Painting Plastic canopy

Can anyone tell me how to paint the plastic canopy that comes standard in the Raptor and Hawk kits? I have tried but the paint does not stick. I used Krylon spray paint. Is there a paint available over the counter that will work? Do I need to prepare the surface with something first?

Please help.

[administrator]

Can anyone tell me how to paint the plastic canopy that comes standard in the Raptor and Hawk kits? I have tried but the paint does not stick. I used Krylon spray paint. Is there a paint available over the counter that will work? Do I need to prepare the surface with something first?

I've bought a paint in the past that is fuel proof. I've got to go home and check out the brand of it.

But I believe any kind of paint you find that says fuel-proof would be good to use. Also, try getting some primers for the type of plastic that your canopy is. This will help bond the paint better.

Lastly, you need to give the canopy a good wash with detergent. A lot of these plastics have a coating of oil, which is the after effects of production. This can cause the paint to come off!

Edit: Okay, I just checked my paint and the brand is called "TOP FLITE"

Top Flight is great paint. Also try a once over with steel wool.

Keep in mind too that these canopys are made to resist impacts! I've never seen any paint that sticks perfectly and I've covered more than one scratch or flake off with a sticker. Talk about a flying advertisement!

[rotorz]

PlastiCote Sticks well, comes in small canopy sized spray cans. There are quite a few colours including dayglo and to date appears to not have melted my canopy or reacted with the glo fuel.

I successfully painted my GPH Canopy. Here's how you do it.
Go to the Auto Paint Supply Store and ask for the prep kit to paint plastic car bumpers. It is a 2 part kit (and it'll require some elbow grease too) Follow the directions precisely. Your paint will stick beautifully.

There is a brand NEW paint from Krylon, called Fusion. It is made to bond to plastics.

* Bonds to Plastic
* No Sanding or Priming
* Dries in 15 Minutes or Less
* Features the EZ Touch Fan? Spray Nozzle
* Available in 16 Colors

http://www.krylon.com/product/op_consumer_product.asp

I just painted my new Caliber 30 with it (yellow). Looks awsome! However, just did a "fuel proof" test on a sample piece, and found that it does come off when I rub it with a fuel soaked towl (15% nitro). A sealer may be needed...

* ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD SEALANT? (Polyurethane?) *

I will posts some pics when I get it all finished up, which will be very soon.

Jesse

[colin]

Cool Jesse,

Post some pictures of your heli!