Painting foamboard

by Thorsclaw | January 1, 2015 | (0) Posted in Tips

For most people a plain white or black plane just doesn't cut it so everybody paints their planes. Because I didn't have and rattle cans I decided to try regular house paint to see if it was a good option. 

Water based/latex paint  

BAD 

Because the paint is water based as you apply it it delaminates from the foam

.

After it dries the paper shrinks back and looks fine but is pretty weak otherwise. The bubbling is a bit hard to see but there nonetheless is you were to seal the edges of the plane with hot glue then this might be a fine alternative to rattle cans 

 

Clean up however is super easy just rinse your brushes

 

Oil based paint 

EXCELENT!

This is exactly like sealing your plane with minwax except you save weight and time by painting it at the same time. As you can see the foam board is waterproof

The downside however is smell messy clean up with paint thinner

 

Conclusion 

Both paints have their pros and cons I think that the oil based is better if you were to go out and buy some, however most people have some latex paint lying around so this might be a good option. 

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COMMENTS

dharkless on January 7, 2015
I use oil based spray cans as well. I think I get inpatient and a little heavy handed at times. I sometimes get rippling but no delamination. The paint does raise the nap on the paper. I have found that just rubbing with a bare hand removes the fibers without having to re-coat.
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abieex on January 5, 2015
I still seal the plane with MinWax oil base and then allow to dry for 4 or 5 days. Once completely dry I use latex based paint diluted 50% with water thru my airbrush with good results. I get my colors from Lowes or Home Depot in sample jars for a couple of dollars each and have hundreds of choices and shades. I generally mix it one full water bottle at a time and save what I don't use for touch ups and repairs. So far its the best method I have found. Happy Flying!
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rick_harriss on January 5, 2015
I have great success with ordinary spray cans. Spray thinly in several coats to make sure the paint is as thin as possible. works great - no delam and you can spray relatively hidden areas.
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Duncan on January 26, 2015
I have found that using a spray primer in several light coats works best for me. Raw foam will react to the primer if the coats are too thick. I can airbrush color as I like with no problems. This does add to the overall weight of the aircraft.
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Painting foamboard