idiots guide to spraying wings

[losichris]

I just want a plain black colour for my wings.
In the past ive done it and its just pealed off !!
Im using black tamiya paint. Whats the steps to getting a good job done.
Also im using Jconcepts wings which have a blue film on....

Cheers

[coleman758]

1) get a Jiffy bag (This is important!)
2) Write my address on the bag
3) take to post office and post
4) il bring a black wing back with your new shell

That's the best way!

Or....

I don't use paint on wings, it scratches of really easy purely because of the abuse they get. Get on eBay get a meter of black vinyl wrap.
You can apply it to the top of the wing, warm it with a hair dryers it will mould to the shape.

Or just leave It clear! That's the easiest way!

[losichris]

yeah think ill leave the wings then, seems too much hassle

hows the shell getting on?

[coleman758]

Just finishing it now pal, Il meet you with it tomorrow.

[losichris]

Originally Posted by coleman758

Just finishing it now pal, Il meet you with it tomorrow.

Thanks alot mate

[gingapaint]

I agree with the above.. but if you must paint wings....

Make sure they are 100% clean, strong dishwasher liquid solution, and rinse properly.

then dust the paint on, first coat should be very, very light, and building up from there, use as little paint as you can get away with.

I tend to mask off endplates, as they get most abuse. Personally i use carbon effect vinyl.

[metalmickey0]

Never had any problems with my wings and dont have clear ones. mainly so i can tell which end is the front a lot easyier and it looks a whole lot better. The only way the paint comes off mine is by some one elses wheels when they hit the power when they tangle with me.

[Mattias]

I think the car looks half finished with a clear wing. The more intricate paintwork, the better. Even if it might not last all that long.

[losichris]

problem im having is when ive painted it, its just flaking off.
literally all you need to do it flick the wing and the paint flies off

[Mattias]

Originally Posted by losichris

problem im having is when ive painted it, its just flaking off.
literally all you need to do it flick the wing and the paint flies off

I suppose you're using paint specifically meant for lexan?
If you do, and it still falls off you might want to try sanding the wing slightly.
Then add several light coats of paint.

[Origineelreclamebord]

I spray my wings as I don't really like the look of clear wings. What I do is:

1. Trim the wing with a Dremel to the desired shape.
2. Get all the painting gear (I only use Tamiya PS paints) ready to go (paint cans thoroughly shaken, cap off) and a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Clean the wing thoroughly with hot water and a good amount of Dishing wash Liquid. I use a tiny bit of water to make the dishing wash liquid less sticky so I can easily rub it all over the wing (also on the overspray). Then I thoroughly rinse it with hot water and rub it while doing so. Your wing and your hands will be degreased thanks to this - it reduces the chances of the wing become greasy again.
3. Dry the wing with the towel. You can also let it dry on itself if you want to prevent one or two dust particles in the paint, but be sure to wash your hands again before painting.
4. Before painting, make sure the wing is well and truly dry, also in the corners.
5. Get the paint can (which was ready to go) and apply very thin layers: One quick pass over each surface of the wing is enough for one layer.
6. Let each layer dry in the sun or close to a heating source (radiator). That way you're ready for the next layer (as long as it's the same colour) within 20 minutes.
7. Repeat the layer process 3-5 times and you should have enough paint on the wing for it to not be transparent.

I used this process on many shells and wings, and I never had paint flaking off (not even this wing that has thick layers of orange and white paint on the left... both below and above the black paint layer as I wanted the splatter effect to be visible on both bottom and top of the wing).

I did have paint rubbing off over time, but that's no surprise. The preparation seems very extensive, but it's really not that bad. All you have to do is walk to your painting gear and back every once in a while. Also, you can do 2-3 wings in one go and you'll spend your time more efficiently.

PS: Do not use white spirit, thinner or other solvents on the polycarbonate. Even if no traces become visible of a reaction, many of these liquids harm the strength of the material, polycarbonate is pretty sensitive to all this stuff.

[losichris]

Thanks alot for that, will give it a go

[Neil Skull]

Would you not also scour the surface to help the paint adhere?

[Origineelreclamebord]

Originally Posted by Neil Skull

Would you not also scour the surface to help the paint adhere?

You could do that as well yeah But to be honest, as I never had paint flaking off the wings - that, and the fact that wings don't last even half a season on my car - I usually skip it

[Freakypen]

If you are using the proper polycarbonate paint it certainly shouldn't flake off- certainly mine don't.
I use the Tamiya polycarbonate spray cans.
Not to state the obvious but make sure you take off the blue overspray film if this is on the side that you want to spray on.
I spray my wings on the underside and I've found that the overspray film on some wings is on this side.
If you spray over this then it will certainly flake off.

[Origineelreclamebord]

Originally Posted by Freakypen

If you are using the proper polycarbonate paint it certainly shouldn't flake off- certainly mine don't.
I use the Tamiya polycarbonate spray cans.
Not to state the obvious but make sure you take off the blue overspray film if this is on the side that you want to spray on.
I spray my wings on the underside and I've found that the overspray film on some wings is on this side.
If you spray over this then it will certainly flake off.

I always paint them from the top (as otherwise the paint rubs off fairly quickly) - It shouldn't matter though which side you paint it from as long as the overspray film is not on the side you want to paint

[U1timate PigDog]

Plenty of advice but thought I'd add my approach most as been said throughout the various posts.

1, remove the film (always spray from the bottom as this is what gives the shine on the view-able side)

2, Scuff and then clean wish hot/warm water and washing up liquid (then dry it obviously)

3, Now the paint (polycarbonate only- highly recommend tamiya but ensure its the correct type as they have cans designs for plastic and the cans are very similar in design)

Nice light dusting coats building up the colour until satisfied. heating as hot as possible with hairdryer after each coat.

4, I personally back my wings using Plastikote clear and again heat with hairdryer. (again light coats) I also leave 24 hours to cure at this point just to be safe.

5, mount and away you go

Best of luck and hope that helps.

[julianb]

+1 for the Plasticoat clear. Even use it on the touring cars as the rear spoiler is the defacto carrying handle!

Lots of light coats, flashed off with a heat gun between coats.

cheers

Ju