Painting rubber window trim?

[mewalsh100]

Ok, any expert painters have recommendations on how to best paint the "rubber seals" around windows on a body? I've got a new J45 body I've been working on and they're rather pronounced. Doesn't seem right to leave them body color, but I don't wanna screw them up either. I thought about a paint marker, but in my experience, they tend to load up, then bleed like crazy out of nowhere.


If I had a steadier hand, I'd consider detail brushing by hand, but I don't so I won't!:lmao:


The body kit came with decals for the trim, but decals always look hokey as heck to me.


My last option would be to mask then spray, but that's gonna be beyond tedious.



Anyway, just wondering if someone has a "tried and true" go-to move for doing these. Thanks!

 

[soze]

Usually, I would've cut the protective film in a way to leave the trim exposed for paint if I painted the body from the inside.

Since I think you painted from the outside...

I just use masking tape over the windows and the rest of the body (If you don't want to use up so much masking tape, just get a plastic bag and tape it off in a way to protect most of the body from getting overspray.

Use an exacto knife to cut out the trim from the masking tape.

Paint with black and then flat clear.


EDIT: Highlighted the part that will save you some trouble since you were saying it would be tedious to mask the body.

 

[oldmancrawl]

Paint pen. I haven't used one, but I saw them at the craft store and thought it would work well for window trim.

 

[mikemcE]

Bleeding sucks.

I usually do them on the outside by cutting film as mentioned. Tape is time consuming, so I use liquid mask. Bob Dively was my go to but he’s gone so Bitty Design has some.

Use a wide cheap brush for 3 coats let dry overnight. When dry and clear cut out what you want, remove and then brush paint. I use Proline WB lexan paint then seal with PS55.
This takes a lot of time(IMHO) so I rarely spend that much time on lexan bodies.


Hang up and Drive

 

[mewalsh100]

Awesome guys - appreciate the feedback. Considering the options, I think liquid mask per Mike's suggestion is what I'm gonna try.

Mike - I'm wondering how the liquid mask might interact with the exterior paint since it's not PC/lexan specific? Any thoughts or prior experience? Worst case, I'll shoot some on scrap lexan and do a test I guess.

 

[mewalsh100]

Another angle on the window trim. I won't lie, I'm kinda dreading painting it. Hopefully using liquid mask will take a good bit of the fussiness and hassle out of it. :roll:

 

[mikemcE]

Awesome guys - appreciate the feedback. Considering the options, I think liquid mask per Mike's suggestion is what I'm gonna try.

Mike - I'm wondering how the liquid mask might interact with the exterior paint since it's not PC/lexan specific? Any thoughts or prior experience? Worst case, I'll shoot some on scrap lexan and do a test I guess.

I use it over lacquers, never had any issues, but I will always use lexan scraps for testing


Hang up and Drive

 

[mewalsh100]

Sounds good - I'm definitely going to check it out on scrap first. Thanks Mike!

 

[Dirt Runner]

You can buy a sheet of vinyl and cut strips around the window. You can get them from a crafts store like hobby lobby, michaels. The sheet are about a dollar and come in flat and different colors as well. I did it to my front and rear windows. I have to just line then up a little better.

 

[Stormin2u]

Using the white Tamiya masking tape makes masking tight curves super easy. Flat black with a tight airbrush spray pattern works for me.

 

[mewalsh100]

Awesome info guys. Thanks! Here's a few more pics of the weathering / patina so far. Still need to do some of the details like the hood latches, and window trim, but really liking the look so far.

 

[Topher Builds]

Coming along great Walsh! Nice work on the weathering.

 

[mewalsh100]

Coming along great Walsh! Nice work on the weathering.

Thanks Bro! Got an initial shake down in and I think she gonna be a runner. "thumbsup"


I went ahead and ordered a PL P-Wagon molded black body for it as well. Wanted a body I could thrash and trash in the rocks without cringing.:lmao:

 

[caprinut]

Check out Hemistorm's channel on YT.
He paints the window trim all the time.
Have yet to see him use the orginal sticker sheets on any body.

 

[mewalsh100]

Check out Hemistorm's channel on YT.
He paints the window trim all the time.
Have yet to see him use the orginal sticker sheets on any body.

I have seen some of his stuff before. He does nice work. I'll check out how he does window trim. Thanks!"thumbsup"

 

[mikemcE]

I have seen some of his stuff before. He does nice work. I'll check out how he does window trim. Thanks!"thumbsup"

Rattle can unbelievable!
Chris makes it look easy, and it really is. He keeps it quite simple, but yet incredibly detailed graphics.


Hang up and Drive

 

[MAGNUMB]

https://rc.kyosho.com/en/accessory/micron-line-tape.html

Quick, easy and gives that professional matte rubber look.