Applying window tint before paint for darker look?

[TITANIUM94010]

Is it ok to apply window to k (Tamils PS31 smoke) before applying the actual paint? I’m trying to recreate a color, Mercedes Monza Grey, and it has a brownish tint to it. I think a coat of ps 63 behind some tint would perfectly recreate that color, only problem is I’m not sure how paint would stick to it. Am I fine using the smoke tint paint as a first coat or is it best to use it only as window tint? Thanks

[HumboldtEF]

Thats funny I was just wondering the same thing earlier. I was just painting a body and started to do a little test on some scraps but I got impatient and went a bit too heavy on the first coat and its all splotchy.

I'll go back and finish off that test and report back.

I have a feeling it will take a lot of light coats to get it consistent, its a very thin and runny paint it seems.

[TITANIUM94010]

Alright, thanks!

Could you also throw in a picture of what the original paint looks like without the tint?

[HumboldtEF]

Yeah I masked off one side so it will be raw silver and the other side will be have the smoke. I got 4 light coats on it so far I think thats probably enough.

[HumboldtEF]

I looked up the color and think it might lead to a close match. I tried to get a few different angles because the metallic flake really changes the looks depending on lighting and the angle. The brown is there a bit but only in certain angles.

This is what 4 coats looked like.



Tamiya PS-41 Bright silver and PS-31 Smoke with no backing color







Also for comparison here it is next to PS-23 gunmetal Backed with black



My test color was definitely a flop, way too many coats for that light of a color. That was PS-32 Corsa Grey and the Smoke.

I did mess up half way through the test, I grabbed the wrong can and sprayed a tiny bit of black between coats but I dont think it effected it much if at all. I guess thats what happens when I leave the caps off of multiple cans lol

[TITANIUM94010]

Thanks for the photos. I think it might work, but I might have to have more brownish colors in the base color. I might pick up a can of ps 52 champagne gold and try that with smoke.

4 Coats seems to be too much for my application, but I think it definitely works.

How’s the adhesion to the lexan? I’m not painting a beater body but it’s probably going to roll here and there.

[HumboldtEF]

Yeah I was surprised how much 4 coats changed the color.

I think the key will be going lighter, maybe spraying from slightly farther back just to ensure you can do a light coat while still getting full coverage.

[mikemcE]

Why not find your color in Tamiya AS or TS paints? PS55 as a base first.
The AS line has many military colors


Hang up and Drive

[TITANIUM94010]

Originally Posted by mikemcE

Why not find your color in Tamiya AS or TS paints? PS55 as a base first.
The AS line has many military colors


Hang up and Drive

TS has something close to what I want, but it's not metallic. I could spray a light coat of silver before, but then again, it might flake off or crack afterwards. I figured that since the window tint was already a PS paint it would adhere better than TS

[mikemcE]

Originally Posted by TITANIUM94010

TS has something close to what I want, but it's not metallic. I could spray a light coat of silver before, but then again, it might flake off or crack afterwards. I figured that since the window tint was already a PS paint it would adhere better than TS

Look into the AS line then. As long as any PS is used first it will be fine


Hang up and Drive

[TITANIUM94010]

I did some more research, and it turns out you can mix different paints from the PS line and then using an aftermarket use your own paint spray system to make your own color. I’ve ordered a can of Ps52 champagne, ps63 bright gunmetal, window tint, and flat clear.

Let’s see how this turns out

[mikemcE]

Originally Posted by TITANIUM94010

I did some more research, and it turns out you can mix different paints from the PS line and then using an aftermarket use your own paint spray system to make your own color. I’ve ordered a can of Ps52 champagne, ps63 bright gunmetal, window tint, and flat clear.

Let’s see how this turns out

Yes if you decant PS, it will mix and spray perfectly. When decanting, use a LARGE container (glass is best) as PS will bubble and expand at room temperature . No biggie, it’s ready for airbrush in 15-20 minutes. No need to reduce or thin, it will spray at 22psi


Hang up and Drive