Toy conversion surface treatment prior to paint...?

[Clerval]

Right, now that the subject line is mangled...:

I have a few alarmingly slick plastic (nerf) weapons to convert, and am looking to increase the chance of the paint jobs being highly durable.

I haven't seen much out there on working the surfaces (cleaning, abrading, etc) to give primers the best chance to bite and stay, and therefore ditto for the color coats.

Have heard mention of various cleaning processes (just to take care of oils, releases, etc), and one involving a low but lengthy heat process. Looking to see if someone's come around to a solid method. I have, basically, two chances to get this right and would like to shorten the learning curve.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Tapper]

I used spray paint that is for plastics. Can't rember the name, but you can get it at Home Depot or Lowes. Good luck.

 

[Zombie_61]

You might want to review this thread for some tips and tricks.

Off the top of my head I'd suggest cleaning them thoroughly, coat them with a self-etching primer (to give the paint something to adhere to), and use enamel paints (more durable than acrylics).

 

[zodiac]

I'd think the tried and true method of sanding the surface to rough it up and wiping it down with denatured alcohol prior to painting would work fine. Then as Tapper said, use a paint for plastics. I think Krylon makes a decent one but any of the big box hardware stores should have a decent variety.

 

[Amazing DJ]

I can paint slick vinyl and the paint sticks. No tiresome sanding!

Here's how:
(1) Clean with paint prep solution on a lint-free rag. Get it in all the crevices and rub so it removes the oils and invisible residues. Don't use rags that have been washed in fabric softener, ever.
(2) Spray with "Adhesion Promoter". It comes in a spray can like spray paint. The stuff leaves a clear satiny finish and dries fast.
(3) Paint with any kind of paint you want and it will not come off. Boom!

 

[Clerval]

Many thanks to everyone for the replies, and the bit of reading to do too...

 

[Propsjonnyb]

Second all the methods used all good suggestions , my basic favourite is clean with degreaser , let dry , sand to key, use plastic primer, let dry , final light sand , wash and dry , another coat primer , then car body paints , used this method for over 30 years works every time.

 

[Clerval]

Been away a fair bit, but adding in an additional thanks for the above. Time to begin the work this week, I like to think I'm going far more boldly and with greater knowledge thanks to the replies here.

 

[bentherogue]

I just did my first nerf mod and had really good luck with a simple process

-Sand with ultra fine sand paper
-spray with rustoleum for plastics. It's designed to have some stretch so it adheres really well.

 

[nosaint]

Nerf plastic take paint really well. As the others have stated lightly sand all areas and you should have no trouble. I have painted over 30 guns with no real issues. I use Krylon black camo as a primer.