Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: Sugar on December 15, 2010, 09:15:27 pm

Title: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Sugar on December 15, 2010, 09:15:27 pm
Hi guys, does anyone know if it is possible to airbrush sails?

I have a Kyosho Seawind and would love to customise the sails with a bit of airbrushing.

Would the paintwork end up cracking over a period of time?

Would you need to clearcote the artwork?

What type of paint would be preferable? Techniques?

I've seen some of the sails that the Brazilians, Chileans, Mexicans have and I'm impressed with the vibrant colour schemes they have.

Thanks in advance,
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Roadrunner on December 15, 2010, 10:52:27 pm
To be fair i have no clue as to painting sails i would asusme it would crack in no time using paint.

 There are however methods to decorate material using material pen's ( these have a rubber foam in like the t-shirts logos) a bit rubbery but may do the job,

 You could look at staining the sails if there a material that can take a stain or you could make a new set of sails using the right fabric using different colours and sew in the pattern you desire.

my 2 pennys worth but i doubt its even worth 2p  {-) %%
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: tigertiger on December 16, 2010, 01:23:44 am
I have seen logos on sails by manufacturers, and so it is possbile.
I am not sure how it is done though. But at least you know you are not chasing the holy grail.
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Lord Bungle on December 16, 2010, 01:31:49 am
what are the sails made of?
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: tigertiger on December 16, 2010, 06:51:06 am
The logos I am thinking of are ripstop synthetic. Probably nylon.

I have also seen people dye sails with an acrylic wash, but this is for general dying of an area in one colour, and not for decals.
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: grasshopper on December 16, 2010, 09:26:16 am
Could you use material dye and paint it on that way, either by airbrushing or possibly using the 'Batik' method popular in the indonesian area, a bit like the old 'tie-dye' method from the 70's ?
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Sugar on December 16, 2010, 08:09:04 pm
I've seen truckloads of airbrushed T-shirts which have lasted years without cracking up. But then again, I have seek some real crappy t-shirts too.

I won't know what the sails are made of until Xmas day.

Cheers,

Sugar
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: midnightblues on December 16, 2010, 08:20:19 pm
Hi

Not sure how useful this is but there is a wide range of colours for painting both vinyl and leather seats commonly used in the auto industry.  i have used this in the past its designed to be very flexible and is waterproof.  I feel fairly sure it will do the job but there is no way it could be airbrushed on without thinning down and therfore weakening its strength.

Gary
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: tobyker on December 17, 2010, 12:39:19 am
permanent felt pen (Stadtler Lumograph) on ripstop nylon?
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: tigertiger on December 17, 2010, 07:16:19 am
I have just come back from my Home Depot (yes we have them in China) and seen BEHR paints Premium/Premier Plus paints.
They were sprayed onto a rubber balloon. The masked line was very crisp. The paint had gone into the rubber and was not just a build up on the surface.

This is household paint.
I believe these paints are water based acrylic, but I stand to be corrected.

I would assume that both Nylon and Dacron are more stable than rubber.
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Netleyned on December 17, 2010, 03:01:54 pm
Looking at some rtr types Thunder Tiger,Hobby Engine etc, the sails appear to be screen printed.
I think I would ask the Mexicans about airbrushing!

Ned
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: terryyacht on December 17, 2010, 08:04:36 pm
Hi
I have sprayed colour onto micro magic, and seawind sails.
Only very light spray but still no sign of wear after 2 years.
I used Halford acrylic paint.
Foresail is high viz yellow, so I know which way it is going at the other side of the lake.
Regards
Terry
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: knoby on December 17, 2010, 08:08:51 pm
Try Googling fabric paints. there are loads of different types available, buy I guess it really depends what your sails are made from. never painted sails, but swmbo has used fabric paint on clothes & it seems to last well

Cheers Glenn
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: triumphjon on December 17, 2010, 09:29:41 pm
i think id ask in a local artists or craft supply shop as they are more likely to have come across this sort of request before ?
Title: Re: Info Required About Painting Sails
Post by: Hammer on December 21, 2010, 10:24:13 am
I have used artist acrylic paint successful. To show old and repaired sails. Use thinly or is will stiffen the sail. Hammer.