RE: Painting vacuum formed ABS plastic

[bobguy]

Hey, guys. I'm a frequent lurker and first time poster.

I've recently aquired some Gene Simmons boot shells, and I'm not sure what paint will stick to them. I want to finish them a gunmetal metallic grey, and NOT the silver they were on the reunion tour.

Any suggestions? Something straight out of the can would be ideal. If not, I have an airbrush.

Thanks in advance for your help!


Bob

(This question is also posted in the 'costumes' section. Mods, please delete if this is a no-no)

 

[vaderman1701]

Just make sure you prime the pieces first. I use duplicolor auto primer. After that you can use auto paint or you can use acrylics for an airbrush.

Scott

 

[JMChladek]

Most any paint should stick to ABS well enough since it is a slightly tougher form of styrene. Indeed a good primer first will go a long way towards the best finish though. How thick are the pieces? Reason I ask is if the vac shells are very thin, then going with a paint or primer that is too high solvent might damage them if you spray the stuff on too fast.

 

[Heatshock]

I presume you are US based? Only us UK guys have alightly different supplies.
ABS - I always like to lightly sand the parts, with 120grit or even finer really. I did this with my TK (styrene) and clone armor (animated and movie) stuff. then primer and automotive paint - both rattle can. I would say always use the same brand primer/paint.

 

[Wesman]

I agree with the light sanding. I use scotch brite pads to remove the shine of the abs, then it's important to clean it with denatured alcohol just prior to painting. There may be a plastic primer that would also help adhesion.

 

[bobguy]

Thanks for the input, everyone! The shells are pretty thick, hence the soft detail.

I like the scotch brite pads idea. I usually use sandable primer, but I'm looking to expand my techniques and simplify where possible.

 

[D9Prawn]

sand them lightly

spray with auto plastic primer
then spray with what ever colour you want

thats what i do had no proplems yet

 

[CGClone]

Also SEMS and Duplicolor make adhesion promoter for plastic, worth the few bucks you spend on it. Sand, promote, primer, paint.

 

[Heatshock]

yeah - Halfords in teh UK have started to bring some new products out

- adhesion enhancer
- primer specific for plastic

NICE