painting canopy on Raptor 60

[CoronaL]

Looking forward to recieving my kit. Want to do a nice paintjob on my canopy, but a bit concerned.
My buddy has a Raptor 60, and not sure what paint he used, but it basically melts off on your hands(fuel related I'm sure). Plus I was told the canopies are made from recycled milk jugs and have a higher petroleum content making painting difficult.

I see in the picture thread some really cool designs and I'd like to make a nice canopy with an airbrush setup I have. Wish to get the right advice though
thx
John

[vandelescrow]

From everything I've read i wouldn't even try painting the stock canopy. Here is one that is vary reasonably priced http://www.heliproz.com/prodinfo.asp?number=805781

[CoronaL]

sweet. And those are paintable then I assume?
Your's is pretty hot btw ;)
John

[vandelescrow]

Here is a different style same price as the other one I posted http://www.heliproz.com/prodinfo.asp?number=085622 As far as I know they are paintable. They have a gell coat so you will have to at least sand it to rough up the surface, probably best to use a cleaner to get any oils or mold off also. But I'm not a painter. Thank you on the coment on the canopy. I came up with the paint scheme and a local body shop actualy did the painting. Everywhere I found on line wanted about $400 to do the paint. The local body shop only charged $85. I'm building a 90 now and will want the same paint scheme for it.

[tricky]

If you use a plastic etch prima then finish the job with automotive 2 pack clear coat then you should have no probs with painting. It also flexes better without cracks etc apperaring. I also use automotive base coats for my colour as theyre cheap and reasonably light onced thinned down. This is what i do with my helis and ive had no probs with paint keying,flaking,spliiting or melting. Just make sure you bake off the clear coat with a heat source, I use infra red lamps that i use for car paint work but a good hair dryier or heat gun turned low should be suffice. Also wet flat the canapy before painting to ensure good key and finish. I wet flat between each layer of paint for best results. also keeps the weight down.