Thread: how do you fuel proof rc artwork

I fly rc planes and would like to do some airbrushing on my planes. I have a good selection of auto air so I would like to use that for my artwork. I was wondering how I would fuel proof it. I tried clearing over with some urethane that I had laying around on a test piece before I ruined my plane but the 2-stroke nitro fuel just ate through it when I put some on it. What can I use to clear over it and fuel proof it?

Most planes are made of balsa and covered with a plastic covering that is shrunk wrapped on. The covering is colered already and not clear like the lexan rc car bodies. The instructions say it can be painted as long as you scuff it first. So if I did my airbrush work on top of the covering what type of clear coat could I apply to fuel proof it. Thanks for your reply

have you tried rustoleum clear or any polyurethane based paints ,polyurethanes are lil tougher than urethanes

If you want it to last, you will have to use a 2 part automotive clear. Top Flight makes a Lustrecoat rattlecan clear that is supposed to be good up to 15% Nitro, but it sprays like crap and doesn't lay down glass smooth like a good automotive clear will. If you spray it on too thick it can craze and then starts looking like junk. All the rc helicopter painters use automotive clear, because they get fuel and exhaust on everything and the paint jobs just won't hold up. 2 Part auto clear is very toxic, and you must use the proper equipment when spraying it or you will shorten your lifespan drastically.

I used two part urethane clear for my test to see if it would hold up to the nitro fuel. It was dupont urethane and after leaving the nitro sit on it for a while it ate into the paint and ruined the finish. It went from a nice shiny clear finish to a dulled out finsh that was ruined by the nitro. I don't know what kind of paint would work. I tried testing the nitro on the urethane finsh about three hours after applying the urethane. The only thing I can think of is maybe the urethane would have been more fuel proof if I let it cure even longer but I don't know how that could be possible. This stuff cures hard enough to buff out after only 1-and a half hours.

full cure takes at least 7 to 10 days

thanks maybe I'll try again and make another test piece. I was wondering if there is another paint you could recomend for a clear. It is my understanding that two part urethane should be sprayed using a fresh air respirator. I only have your basic respirator with the two cannisters, one on each side. I would rather find something less toxic and extend my life a little. Would laquer work ? I know you can spray it with a respirator like mine.

I've not done any R/C but my cousin is a long time R//C plane and helicopter flier and he said the have a 2 part Epoxy clear that is used. He couldn't remember the name.