Do P/E parts need to be prepared for painting?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Do you need to do anything to prepare P/E parts for painting?

TY

Dave

2

That seems to be a matter of opinion. Most people seem to prime, especially when they have PE. I think some may even wash it. I have never done either and have never had a problem. The paint i use sticks fine and stays on. I think its a case of seeing what you prefer.

3

Bish,

Thank you. I think I’ll just prime and paint. Unless I handle the P/E just after a pizza!

TY,

Dave

4

Bish is correct… usually no problem with paint sticking. I will give it a little help by carefully sanding the surfaces with some 400 grit wet before I bend. Gives it some “tooth”

5

I prime it and paint as usual. No problems with paint adhesion.

6

Thank you, I might try that too.

~Dave

7

Hi, Just before I paint P.E. id wash it lightly with straight lacquer thinner.Why?? Well, it air dries quickly and it positively removes All body oils and any other surface contaminent that might be there,like pepperoni oil, or garlic juice that was transfered from the fingers! Have fun and save a piece big piece of pizza for me!! tankerbuilder

8

I’ve had some issues with Acrylic paint not liking to stick well, so I usually wash the parts with lacquer thinner, and if the part is big enough, without bits that are very thin, I will buff with a fine or very fine sanding stick, just for good measure.

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

9

Soak the parts in white vinegar. After the soak wash with lacquer thinner or any evaporative cleaner. This will work every time so no worrying aboot it.

10

Had close encounters of the 10th kind with PE the last couple of weeks dealing with ship building. I know most of the gurus at ship modeler recommend priming. However, depending upon the piece I’d think it through. If you’re dealing with something like ship ladders, railings or anything that has a mesh (like you’d find in a AFV) it’s very easy to clog the holes in the painting process. That wrecks the effect so then you’ve got to go back with an X-acto or needle and remove what’s possible. (Thinner will work natch, but there goes the paint job.) I’m not sure what the perfect solution is - wiser heads should advise. I use a pretty thin paint and as soon as it’s applied (as in immediately) shift from paint to air on your airbrush and blow the stuff out: might want to raise the PSI momentarily.

Eric