Question: I want to add some additional graphics to my VMAR ARF model using paint. The model I have is covered in VCOTE2 - 3DS. Can you give me any tips on painting VCOTE2 - 3DS?

Answer: Yes we can. Here are some tips:

1. Please thoroughly review  the articles included below.
2. Resolve any issues related to punctures, sags, seams etc BEFORE painting. The material to be painted must be tight, secure, clean and in a good state of repair before applying any paint.
3. After carefully maintaining & cleaning the material to be painted, select a small out of sight area to test. Do NOT assume that your paint is compatible with any covering material, plastic or component without testing first.
4. If the paint is to be applied to plastic or covering, use fine steel wool or very very fine wet/dry sandpaper (400+ grit) to buff out the gloss from the factory finish on the test area. All paints will stick better if the underlying surface has been cleaned and "de-glossed". Remember this is a test, do not work with a large area until you test first!
5. Vaccuum or use a clean tack cloth to remove any sanding dust from the test area.
6. We suggest trying a PolyUrethane based spray paint. Follow the paint instructions, cautions & warnings. Pay particular attention to health warnings, hazards & requirements for ventilation. Unless the paint instructions specifically state otherwise, work in a dry area at room temperature and build up the paint layer slowly. Do not flood. Mist a partial first coat onto the test area, let it set up according to the instructions on the can and then build up the first coat so that it is more or less opaque (solid). If you cannot get an opaque first coat without flooding, stop and plan on applying a second coat later.  
7. Please note that most paints specifically state how they should be applied and how long to wait before attempting to apply a second or third coat.
8. As you are applying the first coat and for at least 24 hours after applying the first coat, watch the paint and underlying material for any adverse reaction. If the paint or the underlying material bubbles, blisters, wrinkles, sags or otherwise reacts adversely, stop applying paint immediately. Remember the purpose of testing a small area is to work out the technique AND to avoid inducing damage to your model. If the test is a failure, do not continue!
9. If the testing produces a good result, after 24 hours, test for adhesion of the paint to the underlying material (substrate). A good test is to use low tack masking tape pulled back upon itself. If the paint has not adhered well to the substrate, you will likely have to choose a different paint type or method. Primers and etches may be needed. Further research and testing will be required.
10. Test that the paint stands up OK to your type of fuel and your cleaning solution.
11. Provided that all your testing turns out successfully, you can then move forward with painting the area you have in mind. Always avoid flooding and always stop painting if you detect any adverse reactions.
12. Following the application of your paint layers, you may wish to overspray the new paint with a clear protective layer of similar paint type to help seal and protect the color coat. Again, review the instructions that come with the paint re applying second and subsequent coats. Test Test Test before going hog wild!