Is there any special coating you have to put over the model paint before using the rod sealer. I am using Flex coat finish and wanted to make sure that the epoxy did not cause the paint to run or smear. Any and all tips for this type of application are welcome. Also, if there is a specific paint that you may have used that you find works the best, please explain. Thanks



MI Builder

James,
Someone else jump in if I am off track but I have just been masking off the area not to be sprayed, and giving it a quick, very light shot of krylon clear acrylic spray. Make sure you let things dry well. As a precaution use a very steady hand using lengthwise strokes over the inscription, trying not to actually touch the insciption area with your epoxy applicator. Just let it "float" the epoxy over the top.Have not had any problems using this proceedure yet.......

So using a gloss enaml (clear coat) over the painted area will protect it from the flexcoat. What about discoloring in the light? Any problems with the clear coat changing color or reacting with the flex coat?

MI Builder

James,
I have not noticed any problems at this point. After the epoxy is applied I can't see any difference between the blank (unsprayed area) and the inscription. I am basing my opinion on about a dozen inscriptions, I am sure there are others that have thousands under the belt.......

James,
As an FYI, I have been using a satin gloss on matte blanks, not sure if this makes a difference or not....

Joe

Joe,
I am using a matte blank, so use the satin gloss, 1coat or 2? Then top with the flex coat? (thin and brush up the rod as opposed to around the rod, and staying off of where the paint is so the flex coat can level itself) Just want to make sure i get this right the first time as i dont have the time to finish another one by thursday.

Thanks,

James


MI Builder

I use Artist's Spray Fixatif over inscriptions. Give it a light coat, let it dry a couple of hours and apply the finish right over it. No smears, no fuss, no worries about letting the brush touch the stuff. What I have is made by Grumbacher, but I think Krylon also makes it. And that's over a Gel pen which will smear badly without it.

I gave been using testors model paint for years to write on the butt section. I also use flex coat to cover it. There is no need to put a coating over the writing. Once the paint is dry it is not going anywhere.

David Banaka

Gerry is correct James,
I have found no need for a second coat, and when I say light coat, I mean a very light coat. All you are trying to do is just "fix" the inscription until you get the epoxy on top of it. It is more of a dusting enough to cover rather than a built up coat. I have not been thinning the flexcoat.

I don't think that we are trying to match a satin fixative to a matte blank, when you put the epoxy on, it quickly turns a matte blank into a gloss blank, even the areas with the Krylon. The satin was just what I had around the shop....

Yes Gerry,
I have tried paint and have been using the same proceedure with gel pens. I have been using a JELLITO brand with a .7 tip, smears like mad but easily comes off with denatured alcohol if you need to fix a goof.

As far as not touching the "fixative", I'm for the most part being overly cautious, but it seems to give me better results as a whole (on wraps also) than bearing down enough to "paint" the epoxy on..... Just the way I have been doing it....... works so far for me, but I'm sure there are many ways to skin this cat...

I have used silver Testors model paint for about 3 dozen rods over 8 years, no sealant, just a couple layers of Flexcoat over it once the paint dries. I use a fine tip caligraphy nib to apply it, and get great results (fine lines, small letters).