5 replies to this topic

[chasbeeman]

I recently heard about using a hairdryer when painting lexan. I have used one for drying paint between coats but unsure if heating the lexan will improve adhesion. Please share your knowledge and expertise in this area! Thanks

[slotcarone]

I always scuff up the inside of the body with scotch Brite pad before painting it. I have never had the paint peel doing this. You do not see the scratches. I also use a hair dryer to cure the paint.

[Brian Czeiner]

The heat won't exactly improve adhesion which gets achieved during curing. A hair dryer improves drying time for the next coat or handling. I don't know if it creates a shorter cure time or not. My personal belief is curing is a chemical interaction between the two materials and can't be rushed. Scuffing the body will improve adhesion as mentioned in post #2

[slotcarone]

The hair dryer dries the paint in about 10 seconds for a thin coat. Set on medium. Never any problems.

[team burrito]

 My personal belief is curing is a chemical interaction between the two materials and can't be rushed.

the hair dryer just speeds up the process in-between coats. it's not the same as painting models from the outside. i do allow the paint to fully cure for at least 1/2 hour before trimming the body - taking off the body masks is okay.

[Bill from NH]

Not knowing what plastic was used, but people used to claim the older Kelly bodies would wrinkle & roll up when you applied heat while painting. That caused me to buy other brands.