bronze pipes

[sergebroom]

If you want to make a section of PVC pipe look like it's made of bronze, is it better to spray on something onto the plastic before spraying on the actual finish? Yes, I could ask the person in charge of paint at the nearby superduperhardware store, but I don't really expect them to know paint from a pint.

Comments

[readinggeek451]

(Speaking totally without any real knowledge, here:) Maybe you should rough it up with sandpaper so the paint sticks better?

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Good idea. By the way, if you make it to this year's worldcon, it's possible that you'll see why I asked about this.

[readinggeek451]

I'll definitely be at Worldcon; I hope to see you there. (Actually, I think we're both helping Susan with her big Masquerade project.)

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

So you are going? Then we will definitely meet.

[kathryn-ironic.livejournal.com]

"plastic bonding paint"

So says the guy who makes the spiffy cool PVC chain mail that I saw at the Maker Faire. His Instructable is here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/SAVC1K0F7PCMZBW/allstepslogin

I know for Burning Man they ask people not to use ordinary paint / painting methods for PVC, because it easily flakes off.

Here are some folks in the Finishing industry talking about it--they also mention using special paints, epoxy, and other 'not the usual' methods:
http://www.finishing.com/180/80.shtml

Also, while sanding it first is supposed to help, in my (one) experience it doesn't, at least with ordinary acrylic paint and spray paint.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Kathryn... Now, if I manage to get my act together...

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

sanding it first is supposed to help, in my (one) experience it doesn't

May I ask what your one experience was?

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

One other suggestion: find your local model-building club or hobby shop that supplies model builders, and ask them. Or miniature painters from your local gaming shop. What you're discussing here is the same kind of special-effects issue that a lot of them spend a lot of time doing.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I've never seen any such shop in this town, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The local SF club is meeting 2 weeks from now. I'll ask them.