repainting

[John Evans]

I bought a large model covered with film not sure which type of covering. Would like to paint over the film. What would be the best solution.

[Glenn Masters]

John . . I've just painted over glossy oracover with some success using Prymol as an etching coat. Its really thin and goes on readily dabbing with a sponge, or better a thin spray coat. I was amazed how the new paint went on. I used halfords rattle cans of a thin coat of colour followed by a spray can of their matt lacquer for a top coat. This was only a small electric model but I cant see why it wouldn't be just as good on a bigger plane. I'd avoid a gloss topcoat as its not a very flattering look to the film covered finish.

[Paul Savage 1568]

I've done this a number of times with reasonable success. The most recent subject was a Black Horse Corsair. Firstly, I use a scouring cream and a green scouring pads to gently key the surface. Don't be too aggressive or you risk going the the covering, especially over open structure parts of the air frame. You only need to take the shine off and then clean thoroughly. This can normally be achieved with just scouring cream and soft cloth.

Halfords rattle can grey primer sticks amazingly well and only a couple of very light coats are needed. One more very light sanding with 1200 grit wet and dry used wet and you're ready for top coat. Again, Halfords rattle can paint, either gloss or satin will stick to the prepared surface. The end result will generally be petrol proof but if your using a nitro fueled glow engine then a coat of fuel proof spray should be added.

Hope this helps.