painting lexan outside - questions

[brianw]

Ok, the body I am getting ready to paint has the overspray film on the outside. Should I leave that on as my mask while painting, or do I need to remove it and scuff/wash the outside of the body before I paint? Or do I need to scuff the body at all?

What's the best way to mask the outside of the body...overspray film, bob's paint mask, or blue painter's tape?

I'm planning on using some rustoleum primer to paint the inside to give it that rust look and then pactra lexan paint cans to paint the outside of the body.

[MexicanMarauder]

Just remember if you paint the outside your paint job will get scratched up! I always paint on the inside and it still gets scratched a little!

[brianw]

I know, that's the idea. If I paint it to look like rust inside and then spray the color outside when it gets scratches on it it will appear as though the scratches are rusting through.

[jwalker]

pull the cover off, if you use it as a paint mask the paint will actually bleed under it. it wasnt designed to use that way, it was to help keep the overspray from getting on the outside.

[constantmotion]

Originally Posted by jwalker

pull the cover off, if you use it as a paint mask the paint will actually bleed under it. it wasnt designed to use that way, it was to help keep the overspray from getting on the outside.

Ditto...you'd make a good mess of it using it as a mask.

[brianw]

Thanks! I wasn't sure how well those are stuck onto the body.

Anything else I need to be careful with or any tips for masking the outside of the body?

[neoakaj]

If you are using masking tape just be sure to get all the edges down good. thats a area that will get the most bleed if you dont take care in masking. Dont go overly thick with the paint either, if you do it will flake off and not scratch off

[ebbet]

Originally Posted by constantmotion

Ditto...you'd make a good mess of it using it as a mask.

I have had a completely different experience. I have painted the outside of Proline and HPI bodies using the overspray film as a protective mask. I use a hobby knife to cut it then peel the rest of the overspray film off, leaving the cut stuff where I do not want paint. I have had great success with it. The lines have been very crisp and clean.