Thread: what paint to use for scales?

if i wanted to paint plastic scales, what paint do you guys recommend? i heard someone mention acrylic paint.

The main obstacle with painting plastic is the smooth surface and the resists paint adherence.

It's not that easy but doable.

For starters the plastic needs to be completely greaseless. You can use some dishwasher soap, warm water and rinse well.

Second you need to remove the shiny smooth surface. You can do this by lightly sanding away the top layer but you have to be really careful as to not scratch the surface either. It needs to be uniform and very lightly sanded.

Next I would use a plastic primer. Since plastic scales are flexible you should also use a plastic flex agent.

They sell plastic paint. But any other plastic paint will do if you follow the instructions.

Always apply several thin layers of paint instead of a thick layer.

Personally I would skip trying to paint a whole set of plastic scales. It's more trouble than it's worth.

Trying to paint a small part is more feasible imo.

I'm resurrecting this thread because I'm thinking about painting the inside surface of clear acrylic scales. I'm thinking of whether to use plastic paint, whether roughing up the surface to be painted will prevent the paint from looking smooth from the outside, and generally if it will work. Any ideas?

I think i know what you mean? you want to have the paint show through not the scratches. Try an acid wash, it works in autobody. Low strangth.
Rich