Navy18

My Feedback: (4)

I am tired of making planes that look good for 2 yrs then the painted cowl gets dark and spotty..... Lustre Coat, Black Baron, Walmart Krylon, etc, etc.... Is there a paint that is actually worth the cost per can or should I go the expensive auto-body way and just pay for it.

Thanks.

Roby

Have you considered latex ?

Roby

Scar

My Feedback: (3)

2 years? You are clearly not destroying your planes fast enough!

Come on, crash once in a while!

Best wishes,
Dave Olson

(yeah, automotive is probably your best bet. )

firstplaceaviator

My Feedback: (27)

I have several models that have Top Flite Lusterkote paint on the plastic/fiberglass parts.
It has held up well for over 5 years. I just wipe them down with Windex after every flight.

Automotive paints are much more durable. But, they are no easier to paint with.
Also, they are deadly toxic.

I have been painting models, cars and full scale aircraft for over 20 years.
About 10 years ago, I started getting cold sweats, head aches and couldn't stop shaking.
It scared the heck out of me!
The doctor had me de-toxed. It took me over a month to start feeling normal again.
Even though I wore a good respirator and rubber gloves, it was not enough.
Now, I use a fresh air respirator and a full body suite when I am painting.

As long as the proper precuations are taken, there is no substitute for Polyurathanes.

Good luck,
Doug

CafeenMan

Klass Kote epoxies hold up very well.

Navy18

My Feedback: (4)

Where are the easiest places to buy Klass Kote?

CafeenMan

http://klasskote.com/

crtmmac

My Feedback: (12)

I'm about to paint my plane with household latex paints. I need a glow proof clear coat (matte) that will be glow PROOF and compatible with latex. Any advice?

Thx

Navy18

My Feedback: (4)

I was advised yesterday to use Lustre coat... a monokote matching paint. It is heavier and dries very strong.... I think I have used this type before and have not had great results but they do make a clearcote that is fuel proof.

Anyone else have experience with this paint?

firstplaceaviator

My Feedback: (27)

Yep, like the Lusterkote colors. It is a very thin paint. I clear coat nearly everything I paint.
It is OK. But, it is nothing like a good polyurathane clear!

I do like the Lusterkote paints. But if you are looking for durability, you really need to go with a poly or an epoxy.

I have not used the Klasskote paints. I have heard VERY good things about them!

scratchonly

I use Varathane satin in spray cans over latex; It will darken light colors somewhat. I like to let it cure for several weeks to make it fuelproof to 15% nitro. The water based diamond finish is not as fuelproof. The hobby shop clears are very potent, so use a respirator mask.

Good luck.

crtmmac

My Feedback: (12)

Thanks. This is all good info. Have you tried Lustrecoat over Latex?

/c

firstplaceaviator

My Feedback: (27)

I use Parma Faskolor latex paints very often. I have never tried clear coating them with Lusterkote.
But, once they are clear coated with polyurathane, they look as good as House of ($$$) Kolors paints!
I have painted a bunch of helicopter canopies this way.
It costs much less than House of Kolors and lasts many many years, even the flourescents.

Doug