Brian Illsley

Hello to all you members,my name is Brian, i am a new comer to this site,i joined today and in need of some advice about paint. I have in my collection of models a ARC Ready 2 ,this model is around 3 years old and made out of ABS(plastic) On a previous ready i had i painted it with Halfords paint,let it dry and fuel profed it, but this just wiped off after a few weeks. can anyone tell me the best paint to use on this model,i don't want the same to happen. Thanks. Brian

wonwinglo

***Hello and welcome Brian,Halfords spray should be fine for the initial coat,however which fuel proofer did you use ? some are far from proof against highly nitrated fuel which acts like a paint stripper on paint,the only one worth its salt is something like 'Tufcote' this is a two part resin finish which sets very hard and locks the paint underneath,in general one part proofers are useless,do you remember which one that it was ?
It also pays to lightly sand ABS plastic to give the paint a further key,just make sure that you seal the edges as well with the proofer.

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Aquarama

Hello Brian, onewinglow is right, the preperation of ABS is critical, bost ABS items have a mould release agent still on the surface, this not take paints or adhesives easily, if the suface area is big enough I use 1000 grit wet or dry witha weak solultion of washing up liquid, rinse and let it air dry.
Tough coat is very good but it stinks, use in a realy well ventilated area, hope this meandering helps.

Aquarama

duncan

...and most fuel-proofers arent fully proof against nitro fuel for about a week after applying. ABS is a tricky material, any reason you dont leave it white and just add stick-on trim and/or lettering ?