Painting plastic parts

[dkm777]

Hi guys,

My Define R3 Titanium is starting to look a little tired with all the scratches on the front door and I'm thinking about repainting it (in dark blueish-green metallic). Is automotive paint OK to use? Won't the solvents in the paint melt ABS plastic? If automotive kind is not OK then what kind of paint is safe?

 

[dma0991]

The solvents in paint sprays aren't that reactive(although in some rare cases, they do) towards plastic. Never had issues with melting plastic, even when doused with thinner to prep the surface for paint.

If there's existing paint on the surface, scuff them lightly with a high grit (1000, 2000) sandpaper. You could also do an extra step using surface priming paints which without it, some top layer paints would flake off. Automotive paints will work just fine but the clear coat(several layers) needs buffing to get a glossy look or remove orange peels.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

krylon fusion is designed for painting plastic

 

[fleshconsumed]

I need to paint a few metals and plastic. Do I still have to prime the surface? Is there a good guide to spray paining metal/plastic?

 

[dma0991]

I need to paint a few metals and plastic. Do I still have to prime the surface?

You do if you want the paint to come out right. You can skip it if you want to but as I said, if the paint has a thick coat and isn't pliable, flexing the painted surface will cause the paint to flake off. Shiny metal surfaces especially are prone to flaking, making it necessary to scuff the surface and a coat of prime before painting.

Is there a good guide to spray paining metal/plastic?

I don't have an experts guide but I do have guides based on experience(trial and error). General rule is to apply light coats with several passes. Important to allow that coat to dry before applying another. If its canned spray paints, avoid doing it when its too cold. Doing so will result in rougher paint droplets; you'll get a rough and faded clear surface rather than a glossy clear surface.

 

[FredNotFound404]

Also don't forget to heat the paint with hot water before you start spraying leave in a bucket with hot water for 5 mins then shake it for 2-3 mins (can't remember if its before or after warming it, its been years last time I painted something ). My advice is looks at some youtube videos, those help allot.

 

[smackababy]

Personally, I'd primer them first after some light scoring, but I have painted quite a few things and am stuck in my ways. Then 3 or so light coats. I take my time with painting. >_>

I've never heard of heating up the paint before, but I lived in states where the winter is above freezing 99% of my life.

 

[FredNotFound404]

Personally, I'd primer them first after some light scoring, but I have painted quite a few things and am stuck in my ways. Then 3 or so light coats. I take my time with painting. >_>

I've never heard of heating up the paint before, but I lived in states where the winter is above freezing 99% of my life.

Its a nice trick I learn along the way (Youtube xD), makes the spray more even.

 

[aigomorla]

krylon fusion for plastic is the best..

otherwise ur gonna need to sand smooth surfaces to make it rough... and then apply a primer...

With fusion, u just spray and it binds to the plastic... so its a simple 1 step complete....

You will probably need 2 cans to do a standard ATX case... 3 to do a full size... im talking about the entire case and not decals....

I've never heard of heating up the paint before, but I lived in states where the winter is above freezing 99% of my life.

its to make the arisol inside the can feed more pressure by boiling it to gas...

And it only works on certain spray paints... the evaporate thats used to spray the paint.
Also i dont think u should ever do it in boiling water.... warm water sounds more reasonable... because if its too hot, im sure they can explode.