Repainted this Vapalux with a rattle can from halfords but as you can see it didn't fair well after a bit of clumsy refuelling. Anyone recommend anything better?
Did you protect the paint with a clear covering? Most paints will suffer the same effects if not protected.
Ermm, No. So is there a particular clear coat to go for or is just a case that anything is better than nothing?
Paint need protection from not only fuel spills but knocks and bumps etc. Paint that hasn't had a clear lacquer placed over it will generally chip and mark easily, the clear lacquer helps protect against such disasters. That is true for most paints in most situations including paint on cars. There are many brands of clear lacquer available in aerosol cans that would be fine for your application. If you use a high heat primer and paint you can also get high heat clear lacquer that can be cured in your oven. Do not use a standard primer and paint then high heat lacquer and bake. It will not work as the base coats will peel off.
As a model flyer I've built and painted a lot of models. Used to use (oil base) Dulux Gloss Enamel tiny tins and Humbrol model paints, other brands would fail regularly when exposed to fuel spills with (methanol Castor oil) or (Ether kero Castor). If fuel had nitro methane added it would affect most paints unless sealed with a fuel proof lacquer. Paint formula's have changed over the years though and wouldn't be sure the current paints are the same.
Thanks guys, shall take more care in future when choosing paint, and also when refuelling in the dark. Trouble is when the juice runs out you can't see what you're doing cause the lights go out!
I have had good luck using Dupli-Color's clear engine enamel over non-fuel proof paints. I normally cure founts in the oven at 200 degrees F for 30-45 minutes before applying the next coat. I've used the dupli-color fuel-proof clear over Rustoleum non-fuel-proof colors without any problem so long as the color coat was completely cured. If you can't oven cure it let it air dry for at least 30 days before applying the clear.
If I remember right Halfords also sell their own brand fuel resistant clear laquer in a rattle can which should fit the bill just nicely!
