Automotive Paint

[MepeS11]

I've been asking around (as some of you know) but I figured I'd try on here again...any one ever use automotive paint on their foam builds, and how well did it work? Any tricks to it? I will not be the one doing it, I can't be around any kind of paint right now, but I'd still like to know to pass it on to my husband ( serenko3 ) or for future use.. ?

 

[Dirtdives2424]

Most automotive paint that I know of usually gets baked on to a vehicle so using that on EVA........you might end up with a puddle of goo. I would stick with either latex as it has more flex and give.

 

[MepeS11]

Most automotive paint that I know of usually gets baked on to a vehicle so using that on EVA........you might end up with a puddle of goo. I would stick with either latex as it has more flex and give.

I know others have done it, and the foam would be covered with Bondo or (serenko3 what's that other stuff called, I can't remember) first...

 

[SI3RRA 117]

I used automotive paint from a can on my foam build turned out great. I brought my H3 legendary helmet down there. they color matched it and put it in a spray can. I can't remember what it was, I'll look and see when I get home from work. Pretty sure I just used rustoleum silver, sprayed the green(Unknown automotive paint)and then black washed everything

 

[Dirtdives2424]

Then I stand corrected.......I haven't used automotive paint so I was only speaking from what I knew of such.

 

[SI3RRA 117]

Dirtdives my post wasn't directed towards what you posted. Sorry if it came off as such. I was just stating what I had used. Plus the paint I used wasn't really true automotive paint I suppose. No reducers or catalysts needed. It was basically just a color matched ready to spray can that they offer.

 

[Cadet]

I know others have done it, and the foam would be covered with Bondo or (serenko3 what's that other stuff called, I can't remember) first...

Covering EVA foam with Bondo will not end up working. One of the primary reasons people use EVA foam is its inherent flexibility. Bondo or other automotive body fillers dry extremely rigid, almost brittle. If you put Bondo on top of EVA foam, the first time the foam flexs, the Bondo will chop or crack off.

There are some products from Smooth On that I am lead to understand can harden and increase the rigidty of EVA foam, however those will be specialty products available only from that company, and I can not speak to their use, as I have not used them myself.

As for automotive paints, there are several different kinds available. There are some automotive paints that must be heated to be set, but automotive stores also sell "rattle can" varieties that work like normal spray paint, there are also air brush varities of automotive paint as well.

Both the rattle can and air brush types of automotive paint should work just fine with EVA foam, as long as it has been properly sealed with plasti dip, or mod podge, or another method, and you understand you might be in for constant touch ups if the paint flecks or cracks as the fian flexes.

 

[Dirtdives2424]

Dirtdives my post wasn't directed towards what you posted. Sorry if it came off as such. I was just stating what I had used. Plus the paint I used wasn't really true automotive paint I suppose. No reducers or catalysts needed. It was basically just a color matched ready to spray can that they offer.

No....not at all......I just never hear of automotive paint being used for this....and the only auto paint (tired of typing out the full word)....needed to be baked.

 

[Reclaimara]

Definitely stand with Cadet, never use bondo on foam.
As for automotive paint - I never used it myself but I've seen multiple people spraying cans and it turned out well.
But I guess you'd have to inform yourself if that particular paint you'll be getting will work and doesn't need to be baked.

 

[SI3RRA 117]

Yes agreed no bondo on foam... but as for flexibility of paint ....... I think this applies to most paints on foam, you want very light coats. Heavy coats on an area with a lot of flex will crack, I speak from experience on this. But when I keep the coats very thin I have no cracking even when flexed. And the stuff that I used was the paint that worked like normal spray paint. You'll want to paint a week or so in advance with this stuff too. The fumes take quite some time to go away, so not a good choice in a time crunch.

 

[MepeS11]

We used a resin and bondo mix (AFTER the foam was sealed obviously) and had/have no issues on the suits it was done with (that armor has taking a beating, and is still in pretty good shape! no cracking or breaking on that front) ...so idk, but that's the plan again so far.... I don't know what particular paint I want yet, just looking for ideas, I'll have to try the stuff you can spray on, I was thinking airbrush but I'll have to ask the local automotive paint dealer what the differences are... SI3RRA 117 I'll make sure it's done way in advance, I can't be around the fumes myself right now! Thanks for the tip!!!