Stryker Sanding & Painting

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2K Fun Stryker Build

I like to sand first with 220 wet/dry sandpaper, I wrap the sandpaper around a block of foam then sand in the sink with running water to flatten out most of the mold marks. Tip: Be careful with edges of sandpaper, it loves to catch in areas like servo holes, channels and where wings meet bay area, it will catch and gouge holes in foam. Then I fill in any imperfections with spackling paste. As far as I know there are only 2 kinds you can buy, "patch-n-paint" or "fast and final". I found the patch-n-paint had a slightly creamier texture so thats what I use. Sand everything smooth and its time to paint.

The old rules for painting EPP foam: You can use enamel or acrylic paints but dont use cans of spray paint that contain chemicals such as (acetone/toluene) as they will melt foam. Most water based paints will work fine but always test paint first on a junk piece of foam and wait a couple hours to see the effects.

The new rules for painting Z-Foam: You can use spray paint. I tested it myself and it didnt seem to have any reaction to the z-foam fuse. As a precaution being not all spray paints have the same chemicals its best to try on some spare foam. Painting directly on bare foam wont give the best quality paint job as the tiny foam fibers show leaving a fuzzy looking paint job. For a more professional looking paint job the foam should be sealed before/after with something like minwax polyurethane leaving a totally smooth/glossy surface for paint. Glassing would probably be the best option cuz you get a smooth surface and stronger fuse at same time. Tip: Mixwax polyurethane (waterbased) comes in Qt. can or Spray can, both the same price. The spray can is excellent for clear coating your paint job, goes on fast and heavy and you may get 3 planes from one can. I should also mention that it scares the hell outta you when you see it splatter out instead of spraying out and the area you just sprayed turns all white. Dont worry thats normal, when it dries its goes back to clear. The Qt. can will last alot longer (dont turn white:) and you can choose how thick/thin you want it using a brush. Applying glass it must be brushed on, the spray wont work.

Of coarse if you have an air brush use it, air brush paint dont react to foam. Meijers sells small plastic bottles of Permanent Acrylic Paint for $1 each. I bought 4 of the brightest neon colors: orange, red, black, yellow and a small artists paint brush set for $1. I used a pencil to lightly trace out design on plane and painted in the design. I add a few drops of water to paint in a tiny cup to thin it out so it gets good coverage with no brush marks. A lite coating of min wax after painting will protect and bring the paint to life. The design is also the key to a visible plane

(Also see Paint Designs)