Greetings;
I would like to know how you paint your vinyl (rubber band) track? Is there any surface prep that is applied prior to painting? What kind of paint do you use (acrylic or enamel)? I have been told that the enamel paints will never dry on some types of vinyl.
I have been spraying my track with a workable fixative by Grumbacher and then painting with poly-scale acrylics, but on some track as you flex them to install the paint flakes off.
If anyone has a good suggestion please drop me an e-mail or post an answer here for all to read.

Thanks;

ron

I have never had any problem spraying vinyl tracks (all Tamiya though) with gun metal enamel. I don't prime it first either. It's probably not the case, but I just feel the paint will stick better if it's a very thin coat....... Maybe the flaking happens if the paint is put on too thick or in too many layers........

Nic

Ron, about the only time I've experienced problems with vinyl tracks flaking is when I've sprayed the paint on too thick, and too fast, (don't give it a chance to dry). Then I've had flaking problems.

I primarily use Badger acrylics with various washes, but again, if I spray multiple light coats, and leave adequate time for drying, I don't have any problems.

ps: As an aside, iI seems I've have more problems with paint adhesion with Italeri vinyl compared to anyone else.

I dont prime my tracks eather, but I do give them a good washing (warm soapy water) before I spray. For the base color I use Polly Scale acrylic "grimey black" then lightly dry brush Testors acrylic steel. Then a wash or two of whatever color the ground is. Give it a try works pretty good. Scott

I haven't had problems with the spray. I also don't think that enamel paint sprayed lightly and built up gradually will hurt either. Try it on the vinyl track sprue. Painting tracks and mounting them successfully are one of the reasons why I like individual link and link & length.

I haven't had any problems hand brushing tracks--- rust overall then dry-brush with steel with pastel over the top for dust or ground mix for a diorama

ModelMaster Gunmetal Metalizer direclty onto the vinyl track. Dries fast, adheres well and works asa a base for washes and drybrushing.

I was having the same problem. Sabot told me he used some Acrylic clear dull coat on them after he washes the very well. I tried this just a couple days ago and it worked great. I let it dry for 24 hours, then sprayed testors acrylic gunmetal over that and let it dry for the same amount of time. Then I gave it a wash with mineral spirits and oil paints. no flaking so far and last time they flaked at this point. A little dry brushing and then some pastels (trying for the first time) and I am done with the model.

Do you guys feel that the procedureAndrew mentioned would work when it were enamel?

I.e. first clear dull cote (what type?!) and then gunmetal enamel?

What do you guys think is the best color for M1 tracks? I've been putting that track painting off because i've heard so many different ideas on this and warnings about painting.

Thanks,

so u guys are using Testor Metalizer gunmetal gray for the tracks..how about the ones that are not within contact with the sprocks..can u use a little but of rustall? and where..someone please use some illustrations...This is for my Hanomag

Here is a link to a earlier post about this subject.

Gunnie and Scoccia provided some in dept anwsers toghether with some how to .. pictures.

This is a post I have saved on my HD!

How to paint tank threads?