Painting Styrene sheet

Hi All.    I would prefer to use either Perspex or another clear material , for my manual mimic panel. But I am going for styrene? if it can take a “ Permanent Coat of Paint “ , as I have read that “ You Cannot Paint Styrene “ but scratch builders use it for wagons “. Presuming that Styrene can be painted without rubbing off? which paint would be recommended ?  Best wishes.  Kevin

I've no Idea whether or not you can paint Perspex / acrylic sheet. However I remember seeing a mimic board somewhere made from acrylic. They then covered the top surface with  sticky backed plastic sheet, cut the tracks out of that and then backlit the panel…

Hi The Q.   Thank you. My original idea was plywood with 5mm holes drilled to accept the LED ‘s.  It worked, but looked a bit tatty with the varnish. But now I would like to replace the plywood with with acrylic sheet, again with LED’s ( wired through the points ). To show/ prove the route.   Best wishes. Kevin

Hi Terry.  Thank you. I read that “mis info “ on google. But my painting job is for a mimic panel with LED’s, and I need to paint the track diagram.   Best wishes.  Kevin

I paint styrene (plasticard) all the time. you just need to use a good primer. However have you considered using a clear acrylic and painting the route on the back. yon will get a perfect finish that won't ever scratch off. Just remember to paint in reverse. Route lines then a background over the top.

Hi John     Thank you for your reply .  I didn’t realise that “ clear styrene “ was available , as I already have a paper diagram of the route , it would be straightforward to copy that through the styrene, you said use a good quality primer, but will primer be necessary in this instant? or just a good top coat? Is the clear styrene. Is it listed with a special code? I will have to look on line. Best wishes. Kevin

if you paint on the reverse don't use primer… when you flip it over a you will see is the primer :)bottom of the link

Slaters Plasticard

Hi John. I have just been considering my options. If I were to paint a “Positive Image “ on the reverse side, using a masking tape plan of the route. When it was dry I could remove the tape, it may need touching up, it would show the route. Or I forget the paint and use a paper cut out?  Best wishes. Kevin

Hi The Q.   I taped my “ Mimic Panel “ where I wanted the track diagram, then I sprayed it, using Halfords grey primer(For plastic) let it dry, it looks okay. But, I didn’t realise how clear it would turn out , for you next trick? I am thinking about spraying a “Translucent top coat of Orange” top coat over the grey, similar in appearance, to a signalbox Panel but without the circuitry , as my points are manual without passage of train circuits.Best wishes. Kevin