Shell sealer - will this work ?

[andys]

My missus bought a can of this from Lidel the other day - looks similar to the Platicote stuff but about half the price.

Anyone used it ?
Will it be ok ?

Says it's clear - for plastics etc....

[jayst]

just paint a piece of lexan and test it

[Wynney]

I have some plastikote stuff, but never used it on a shell. Will it flex enough to last? Is it ok on water based paint?

[andys]

Originally Posted by Wynney

I have some plastikote stuff, but never used it on a shell. Will it flex enough to last? Is it ok on water based paint?

Plastikote is what everyone uses - I think... I was sceptical about it too to begin with, but it seems to work ok.

This stuff looks similar, so I simply wondered if anyone has any experience with it above and beyond testing it on a scrap of lexan.....

[Wynney]

An great, have to give it a go! Do seal before or after removing the window masks?

[Mike Parker]

Hey Andy, I would test it on a painted scrap piece of lexan definately to make sure it doesn't react... Also flexibility could be an issue too, you never know.

Probably best to stick with tried & tested gear tbh

[AndyG]

leave the window masks on else it dulls the windows.

I'm all for finding a cheap alternative to stuff ... I mean like say Findus beef lasagne, just like the real thing and half the price!

[julianb]

Made the mistake of backing chrome (and the remaining waterbased paint), with Plasticoat satin black. Worked fine on the waterbased paint, but weakened the adhesion of the chrome. In a crash, the chrome flaked off.

So, make sure everything is backed in waterbased first, then it should be fine.

cheers

J

[andys]

I'll try it on some scrap lexan

Seems to me like you need to put on quite a bit of plastikote to properly seal a shell and it ain't cheap.

How did we end up using plastikote anyway - one would have thought it would be crap as it's not designed for lexan - and is something you buy at B&Q !

[AndyG]

meh, I've done loadsa shells and still on can #1

[richie.]

I'm guessing this is stop help stop scratching? I've just painted my new shell and my question to you guys is can I line the inside ith duck tape? I have some wide black tape but don't want to ruin what I have done so far!

[andys]

Originally Posted by AndyG

meh, I've done loadsa shells and still on can #1

My can has gone down very quickly since switching to water based paints - they seem very susceptible to being scratched off compared with the solvent paints I was using.

Also- you seem to need quite a few coats to get a nice covering.

Mr Parker - what's your Plastikoting workflow ?

On my own shells I always use some white 'cricket bat tape' on the insides as well (search for it on ebay) - it's great and helps the shells last years. I just run a length along the sides of the car and pop a piece where the body touches the chassis - like on the body post mounts.

[eyeayen]

Originally Posted by richie.

I'm guessing this is stop help stop scratching? I've just painted my new shell and my question to you guys is can I line the inside ith duck tape? I have some wide black tape but don't want to ruin what I have done so far!

Don't use duct tape if you're running Nitro, it will melt with the heat. You can buy Aluminium tape from Screwfix and similar places, not cheap at about a tenner a roll ( although if shop around you'll find it cheaper in a variety of places ) but it's decent stuff !