Getting the paint to stick to the window...

[DSM-Mark]

... am I missing something here? It seems like whenever I use those window masks and spray TS-29 semigloss black on the inside, when I remove the masks, 1/16th of an inch of paint comes with the mask. I'm quite sick of this happening!! I've tried running a knife blade along the edge of the masking, but can never get a perfect trace. Am I missing something with this paint adhesion? Maybe you have to really wash window pieces before you spray? I'm also contemplating using a Duplicolor clear primer designed for automotive plastics. Good/bad idea?

[DSM-Mark]

Here's the can of plastic adhesion promoter I was talking about.




I just tried a test spray on some clear sprue, and it basically instantly fogged up. Not cool, but that may be ok if you spray black behind it... I don't know. That may be test spray #2.

[primera man]

How long do you leave the mask on for?
You should apply the mask and spray each coat about 5 minutes apart untill fully covered.
Leave untill the paint goes tacky then remove.
Sounds like you are leaving the masking on to long.
When you remove it the paint is to dry therefore pulling the paint with it.

[DSM-Mark]

Originally Posted by primera man

How long do you leave the mask on for?
You should apply the mask and spray each coat about 5 minutes apart untill fully covered.
Leave untill the paint goes tacky then remove.
Sounds like you are leaving the masking on to long.
When you remove it the paint is to dry therefore pulling the paint with it.

True. I let the whole works dry after the last coat before removing the masks... about 30 mins. I don't like handling tacky paint... but if that's how it's got to be....

Thanks.

[RallyRaider]

I agee with the PMan, remove the mask before the paint has fully cured. You should handle the part by the edges to aviod touching the fresh paint. Sometimes I leave a fingerhold or tab of masking tape on the window to make handling the part easier.

Sounds a bit dangerous using a spray can to paint the windows! Or do you decant it and shoot it through an airbrush?

[DSM-Mark]

Originally Posted by RallyRaider

I agee with the PMan, remove the mask before the paint has fully cured. You should handle the part by the edges to aviod touching the fresh paint. Sometimes I leave a fingerhold or tab of masking tape on the window to make handling the part easier.

Sounds a bit dangerous using a spray can to paint the windows! Or do you decant it and shoot it through an airbrush?

What's dangerous about it?

[RallyRaider]

Perhaps the word "dangerous" was overstating the case somewhat. I just think that a can doesn't allow the same control as an airbrush and could lead to unwanted overspray. If it works for you though, no problem.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

I'll opine that it's probably a combination of problems.

First, that the area isn't squeaky clean. Second, that the masking is left on too long. Third, that the paint buildup itself is rather thick because it's from a spray can. I have no trouble at all masking the windows, airbrushing Tamiya flat or semigloss black, and immediately removing the masks, as the paint is usually dry to the touch by the time I sit down to remove the masking. I've resisted using spray cans for this as I find the control of the airbrush better for detail painting.