9 replies to this topic

[GlovemanP510]

I have some scalextric track borders for my hairpin that i really want to paint green and then add flock over the top - see pic



but when i tried painting them it simply rubs off. can anyone offer some advice on how to paint them as i am sure it would be similar to trying to paint the track itself?

do i need special paint or do i need to prepare the surface with something first? to get better adhesion

Cheers Gloveman

[dangermouse]

I would guess you would need a good primer, have a look for something that sticks to plastic - not the cheapest option but Tamiya makes a primer as do the Games Workshop (for all the Warhammer models)

I don't know enough about paints sold at hardware stores but perhaps a knowledgeable person at the store would know if the primers are suitable for plastic. I would imagine any enamel primer would be (as they paint downpipes and the like) - but this will take a lot longer to dry - .

cheers
David

Edited by dangermouse, 14 October 2008 - 06:28 PM.

[slotoz]

you should be able to get a plastic primer from any auto parts shop cos its common for use when painting plastic carparts. prob in aerosol form

[chilla]

I used ESP Easy Surface Prep on some Sport track and it seems to work really well. It's available from 3D paint stores and costs around $17 for 500 ml.

I also used an oil-based paint (Slover blackboard paint) for the top coat so I don't know how other types of paint might go. I suspect it's the properties of the ESP primer that does the trick though.

Scaley track and borders are quite "waxy" so it might help to apply the ESP with steel wool to help roughen up the plastic a bit.

[casualslot]

slotoz, on Oct 14 2008, 06:59 PM, said:

you should be able to get a plastic primer from any auto parts shop cos its common for use when painting plastic carparts. prob in aerosol form

Spot on slotoz. I researched this a view years back. What you are looking for is PAP - Plastic Adhesion Promoter. It is a product of CSIRO and effectively keys with the plastic at a molecular level to form a lock for the paint. PAP is extensively used in the automotive sector for colour coded bumpers and the like. A really good automotive paint store will have it, and it can be re-purposed from tims into spray cans. I understand that the shelf life is pretty short (may be 12 months), and heat further shortens this. Buy just enough for foreseen needs, rather than waste the can. A spray can should minimise any reaction with the atmosphere. I do not not know the price - let us know what you find out.

Regards,
CasualSlot

[SlotsNZ]

I used the heatproof black spraycan that you normally use to spray the flues on woodfires etc.
That was on Ninco borders. It stuck okay, and was hard as snot.

It was still in good condition when I sold the circuit after 4 months and 4, [number with lots of zeros in it] laps

[GlovemanP510]

Thanks for the advice guys i will do a bit of research along the PAP path although most of it seems to be to do with smears when you google it!
and of course will post the results


Cheers Gloveman

[GlovemanP510]

Well after reading a bit more on the suggested solutions i found some black plastic etch primer and used this as a base undercoat to spray the borders. Added a thick coat of PVA sprinkled the home made flock - sealed with a thinners based laquer and am petty happy with the final outcome.



thanks again for the suggestions

Cheers Gloveman

[slotoz]

nice result!
only problem with the result is that webber never got that close the schuey in that car at least !
what are the tyre walls and covers made from? bought or made? they look pretty good!

[GlovemanP510]

Tyre barriers are all home made using gaff tape and radiator hose.

and as for Weber you seem to be confusing racing with being lapped!

Cheers Gloveman