mainly because, I think his price is great (and he's the only one I've asked) and I'm here in Iraq. I've talked with the wife, and I am going to seriously looking into buying an airbrush kit and get to work when I get back.

I have a soft side for appearance and attention to detail. I used to show a 99 Ranger that was body dropped over some twenties. I was big into the car show scene. Add the military experience with what I consider "My artistic" ability, I think I'll do alright. Just have to get to practicing! I really like the glass tip. I think it will work better than the 2 liter bottle for first starting out! Thanks guys!

[crazyjr]

I found a paint called Modelmaster that seems to work good, I have only tryed the silver so far, but they have some shiny ones and some two part types (base and clearcoat), I think the two part base might be good for lexan. I will try some other colors soon, but the silver is good and stays perfect in crashes. Oh you can get it at hobby lobby