a clear question

[Tar18]

Hi folks. I want to repaint on the outside my FMS Atlas 6 x 6 and have the color that I want to use. It is an enamal paint but wanted to add a clear coat on top when I finish painting.
Can I add a clear coat (as long as it goes with the enamal) to the paint without any problems?
Any help with this is appreciated.
Regards
Tar

[58_Willys]

Not familiar with those vehicles, but if it's a hard body then your enamel should be fine with a primer first.

If it's a lexan body you should use paint specifically designed for those bodies. If you are still set on using the paint you have, you can spray the outside with Tamiya PS-55 or any other suitable color, then spray your color. Spraying with silver or a copper color first, could resemble rust or bare metal if your color rubs off.

If it is lexan and it's already painted, you should be able to paint right over the existing color, although I would test it first somewhere less visible. Hope this helps.

[Tar18]

Hi folks. thanks for the comment. I have tried my paint on the lexan and it did not affect it or hurt it in any way. Knowing this I would like to add a clear coat to my paint. I just would like to know if there is any reason I cannot spray on the clear coat onto my enamal paint. In this case I would be painting the outside of the lexan. It was not painted before but painted on the inside.
I appreciate any comments.
Regards
Tar

[lonleycreeper]

I don't see why not?
As long as the Clear works with the enamal, then you should be good to go...

When in doubt apply on a test piece first.

[Tar18]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping for that answer.
I have never applied clear coat and wondered how to do it the right way. i was going to put on very light coats (like the paint) and let dry between coats.
Am going about it the right way?
Thanks for all of the help with this.
Regards
Tar

[58_Willys]

Originally Posted by Tar18

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping for that answer.
I have never applied clear coat and wondered how to do it the right way. i was going to put on very light coats (like the paint) and let dry between coats.
Am going about it the right way?
Thanks for all of the help with this.
Regards
Tar

Yup, that's the way to do it. As mentioned, be sure it's compatible with your enamel.

[Inspector86]

Originally Posted by Tar18

Hi folks. thanks for the comment. I have tried my paint on the lexan and it did not affect it or hurt it in any way.

Enamel paint will not damage the Lexan but that's not really the issue. You need a paint that is flexible when dry and will adhere to polycarbonate plastic in order to avoid the paint flaking off.

[Tar18]

Hi folks. Thank you for all of your answers. I am new to all of this and so did not know that you need paint that was flexible. Can you mention to me what paints are flexible and suitable for lexan.
How can i find out if the paint that I have which is enamel is flexible.
I appreciate all of the help in this.
Regards
Tar

[durok]

The enamel will work best if you (hold on to your hat, it get's weird here) FIRST paint it with a Lexan or polycarbonate-specific paint.

Your enamel paint is not likely to adhere well if applied directly to the body - but it should adhere to the other layer of paint well enough.

Tamiya paints with the paint code PS are of this type.

You can just use PS-55 matte (flat) clear first, and then use your other paint over it.

Allow it to dry fully prior to applying the other paint.

To test flexibility of your paint, apply it to some scrap Lexan that has been painted with the PS paint and flex it... (I'll bet the smaller body of the FMS Atlas won't flex THAT much when it bangs against rocks and brush...)

[Tar18]

Thank you durok. If I understand the right way you mentioned for me to paint the lexan body with a lexan friendly paint first and then put my color of paint (enamel) over top and it should be fine. You are right that the cab of the FMS is small and should not flex too much. I hope.
Thanks for the help.
Regards
Tar

[durok]

Originally Posted by Tar18

Thank you durok. If I understand the right way you mentioned for me to paint the lexan body with a lexan friendly paint first and then put my color of paint (enamel) over top and it should be fine. You are right that the cab of the FMS is small and should not flex too much. I hope.
Thanks for the help.
Regards
Tar

Your understanding of the layering method is spot on, exactly what I meant...

I've masked the windows off and shot a couple RTR pre-painted bodies this way.

On one vehicle I also added a white roof to my TRX-4 Defender and the other a black hood to my Ascender Chevy K10.

[Tar18]

Thanks again for all the helpful hints.
Now to get the body ready.
Regards
Tar