Painting fiberglass parts
02-18-2006, 08:35 AM
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Painting fiberglass parts
I just invested in a paint gun/filter/compressor and built a paint booth like the one in model aviation from a few months back. I want to be able to get a first-rate paint job on fiberglass parts and the spray cans weren't cutting it.
Now I need to find a paint to match Ultracote bright yellow for the cowl and pants of my 35% Edge. I stopped by a PPG automotive paint shop and they wanted $90 for a pint's worth of their best stuff matched to the covering. I'm also looking at Nelson, which has a match for the covering, and Klasskote, which has a generic bright yellow color.
Any other suggestions? The PPG is probably the best stuff, but the cost is hard to swallow!
Mark
Now I need to find a paint to match Ultracote bright yellow for the cowl and pants of my 35% Edge. I stopped by a PPG automotive paint shop and they wanted $90 for a pint's worth of their best stuff matched to the covering. I'm also looking at Nelson, which has a match for the covering, and Klasskote, which has a generic bright yellow color.
Any other suggestions? The PPG is probably the best stuff, but the cost is hard to swallow!
Mark
02-18-2006, 09:08 AM
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RE: Painting fiberglass parts
While $90 sounds like a lot for a pint of paint, how much have you already spent on a 35% Edge, a compressor, spray gun, and spray booth? It sounds like you are particular enough about how your model will look that you don't want to be reminded about those few bucks you saved on paint. If they can provide a true color match, that's the way I'd go.
02-18-2006, 07:29 PM
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RE: Painting fiberglass parts
You may want to investigate latex paint.
The paint is fine as is for gasoline engines, for glow powered engines you will need to clear coat it.
The cost is dirt cheap (about $10 a quart ). The latex needs about 10 - 14 days to "cure".
The downsides are:
The latex is a "soft" paint - it is not as hard as Klasscoat or PPG.
Latex does not have the high/monokote type shine, even with a clear coat.
The paint is fine as is for gasoline engines, for glow powered engines you will need to clear coat it.
The cost is dirt cheap (about $10 a quart ). The latex needs about 10 - 14 days to "cure".
The downsides are:
The latex is a "soft" paint - it is not as hard as Klasscoat or PPG.
Latex does not have the high/monokote type shine, even with a clear coat.
02-20-2006, 10:14 AM
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RE: Painting fiberglass parts
Thanks for the responses. You make a good point Krossk.
Yesterday I tried out my new equipment with some Krylon oil-based enamel and it worked great. I had to thin it with quite a bit of acetone to get it to spray, but once it did, it went on great on some scrap fiberglass. You would actually have to work hard to get it to run.
FYI, here's what I put together:
Spray booth - sheet plastic, stair rail, bicycle hooks, Broan through-the-wall fan ($90), respirator/goggles.
Spray gear - regulator/filter $20, mini detail spray gun, $15 from Harbor Freight
So for a small investment you can do a decent job painting year-round without stinking up the house.
Mark
Yesterday I tried out my new equipment with some Krylon oil-based enamel and it worked great. I had to thin it with quite a bit of acetone to get it to spray, but once it did, it went on great on some scrap fiberglass. You would actually have to work hard to get it to run.
FYI, here's what I put together:
Spray booth - sheet plastic, stair rail, bicycle hooks, Broan through-the-wall fan ($90), respirator/goggles.
Spray gear - regulator/filter $20, mini detail spray gun, $15 from Harbor Freight
So for a small investment you can do a decent job painting year-round without stinking up the house.
Mark
