priming poly styrene, exterior use

ckoch

I'm planning on using poly styrene on an outdoor arts project, and I'm wondering if setcoat is my best primer for using the plastic in out door setting.
I'm planning on painting the polystyrene and even sealing it with a clear coat. (The plastic will be bent and such (making pinwheels) and will need to survive outdoors for about 3-4 months. (spring into summer)

Should I investigate a different primer?

thank you for any advice!

paintchick · Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:24 pm Post subject:

I don't see why the Setcoat wouldn't work. I used it on the bumpers of my van. The only concern I can think of is the movement of the styrene and the weather. It may not last for a real long time, but it's certainly worth a try.

Janie

Virginie · Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 6:43 am Post subject:

You girls are so adventurous with your setcoat!

Like Janie, I think setcoat is fine (let it cure a few days beforerecoating) for the first coat but I would use and outdoor grade paint or texture to go over it and sealing with c-500.
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Virginie

Silver Leaf · Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 3:57 pm Post subject: Setcoat durability outdoors

Hi,

I just noticed this topic and have some experience to add to it. I have been experimenting using Setcoat outdoors for several years. I haven't had any call for this from clients but I was curious whether it would stand up to the elements (I believe that Faux Effects says that it is rated for exterior use). My first experiment was with a cast resin statue. I wanted it to look like a patinated bronze statue. I used Dark Brown and Bronze Setcoat and went over them with Stain and Seal in Williamsburg Blue and Pickling White. And that was where I stopped - no C-500 or other finish coats. This piece has been outside, unprotected from the elements for over 3 years now, through pounding heat and torrential rains and ice, snow and freezing temperatures. As far as I can tell, it hasn't changed a bit. I have also done similar things to some plastic planters. One was made of a foamy kind of plastic and the other one was just a terracotta colored hard plastic. These have stood up well too. The only damage to them has been caused by me nicking the finish with a trowel. I have to say that I am pretty impressed by the durability.

Brian

ckoch · Posted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject:

thanks for all of the feedback! it helps a lot.

BAForese · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:40 pm Post subject:

Paintchick, I remember seeing your vehicle outside of Caroline's studio once. Loved it! I had not idea that you put setcoat on it! Do you go through the automatic car wash or wash by hand?
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Bernie

paintchick · Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:31 pm Post subject:

Bernie,

I send it right through the automatic wash. At first I was really nervous and careful with it, but I decided if it could take everything that hits it on the expressway, it could take the wash. I did put a couple of coats of C500 on it. It's a great sales pitch when people question the durability of a finish. I show them the bumper and tell them I'll use the same topcoat. It's because of the bumper that I swear by C500, sometimes overkill, but I know it will hold up! It's close to 3 years old now.

I did the back bumper a couple of years ago and only got ColorSeal on it and forgot to do the C500. It's still holding up, though not as well. I need to redo it anyway due to some bad prep work on my part and a One Way sign that jumped out of no where and tried to commit suicide.

Janie

my3sons · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:32 am Post subject: car

Paintchick, is it possible to see a picture of this car, sounds intriguing!

thanks
kathy

paintchick · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:30 pm Post subject:

I'll give it a shot, I may need to wait till my technical adviser, my husband gets home.

Virginie · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:10 pm Post subject:

I guess I have never noticed your car.
I am intrigued too.
I want to see it.
If it helps I can call your husband and speak French to him to speed up the process!!!!
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Virginie

paintchick · Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:44 pm Post subject:

Virginie,

Don wants to hear from you, he said it would make his millenium! I hope we figured out this photo posting thing.

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