Paint for fins

[spearheads]

Can anyone recommend a type of paint which holds well on carbon fins.

I used acrylic spray paint on my old plastic fins which worked well but on my carbon fins it just chips of really easily.

The paint is to camo the fins.

Thanks

 

[catman]

Water based acrilics work fine in plastic, the paints used for rc car bodyshells is just one example. As for carbon fibre, some priming should be done first, but if you can find near you some epoxi paint that would be perfect.

 

[Yidaki]

did u scuff the surface of the blade?

 

[seguyette]

How did the fins work out?

As far as the plastic fins, how long did they hold up before needing repainting?

 

[Mr. X]

Don't know anything about carbon but I've tried various things on my plastic fins. I mainly use artists acrylics but have tried various left over house paints. I reckon the most tenacious but risky is oil based exterior house paint. That stuff is tough. I wonder if it might be worth trying some cheap/old artists oil paints - oil paintings last hundreds of years on canvas. Maybe lend your carbon fins to a local artist to use as their palette for couple of weeks I also wondered about sticking shapes on (sticky back plastic?!) - might last longer than paint. Alt. army surplus paint? The colours should be right & should be tough.

I'm thinking of getting clear fins next time -- no paint required. Hopefully the price will drop by then. BTW I see there is a company in Brixham selling Seacsub spearo fins at very reasonable prices, so maybe the clear fins are some years off for me!

As far as the plastic fins, how long did they hold up before needing repainting?

Varies, it depends mainly on how much walking on rough ground, sand, gravel, etc. you do in them. I put layers of paint on now, so that as it scratches off it doesn't necessarily go straight down to bare plastic. Wear actually helps break up the pattern into a more natural looking effect.

 

[jtkwest]

what about the added weight of the paint? also what about the rubber areas? on my cressi longblades, the foot pocket is rubber but the blades are hard black plastic. would oil paint either weaken the rubber or make it stiff or crack it? i like the idea , so i am interested to know, as far a resilience in salt water, a two part epoxy marine hull paint, is hands down the toughest stuff,you can buy, touch up sized containers at west marine, and mix your own colors, at 200$ a gallon it isnt cheap, but the little bottles are like 10 bucks or something, it can be sprayed throgh an airbrush too GOOD IDEA I will be copying you if it works out

 

[Mr. X]

Airbrush is a good idea. I notice lure makers use them to get a pro finish. I know an artist that has one -- maybe I should have a chat with him.:hmm Anyone tried automobile aersol spray cans on their fins? I can't see paint adding any significant weight to fins, especially if you consider that many spearos have at least considered wearing ankle weights.

 

[jtkwest]

[ Anyone tried automobile aersol spray cans on their fins? I can't see paint adding any significant weight to fins, especially if you consider that many spearos have at least considered wearing ankle weights.[/quote]
true didnt think of that, i bet any oil paint would stick if you prep it correctly,(sand to scuff, and wipe with acetone) as long as you clear coat it to protect them

 

[Mr. X]

..., i bet any oil paint would stick if you prep it correctly,(sand to scuff, and wipe with acetone) as long as you clear coat it to protect them

Yes oil based outdoor house paint sticks very well (to anything & everything!) - yet to try artists oils. I don't prep the surface :naughty -- perhaps I should try that . I would use alcohol [meths (UK) or rubbing alcohol (USA)] as it is cheap, readily available & not such a health hazard as acetone or carbon tetrachloride (unless you drink it:yack).

 

[quay308]

Hey I used vinyl spray paint purchased at (wal-mart) on a jet sky seat and it has held for 3 years now...I would assume that it would be the best choice for your swim fins because of the flexibility and ability to tac extremely well.

 

[Mr. X]

Hey I used vinyl spray paint purchased at (wal-mart) on a jet sky seat and it has held for 3 years now...I would assume that it would be the best choice for your swim fins because of the flexibility and ability to tac extremely well.

I'll keep an eye open for that. Should be careful not to inhale (as with all aerosols) -- I seem to recall vinyl/PVC being associated with some forms of cancer/birth defects in women that worked with it.