Epoxy or gel coat paints

[ECSURFER84]

I have a traxxas spartan that i plan on repainting and giving a new theme. those of you who have one or had know what im talking about, its pretty flemsy. Im trying to find a paint that will stiffen up the hull of the boat since its not a fiberglass constructed boat, its plastic. anyone have any ideas or input on either epoxy paint or gel based? Was thinking about one of these two since they are used on real boats and cars and are flexible preventing cracking or spidering from impact or stress from wake.

thanks in advance

[Chilli]

Gelcoat will crack. Epoxy paint is more durable bit I don't think it will strengthen the hull any.

Where are you in the Old Dominon?

[ECSURFER84]

Really? well dang. so is there any point to use epoxy paint? I live in doswell, work in fredericksburg, but from richmond. Are you in richmond or d.c.?

[ECSURFER84]

i see d.c. from the website now :)

[Chilli]

DC but actually Centreville,VA north of Manassas and South of Dulles Airport.

The epoxy paint I use shoots very well. It lays down flat, is durable (resists chips and scratches) and sticks to most any surface very well. Also resistant to gas and nitro fuel.

We're having a big race in June. We race FE, Nitro and Gas. If you're interested, come on up for the day. All the info is on the club web site.

[ECSURFER84]

Oh ok sweet! Im assuming I need to be registered to race and or a member? How long does a typical lap race last seeing as how fe boats have a short run time? You know of a good place to get those paints? You lay down your color first them spay epoxy clear? Or both epoxy? Any special gun to spray that stuff?

[Chilli]

This is what I've been shooting. I usually get it by mail. http://www.klasskote.com/

On most of my race boats I don't bother with clear. I just use the gloss. The do have a clear though if you want it. I usually shoot yellow so I shoot a coat of white base. They have a white primer but I've never tried it. I usually paint on epoxy sealed wood or fresh gelcoat on a new boat and the paint adhere's so well, I havent used a primer. If a hull has had body work done to it, I probably would though. Any standard gun should work fine. I've had good luck shooting 1:1:1 Color/Catalyst/reducer. Paint atomizes real nice.

To race in run at any of the district ponds, you have to join the IMPBA. That protects the land owner with insurance. We run six laps on a 1/6 Mile Oval so you want to plan on about four minutes (conservatively) of run time. Then you can check your temps and battery life and prop up from there. There is a group that runs down in Smithfield. It's the biggest club in the district and hey hold one day club races once a month. A few guys from the Richmond area go down there for the day. The club is called the Old Dominion Model Boat Association. They have a page on facebook.

[ECSURFER84]

do you mix side a and b at the same time before application? is it the same as regular epoxy glue? whats the purpose of the reducer? i see it thins, but for what?

[ECSURFER84]

how much epoxy would i need?

[Chilli]

There is a data sheet on the web site. You mix A & B and wait a half hour, then mix in the reducer before shooting. The reducer thins out the paint so it shoots nice with a spray gun. BTW, I'm talking a LPHV automotive type gun. If the paint is too thick it will come out like a splatter gun and you'll have a very small pattern.

A half pint of each should be more than enough.

[ECSURFER84]

Oh ok, thanks. I did check out that data sheet. I think im going to put down a layer or two of primer to cover up the graphic that came stock on the boat. Then hit it with new color. I see that the part b is the glossy or whatever finish you want. so makes since not to put down a layer of clear too since thats only duplicating the glossy finish its already getting.

So this is what i have in mind for the boat. I think looks much better than the existing graphicboatnew.jpg

Still not sure if im settled on that color blue, and thinking of stripping the anodized blue off the equipment on the back for a all "chrome" look, only the stinger everything else is being replaced with aluminum finish parts

[Tamelesstgr]

I like the graphic! what about more of a Red/black scheme, like from the Spartan 300 movie?

[ECSURFER84]

thanks! yeah i was going for the sparta theme, however i had no air brushing skills to do what i would like. thought about making the boat grey to make the red and black pop out more. putting a helmet and the spartan logo from the side to the top right down the middle, and shield on the hood over compartment. not sure what else to do on the top of the boat. probably do the red comb on the helmet on top and maybe the red strips through the shield.

[ECSURFER84]

Capture.jpg like this. i'll stick the top part up when i get to it.