- The TLJ-Praetorian Standard of Rustoleum Safety Red Enamel. This is a pain for me to get here in Canada as it is only available in the US, so I have to cross the border or have it brought over.
- Tremclad Safety Red Enamel. I believe this is the Canadian version of the Rustoleum paint and is widely available here, but I wanted to make sure the colour was a good match to the standard.
- Dupli-color Cardinal Red automotive paint. This has been floated around as a potential paint colour for the Mando-PG so I wanted to try it out.
- Test piece: 3d print PETG at 0.2. Light sanding prior to filler.
- Primer: 2 coats of rustoleum filler primer, with sanding @ 220 grit in between. Final sand of 400 grit -> 600 grit prior to colour coat.
- 2 coats of each paint was applied per product instructions.
- Lighting: overhead LED lights and an LED spot lamp at 800 lumens, 3000K.
- There was no significant diference between the rustoleum and tremclad safety red. In fact, I think the tremclad had better levelling and dried much smoother than the rustoleum. There were no application issues with both and if push comes to shove a clear coat may not be needed as they are quite glossy out of the can (though it is still highly recommended).
- I ran into issues with the cardinal red as compared to the safety reds. Either due to bad reaction to the primer, poor technique and skill on my part or poor conditions (or a combination thereof) the cardinal red didn't dry consistently- in pictures 2 or 3 you can see some parts that dried matte and some that dried glossy. Colour wise however I don't see a major difference between the cardinal red and safety red. I think a clear coat will be required if choosing to go through cardinal red route.
All 3 paints work for our purposes, IMHO. Unless we get a hold of a screen used costume somehow and do a direct comparison and see a difference. A lot of it will depend on what's available in the costumer's local area...for example TLJ-PGs should be familiar with the safety red so they can apply that experience to building an M-PG pretty easily.