"Polished Plastic"

[nyratrod]

Has anyone out there built a car without painting the body ? Like say a Ferrari that's molded in red. I heard the expression "Polished Plastic". Is this done the same way that you would polish paint? Would you apply a clear coat after putting on decals Any Help?

[Nacho Z]

I'm probably going to take some (good natured) ribbing on this one . The reason goes back to the first two 24 hour builds, but that is a story for another time.

I have done at least two cars the way you asked about. Both were race cars with a lot of decals. However, both were white. I have not done a colored plastic model this way. I started by sanding down all mold lines and seams. I then polished the plastic just like you would a paint job. I do not remember if I used wax but I don't think so. I was able to lay down the decals with no problem. Because it was a 24 hour build I did not clear coat them.

[robert1]

I built one that was molded in a kind of unique metalflake color. I sprayed it with clear so I could keep the color. It turned out nice. I build police cars....some builders will put the decals on the white unpainted body and some buff and wax the body then put on decals.

The decals on the unwaxed body will tend to peal after a few years, they don't adhere well. If you clearcoat over the decals they probably would seal and stay on better. You mentioned red, so that probably wouldn't be a problem, but white unpainted plastic or even clear coated plastic will yellow in a few years..

Hope this helps.

[harron68]

There must be some You Tubes and "How To" tutorials around, 'cause I read 'em! I thought Dr. Cranky did a video also. Ultra fine wet sanding, maybe polishing compound, not sure. and waxing, if I remember. It does work, but sometimes color in plastic isn't consistent and pick a model with minimal SINK MARKS, as they would be hard to disguise without filling. Thanx.

[nyratrod]

Thanks guys for all the great ideas. Looks like the project is a go !!!! YOU"RE DA BEST