What Is The Best Paint For Model Rockets?

paint model

One of the more enjoyable parts of model rocketry is adding your own colors and design. The painting stage of a model rocket does require a little extra pay attention. There is a good range of paint available for model rockets.

Finding the best paints for model rockets involves a little bit of try and error. Assuming the rocket is ready for painting you first need to apply a primer coat of paint. And then your apply base color and then secondary colors.

In this article, we will good through the best paints for model rockets.

Different Approaches For Painting A Model Rocket

Starting off the best paint for a model rocket needs to be durable, and long-lasting. There are 2 main approaches to painting a model rocket, these are as follows. 

It is important to have a smooth finish like a smooth finish can reduce drag, while a rough finish increases drag, which affects the altitude. This can be a lot harder to get a smooth finish using hand paints.

The trick with hand paints is to get the paint to the right consistency and use a decent hairbrush. This is easier said than done.

Best Paints For A Model Rocket

Krylon Spray

Krylon is a popular paint brand for models. Its paint provides brilliant, on-trend colors in a variety of sheens. With a smooth finish with added rust protection.

You should start spraying several inches off to the side of the object you’re painting, then sweep across and past it by another few inches, then back the other way, again going past the edge of the object.

Tamiya

Tamiya is one of the best brands on the market. It was originally meant for model airplanes, but it can be used on model rockets.

These paints are impervious to oil and fuels, so they can be safely used on high-powered models. Never use these paints on plastic models.

There are a number of colors available with this brand, these range from blue, gray, gold, green, orange, and more.

Rust-Oleum

Rustoleum manufacturers paint and primers. Their product line ranges from covering and protecting metal surfaces. As well as offering a wide range of paints with varieties of finishes, textures, and colors.

Testors

Testors is one of the best model paints out there. Its paints are specifically made for use on all types of models including model rockets. Comes in a good range of colors.

The paintbrush that comes with the paint sets is crappy. 

Can You Paint A Model Rocket?

The short answer is yes but the quality depends on the material used. You should remember that you can not get a good finish if the surface you are painting is not smooth. A lot of materials used to build rockets are not really paint-friendly.

The common materials used to build model rockets are balsa wood, cardboard, and paper and these are not the best for painting.

How Much Weight Does Paint Add To A Rocket?

Adding paint to the model rocket can increase the overall weight of the rocket. The extra weight added can be quite significant as it can depend on the amount of paint added.

Final Thoughts​

Finding the best paints for model rockets involves a little bit of try and error. Assuming the rocket is ready for painting you first need to apply a primer coat of paint. And then your apply base color and then secondary colors.

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Best Paint For Model Rockets

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