Water Based/Non-Toxic Fuel Proof Paint

Try www.nelsonhobby.com. These paints seem to work well. My ten year old son ( see March 2001 Model Aviation control line scale colum) used them on a profile scale project with spectacular results. These paints are however, very pricey. I chose them for his project so I wouldn't have to worry about him using nasty chemicals. I don't know how good of a gloss can be achieved with these paints, but they do cover nicely. Erik's Hellcat was painted using foam rubber brushes to apply the finish! If that can be worked out by a kid, I'm sure anyone with some finishing skill can come up with a good finish.

Good luck,

Howard

Thanks for the info. I checked out Nelson's web site, and this paint product looks excellent for what I need. I build and fly for fun, not competition, so a mirror-like finish is not all that important to me. This stuff should work well.

It's always been my feeling that if someone WANTED to make a low-toxicity, water based aircraft or automotive paint, they COULD. Apparently, someone HAS. Thanks again for the reply.

LAST EDITED ON Apr-07-01 AT 09:28 PM (EST)

My brother uses a water based white primer on his 1:1 scale (full size) gliders and their trailers, and had a reaction to it. I'm a machinist and got sick using a spraymist with a "non-toxic" lube that claimed you could drink it. As we discussed these things, he said something that makes me wonder. "The water based stuff may be ok to drink, but the water base just makes it more easily absorbed into your body". It is still toxic just from being an abnormal compound in your system. I know a person that will get dreadfully ill (toxic shock syndrome) from drinking from an aluminum can, so you just never know what will mess you up. The point is that even water based paints should be kept out of your lungs and treated with respect. He suggested a 3M face mask #6200 or #6300 (later is a bit larger to fit larger face). I got two from the local welding supply store, you can probably get them from auto paint stores. Various filter elements are available for different functions, i.e., fumes or particulates. The pink ones are for particulates, and these masks really fit and do not cause much of a problem for glasses wearers with fogging while sanding, etc. Steve

EDIT: I looked at the Nelson (and Stitz) paints at the NW Model Expo. It looked like "finger paint" in the jar...kinda chalky...I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. I have decided to use two systems: If I use film on the wings, I will use Lustre Kote (TF) spray cans. When I use Koverall/Plyspan/silkspan, etc, they will get all SIG dope (or all Brodak when the SIG is gone). Steve

TO some extent, you have the ruling junta of the PRK (People's Republik of Kalifornia) to thank for this. Quality water-based and low-VOC car paint is largely the result of the draconian measures used by the local air resources boards.

The Nelson paint looks very good, and doesn't look expensive at all compared to the alternatives. I plan on trying it to see if it will yield a competition-quality finish.