Painting ABS with Tamiya polycarbonate paint

Interesting. I don't know what type of paint that is but I used Krylon on my ARC Jupiter after carefully roughening the surface with fine grade emery sponges from BeanQueue (used wet). I fuel-proofed with Tufcote. I would do the same again but next time I'll thin the Tufcote to stop the very small bubbles that formed and hopefully also slow the curing which was a bit rapid.

As to using the Tamiya PS paints then why not ask them if it's suitable ? I presume by "plastic models" they are referring to polystyrene kits so it'd be worth mentioning the destinction in your email.

If you do ask them then I'd be very interested to hear what their response is, if it's not too much trouble to post it.

Cheers,

The Tamiya "PS" series paints (polycarbonate series) etches into the plastic and leaves a dull rough surface. This paint appears to be glossy only when seen through the outside of the clear polycarbonate. The etching process allows it to remain firmly attached to RC car body as it flexes whereas Lacquers and enamels simply crack and peel off. The PS paint is also used on metal models and then oversprayed with a clear or matt coat. PS may be used on plastic models which have been prepared with Tamiya Primer or Preparacote. Better to stick with the Tamiya "TS" series which is a hard lacquer (similar to Topflite Lustercote) and fuel proof - leave to dry thoroughly between coats and before exposure to fuel.

regards Alan T Alan's Hobby, Model & RC Web Links

Thanks, for the information, that clarifies the subject for me. I will report back on my results.

CM

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic or "plastic." I believe they are refering to polystyrene models which are really high impact or rubber modified polystyrene plastics. ABS is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastics and it is basically high impact polystyrene with a third monomer thrown in for thermal and chemical resistance, among other properties. I'm not sure of the solvent used in the "polycarbonate" paint, but would guess if it attacks polystyrene, it's not going to be great for ABS parts.

CM wrote: