Deadeye

I've got a complicated covering project going on with a 3-D American Flag on my CAP-21. I need to paint the fiberglass cowl to match the blue starfield. As a result of it being 3 dimensional, I need the blue to be translucent or transparent (shading under the blue, etc.). I took a sample to the automotive paint guys and they say they have a good match, but I haven't seen it yet. I picked up a 3 oz can of Testor's Candy Blue enamel at my LHS. With several coats, I can get the blue hue down almost perfectly. My questions are these, now that I have what looks like two options. Is the Testor's spray enamel fuel proof? The cowl is big, and I wonder if the spray can pattern is going to look like hell. The automotive paint uses a catalyst, and they assure me it will be fuel proof with no clear coat. I can shoot it with a paint gun, probably giving me more universal coverage. Only drawback this way, is I have to use the paint in a day or two, and its going to cost $40 for a pint!! Thanks for your time.

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

I always suggest catalyzed paint over non, but have to ask you if the paint they auto guys are suggesting is a base coat/ clear coat paint or a "single stage" all in one, mix paint with catalyst.

Your description suggests that they are suggesting a "single stage" which is by the way, fuel proof, but thought to ask to make sure.

I know it's costly, but the end result is SO worth it!!

I can't comment on testors, as I always clear coat over the testors when I've used it. The clear coat is fuel proof.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

Like any other paints for scale plastic models, Testor's spray enamel is not fuel proof. Put a drop of 10% nitro fuel on it, and it will soften and smear.

Deadeye

It's a single stage. Is the clear coat that you use over Testors Testors clear coat? And it is fuel proof?

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

No, Testors clear coat is not fuel proof.

Deadeye

Thanks for the info. What type of clear coat would you suggest?

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

I would use either LustreKote or UltraCote clear over fully dried Testors enamel. Both LustreKote and UltraCote clear can handle up to 15% nitro. If you are using more than 15% nitro, then you must use Nelsons clear or automotive clear, although I'm not sure if Nelsons clear is compatible with enamel paint.

Deadeye

I guess I didn't make this clear. It is a gas (Homelite 45cc) engine.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

fuel is usually associated with glow fuel.

In your case, just use any clear from your local home improvement store, such as Minwax clear, Krylon Acrylic Crystal clear, or whatever.

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

I recommend PPG 2021 Clearcoat which gives a beautiful shine. If you are looking for a flat finish, use PPG 2060 clear with 10% 2021 mixed in.