Paper Model Protection Question

[GregGleason]

I posted this to some of you who have built paper models, since this is somewhat related.

Part of one of my son's Pinewood Derby car is paper, like the printer paper that goes into a home inkjet printer. The paper is over painted wood, affixed with 3M Super 77 Aerosol Adhesive. Is there anything that I should spray over it to protect it?

Greg

[El Cheapo]

Any clear coat with UV protection or that is UV resistant is about all I can think of. Make sure it has the UV protection or it will yellow pretty quick.

[Bob H]

I posted this to some of you who have built paper models, since this is somewhat related.

Part of one of my son's Pinewood Derby car is paper, like the printer paper that goes into a home inkjet printer. The paper is over painted wood, affixed with 3M Super 77 Aerosol Adhesive. Is there anything that I should spray over it to protect it?

GregI usually spray my paper models with a clearcoat because at various times they are subject to moisture. I've used Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic, Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel, and various cheap brands (Wal-mart Color Place, etc.)of clear coats in acrlyic or enamel, both glossy and semi gloss.

All seem to work about the same, it soaks into the paper and doesn't really give much of a gloss finish although I just give a couple light coats to seal the ink. I haven't tried to go over it with multiple coats to try and make it glossy.

If you don't expect it to get wet you could skip the clearcoat.

If you decide to clearcoat it, make sure the clearcoat you choose is compatible with the paint you have on the rest of the car.

[gpoehlein]

One more thing - if you want to use Future to get a really high gloss, be sure to spray any paper with a clear coat first - Future on paper (computer paper, cardstock, etc.) will discolor the paper when sprayed or brushed without some sort of barrier.

Greg

[GregGleason]

I was thinking that a couple of light coats of acrylic spray would work. I am not going for a high-gloss finish, just something to get it through race day this Saturday.

Greg

[gpoehlein]

I was thinking that a couple of light coats of acrylic spray would work. I am not going for a high-gloss finish, just something to get it through race day this Saturday.

Greg

That's what I usually use - I like the Ceramcoat Matte Clear Acrylic - the matte finish is nice on the rockets and the Acrylic protects the ink from the inkjet printer (You need something or the slightest moisture - a bit of dew on the grass or some unmelted snow - will smear your ink. A coat or two of acrylic clearcoat, whether flat, matte or gloss, will protect your rocket for years.

Greg

[GregGleason]

Just a postscript on how the Pinewood Derby went a couple of weeks ago:

Tiger Cubs: 2nd Place, Silver Surfer

Webelos 1: 2nd Place, Jimmie Johnson's No. 48

Greg