Next, the loads were all washed in preparation for painting. After handling each of the individual loads during assembly, which included filing off the small amount of flash on the ends from the spues, I wanted to remove any dirt and/or oils from my hands. The photo below shows the washed loads.
I went to Home Depot to find a rattle can color that I could use to spray the loads. I had originally intended to just spray the bottoms with the can and then use my airbrush for the tops and sides, but the test load turned out so well that I'm going to use the rattle can for the entire project. Here's the paint I found.
The photo below shows the color on the test load. This paint has a slight sheen to the finish. I'll give everything a coat of Dullcote prior to applying some acrylic washes to add some depth and color variations. Also note that the instructions say the best adhesion to plastic is achieved after allowing the paint to cure for five days.
So far, so good. I think the color will work well with some very light weathering. And the detail on the loads is impressive, from the grain on the boards on top to the variations in the ends and sides. More to come on this project.
Tom, Great post! As a major originating carrier for these loads (SP in Oregon), I have boxes of these loads. I have been mulling how to finish them as I tended to other tasks (like one of my major sawmill complexes). Your post will help kick me into production.
ReplyDeleteDid you look at the Rustoleum "chalked" paint line for a suitable color? I have had good luck with a couple of their grays for concrete and a brown as a base for weathered wood loading docks. The "chalked" paint comes out pretty flat. I sometimes finish with Dullcote, other times I don't bother, especially if I have used weathering powders--that seems to increase the flat.
All to the good, though. Glad to see you working on what, of me, is a core part of my rail traffic.
Bill Decker
Bill,
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Rust-Oleum's chalked paints. I've used a number of colors in their Camouflage line and these dry with a super flat finish. I couldn't find a suitable color in this line, though. I'll have to check out the chalked paints- thanks for the suggestion.
My biggest concern with the rattle cans was that the paint would go on too heavily. Fortunately, at least with this line, that's not the case. And the lighter color really brings out the detail in the loads.
Tom