paint on outside of lexan body

[Gravebane525]

I bought a used body recently and I'm digging the simple paintjob it was given, but the paint is peeling off the outside of the body alittle to much and I'm thinking of repainting. its black on the inside and black on the outside with a layer of brown before the black on the outside.

I was wondering if I took some 1000-2000 grit sand paper I got to the lexan before repainting it would it peel less? I like the effect of it scraping off and the brown showing thru as it scratches off. I just want to avoid the peeling.

[jboehler04]

I would try sanding off the parts that are flaking with fine sandpaper and repaint and put a coat or two of clear over it.

[Gravebane525]

I kind of like the flat look of the black but they do sell matte clear coats that could work. I'm just triyng to figure out how to stop it from pealing up. I'm not sure if flaking is the right word, they arn't hard, the paint thats coming off is flexible, almost stretchy. its just not sticking to the body as well as I would like.

[Postclanker]

I'm affraid that it will keep peeling if the original paint job was not prepped properly...you'd be better off soaking it in brake fluid and stipping the paint off totally and cleaning and scuffing the surface as best you can. A lot of work, but worth it if you want to keep the original body.

[jboehler04]

Originally Posted by Postclanker

I'm affraid that it will keep peeling if the original paint job was not prepped properly...you'd be better off soaking it in brake fluid and stipping the paint off totally and cleaning and scuffing the surface as best you can. A lot of work, but worth it if you want to keep the original body.

X2 if ur want to repaint it strip all the paint off and rough up the body with fine paper and repaint as you wanted the truck to look and act as you scratch the paint off. I did a ridgecrest body same way but did a monster green under black and lightly scuffed the green with super fine paper to have the black adhear to and put one coat of clear on turned out decent but its also my basher body.

[Gravebane525]

I'm pretty sure I could pretty easily peal all the paint off the body if I wanted to. I've just been trying to figure out just what was the proper way to prep the outside of a lexan body. seams I was right when I thought the 1000-2000 grit sand paper would do it.

[Postclanker]

I use a scotch brite pad with some Ajax cleanser, or some other suitable brand. The cleanser cleans the oils from the lexan while it's abrasive enough to actually dull it up pretty good...you can easily see where you missed. Just be sure to rinse it off good and let it dry...I usually let it dry over night. If you're patient, it's well worth it. I have never had one peel or chip on me....

[Meatwad]

Same here, no chipping or peeling on me. I only paint the outsides of bodies to prep the insides for whatnot. Prep should take alot more time than the actual task of painting.

Scuff the outside and wipe/clean the surface well and as was said, allow to thoroughly dry.

[monkeyracing]

Proper polycarbonate paint shouldn't peel at all. Not sure what was used, but clean it up, scuff if you need to and shoot using the proper stuff, at least for the base coat. I don't scuff my shells, but I've heard it can help.

[Gravebane525]

thanks for the advice, when I get the chance I'll give it a shot.

I do have another question about gluing. I've been thinking about putting a diamond plate strip along the sides and rear (the body has small slots cut into it though I had this idea before I seen em and it will cover em up good. I was thinking of gluing the plate in place before repainting the outside and after scuffing it up, but I I was also thinking about gluing a styrene strip or angle along the inside to reinforce the areas. maybe put some small bolts thru to pin the two together to help the glue hold.

[jboehler04]

If you have the right glue you wouldn't need to bolt or screw anything. Get some small squeeze clamps to hold it to the body if its curved.

[Postclanker]

most glues will not adhere to a painted surface though...

[Gravebane525]

its the painted surface I'm worried about. I don;t want to strip the inside of the body. even if it does stick I've seen pictures of where the paint distorted and pulled away from the body upon gluing.

[Postclanker]

yup...shoo goo is the worst at that

If you are looking for re-enforcement duct tape (or 200 MPH tape) works pretty good

[jboehler04]

Originally Posted by Postclanker

most glues will not adhere to a painted surface though...

Said that he was gonna stick it on before painting.

[Postclanker]

If he can get the paint off first