Painting Plastic Wheels?

[OldFrogga]

Hi guys,

I"m kinda new at painting RC cars so please be kind to the noobie! I know some of you guys prefer to dye your plastic wheels and stuff but if i wanted to paint them do i need to use a plastic primer if using the Tamiya brush on paint? or can i just clean the surface's really good and paint em up?

Cheers,

-AD

[30cms]

i have always just sprayed directly onto the (clean) plastic with no bother whatsoever, using the TS Tamiya paints.

However if I use automotive paint, then I tend to use some plastic primer, to err on the side of caution

[SteelRat]

I find it generally depends on the native colour of the wheels.

If they're white, paint em straight as they are.

If they're black, primer helps the colour you're painting on look better - particularly if you're going black -> chrome.

[30cms]

If they're black, primer helps the colour you're painting on look better - particularly if you're going black -> chrome.

that is indeed sound advice

the primer colour can have great effect on your top coat

sometimes a base of a different colour can have great effects on the top coat too

red goes good over a yellow base, etc. there is probably a guide to show what colours suit each colour

unless of course you just lash it on not recommended

one more tip - give the spray paint plenty time to harden before you get the tyres on, or you'll fetch it off!!

rattle can paint needs 7 days to go fully hard, although touch dry in a matter of hours.

[SteelRat]

one more tip - give the spray paint plenty time to harden before you get the tyres on, or you'll fetch it off!!

rattle can paint needs 7 days to go fully hard, although touch dry in a matter of hours.

Yeah for some reason silver / chrome paint takes a lot longer to dry than it's coloured counterparts - I would imagine that's something to do with metallic component of the paint?

I usually leave my wheels a good 24-48 hours before even attempting to put the tyres on - especially if they're a tight fit. Otherwise you get finger prints and smudging all over the place and it looks terrible. I have discovered this to my cost more than once before now

[30cms]

also paint the white lettering last!

spent ages doing the lettering on my hotshot tyres. then fitted them. then had to do it again!

you live and learn, i guess.

for painting small parts, clear a space in the airing cupboard / central heating / hot water tank room and smuggle them in without the wife seeing

beware though, tamiya paint stinks a bit. personally i like the smell - it means stuff got painted. however my good lady fails to share my enthusiasm

[OldFrogga]

Excellent info thanks guys

[gothcat]

I sprayed straight on to the plastic (good wash in warm soapy water) with humbrol acrylic then a clear acrylic and it worked fine

Did it in several coats and left them a full three days to dry. The coverage will depend on the wheel colour as the other guys said

[Brooklyn Nights]

When I painted the wheels on my King Cab/Clod cross I used plastikote paint spray! Works mint and sprays straight on to clean plastic wheels or abs shells!

Cheers

Rich