I have a Walthers Blue Star Concrete Plant kit I assembled a few years ago. I would like to paint it using a rattle can (then hand paint details like yellow railings) and would like to hear suggestions as to appropriate color in general and any specific recommendations regarding brand/color. Thanks all.
Regards, Chris
Hi Chris. A common industrial color like a light gray or a medium blue (like Ford engine blue) for the main building in my mind would be the most appropriate. As for brand, I'm probably not much sophisticated help since I don't have an airbrush nor a hobby shop anywhere remotely close that would have hobby branded spray paints. I'm pretty well limited to Rustoleum and Krylon.
Good luck.
Mike
Thnx Mike.
Hello All,
No matter what brand or color of "rattle can" paint you use I recommend the "Bane-Marie" method.
Place the can in a tall cylindrical container at least as deep as the top seam of the can.
Fill the container with hot tap water- -do not use boiling water!
Every 30 seconds to a minute remove the can and shake well.
Return the can to the container and refresh with hot tap water.
The goal is to get the can the same temperature as the water.
You may have to make a few changes of water depending on where you store the can.
The slight heating of the paint in the can allows for finer mist and slightly increases the pressure in the can for better coverage. (By using hot tap water the pressure in the can does not increase to a dangerous level.)
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Interesting, I've never heard of that. I'll keep that in mind.
Gidday Chris, firstly I'd like to endorse jjdamnits method of dealing with commercial spray cans, though being lazy I find leaving the can sitting in full sun on a window sill can almost have a similar result.
As for colour, well that depends on the regions geography, I noted up in the islands, the concrete was very white due to the coral content. It also depends on the natural weathering, the tilt slab concrete hanger built next to mine several years ago, being a prime example.
As brands here can differ from those in the States, I see that "Rust-Oleum" has a good selection of greys, some even with rust preventive properties!
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Thnx Bear, but if I read your comments correctly I think you are referring to the concrete produced in the facility? I'm interested in painting the building itself. Regardless, thanks for the response.
My apologies, Chris. I was thinking of the local plants which have a reasonable amount of concrete in their construction.
Everything depends on skill level. The easiest to use is a cheap flat paint, then add any weathering you want and seal it with clear coat that matches the finish you want. The reason for this is flats dry faster so you are less likely to over spray it and build up spray to hide detail. My go to spray used to be Kmart (gone), then Orchard Supply (gone) now Walmart cheap flat. It is getting harder to find cheap browns and rusts but white grey and black are common.