Ideas For Painting Styrene Roads?

[PMW]

I picked up some plain styrene for my city streets and styrene with a grid of squares for sidewalks. I'm guessing spray paint followed by some weathering is the way to go but I'm not sure.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on painting and weathering styrene streets. Thanks!

 

[Guilford Railman]

I picked up some plain styrene for my city streets and styrene with a grid of squares for sidewalks. I'm guessing spray paint followed by some weathering is the way to go but I'm not sure.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on painting and weathering styrene streets. Thanks!

I used a stone gray paint from Home Depot when I painted my sidewalks. I had used a satin finish but after weathering with powders and applying a clear coat finish, the satin finish wasn’t visible anymore.

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X 12 oz. Satin Stone Gray General Purpose Spray Paint 334086 - The Home Depot

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2X 12 oz. Satin Stone Gray General Purpose Spray Paint delivers twice the coverage compared to other Rust-Oleum general purpose paints. Double cover technology allows

www.homedepot.com

 

[PMW]

I used a stone gray paint from Home Depot when I painted my sidewalks. I had used a satin finish but after weathering with powders and applying a clear coat finish, the satin finish wasn’t visible anymore.

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X 12 oz. Satin Stone Gray General Purpose Spray Paint 334086 - The Home Depot

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2X 12 oz. Satin Stone Gray General Purpose Spray Paint delivers twice the coverage compared to other Rust-Oleum general purpose paints. Double cover technology allows

www.homedepot.com

Thanks! Did you use a different color for the street?

 

[Guilford Railman]

Thanks! Did you use a different color for the street?

My sidewalks were plastic but I painted the roads using Woodland Scenics asphalt top coat since they were made with plaster.

 

[PMW]

My sidewalks were plastic but I painted the roads using Woodland Scenics asphalt top coat since they were made with plaster.

Ah! Got ya. Thanks

 

[Guilford Railman]

Ah! Got ya. Thanks

No problem!

 

[GGNInNScale]

I use cheap acrylic paints- about a buck a bottle. Dilute a little bit, and brush on. Sometimes a second coat adds a bit of texture if you use a coarse brush.

 

[PMW]

I use cheap acrylic paints- about a buck a bottle. Dilute a little bit, and brush on. Sometimes a second coat adds a bit of texture if you use a coarse brush.

Thanks! Seems I have a little extra to practice on first so that's good

 

[PMW]

I have some grey primer left over from another project. Any benefit to using a primer? Of course, I've never used primer for acrylic paints on any of my structures so maybe not necessary.

 

[Rico]

Yes, a light coat of grey primer will help, as long as it’s plastic compatible.

 

[GGNInNScale]

The primer will work fine by itself. You can mix in colors too. You do not need to prime against acrylic- they are water based, and dry in minutes.

 

[PMW]

Yes, a light coat of grey primer will help, as long as it’s plastic compatible.

The primer will work fine by itself. You can mix in colors too. You do not need to prime against acrylic- they are water based, and dry in minutes.

Thanks. Should I prime first and add other colors when it's dry or make up a mix I like in one shot? I'd like to start this weekend if I feel confident (big "if") .

Like I said I have a little extra for practice

 

[GGNInNScale]

Hi Go to Michael's (or similar place where these paints are not $4 per bottle). Acrylic paints are about $1 per 3 or 4 ounce bottle. I buy 10 or 15 colors at a time. You can mix the colors into small amounts of the primer on on a scrap plastic sheet or thick aluminum foil or glass plate to get the right tint(s). I am assuming you have a water-based primer...
Or, prime and then use undiluted dark colors like black, dark gray, dark browns, etc., and a "dry brush"- that is only get a bit of paint on the tip of the brush and sweep it over your primer road. Build up a bit at a time, not like you would paint a wall.
Also, you can add coats where tires run in the roads.
You can always just paint over!

 

[PMW]

Hi Go to Michael's (or similar place where these paints are not $4 per bottle). Acrylic paints are about $1 per 3 or 4 ounce bottle. I buy 10 or 15 colors at a time. You can mix the colors into small amounts of the primer on on a scrap plastic sheet or thick aluminum foil or glass plate to get the right tint(s). I am assuming you have a water-based primer...
Or, prime and then use undiluted dark colors like black, dark gray, dark browns, etc., and a "dry brush"- that is only get a bit of paint on the tip of the brush and sweep it over your primer road. Build up a bit at a time, not like you would paint a wall.
You can always just paint over!

Thanks! I don't see any reason why I shouldn't have a go at it this weekend

 

[PNKFLOYD]

The primer will work fine by itself. You can mix in colors too. You do not need to prime against acrylic- they are water based, and dry in minutes.

If using acrylic paint, use fine sand paper to scratch the plastic surface to make the paint adhere better. Let the paint dry thoroughly before applying additional paint or washes. A flat clear final coat will make the painted surface more durable after you are satisfied with your paint job.

You can use a #11 blade to make potholes and cracks in road or sidewalks BEFORE painting.
Have fun!

 

[PMW]

If using acrylic paint, use fine sand paper to scratch the plastic surface to make the paint adhere better. Let the paint dry thoroughly before applying additional paint or washes. A flat clear final coat will make the painted surface more durable after you are satisfied with your paint job.

You can use a #11 blade to make potholes and cracks in road or sidewalks BEFORE painting.
Have fun!

Thanks! Very helpful

 

[PMW]

Thanks for the great advise, folks . I'm feeling much more confident about starting this!

Of course if anyone else wants to share I'm all ears