Suggestions for painting stock Axial AR60 diff covers?

[mikebecher]

I'd like to paint all the recessed sections (red-dotted in photo) of my diff covers and leave the raised areas black. I'm thinking of using masking film and spraying or just brushing by hand, if I can summon the patience. I've never painted anything this intricate and would appreciate some advise. Thanks!

[Mike Flea]

Spray the whole cover the color you want, then use an X-acto knife to scrape the paint off the high points.

[struhall]

I was going to suggest spraying the whole thing then sanding the high points.

You may be able to use thin tape a blend put it on the high spots and just make sure to spray sideways to get under the tape on the low spots.

[onebullet]

painting and then lightly sanding would be the easiest.

You could also paint it and then take a rag or paper towel to it right away to wipe the color of the high spots if you are using spray paint. Taping it would be a collosal pain in the rear but its possible if you are really into that type of thing.


if you use spray paint i highly recommend krylon fusion

[three2won]

I'd say brush it by hand

Just let the paint pool up in the recessed areas by angling the cover to keep whichever section you're working on facing upwards thus trapping the paint until it dries

[scalemadness]

Spray the entire cover the color you want the inset to be then use silly putty to fill the spots you wish to keep that color spray with black of your choice let dry remove the silly putty it makes an excellent masking media for things like this works into crevices shapable easy to remove

[mikebecher]

The first one is finished.
I sprayed the whole thing with a heavy coat of red then cut and peeled while the paint was still soft and followed up with some clear coat.
It turned out pretty good but it took a lot of time and effort so I definitely won't be running these without the differential skids!





Edit: I inverted the logo from my original plan. It was easier to peel that way and it makes the logo stand out more. Just like I planned

[onebullet]

turned out great!

[mikebecher]

Finally posting a photo of it installed.