Paint 'n' plastic

[AJ Hamler]

First, is there a tutorial here somewhere on how to effectively use the Search function? I'm fine searching the Internet, but the Search engine here (and many other forums) flummoxes me. Regular searchy things like quotes don't seem to do anything. I get either no results, or thousands. Thanks!

So, with the above in mind I apologize if this question has been answered a hundred times, but I can't find it by searching. What's the best, easily found paint for the type of plastic used in cheap toy repros? I'd like to paint a Rubie's Leia Blaster black for a one time use (my wife's Halloween Leia costume). It doesn't have to be an outstanding paint job as this will likely only be used once or maybe a few times, but I don't want paint flaking off all over her, either.

I assume that spray paints intended for model-building (Testors, etc.) combined with prepping with a light sanding of the surface would work well, but I don't really know that for sure.

TIA

A.J.

 

[MB Trooper]

Krylon actually makes a spray paint specifically for plastic. I have used it on many plastic parts, including a nerf gun, and have had great result with it. You can get it a Home Depot or most other home improvement stores.

 

[division 6]

Automotive lacquers.
Lightly sand, primer, paint.

If you plan to weather, then metallic then black, then rub or lightly sand.

 

[Irken Tech]

First, is there a tutorial here somewhere on how to effectively use the Search function? I'm fine searching the Internet, but the Search engine here (and many other forums) flummoxes me. Regular searchy things like quotes don't seem to do anything. I get either no results, or thousands. Thanks!

I agree, the forum search function is almost useless. Try using google search confined to therpf.com. Type in your browser site:therpf.com searchterm

searchterm = what you are looking for.

 

[Darth Lars]

Compared to many other forums, the search function here is good. First of all, there are separate boxes for the entire RPF, the current forum and the current thread. Then click the + icon to get to Advanced search with all the options.
I use Google to search the RPF only for images.

 

[Rogviler]

Something that has worked great for me on ABS plastic is Duplicolor fabic and vinyl paint as a primer and then you can put any spray paint on top of that if you can't find it in the color you need. It doesn't just sit on top of the plastic but seems to bond with it.

I'm pretty sure the Rubies stuff is going to be ABS, generally. Non-styrene plastics can be a chore to paint, so hopefully it is.

-Rog

 

[gunyboy007]

If you really want a good foundation for a paintjob and you are working with nerf. Go to your local Autozone and pick up a can of duplicolor Vinyl Dye.
Trust me, this will get you the best and most durable paintjob you can get after you do some sanding along the blaster. If you need any more info about nerf modding there are tons of groups on FB like NERF Modders Welcome that have lots of info for beginners.
cheers

 

[Rogviler]

If something echos then it's probably the right answer.

-Rog

 

[AJ Hamler]

I always hate it when someone asks for advice in a thread and then never reports back, leaving everyone hanging. To avoid being guilty of that, here's what I ended up doing.

I got a can of Rustoleum Universal Paint/Primer All-In-One in a satin sheen, which was rated for wood, metal, plastic and masonry. Gave the blaster a light all-over sanding, then a couple coats of the Rustoleum. Came out perfect, and the paint seems very strong. I tried scratching it in an out-of-the-way spot, and the paint held up just fine.



Really pleased how this came out. This is just for a one-time Halloween costume use for my wife, so I didn't do any other modding or authenticity upgrades, just the basic paint job.

A.J.

 

[Rogviler]

Nice. I love that Rustoleum Universal paint, but probably 75% of the time I get a can that leaks everywhere from that convoluted spray mechanism. Hope you got a good can!

-Rog

 

[AJ Hamler]

Geez, you're absolutely right! The first coat I gave the blaster, I had paint running down my trigger finger and all over my hand. Didn't have the issue on subsequent coats, though, but I have no idea why or what I was doing differently.

A.J.