"Painting divider tabs?" Topic

Okay, so I have an idea for using those plastic dividers that come in tackle boxes. I could use Krylon primer but it doesn't come in clear that I can find. Basically I want to add some color but still keep it clear. Brush on primer beaded up like rain on a freshly waxed car….

Suggestions?

Maybe try tinting Future acrylic floor polish (now known as Pledge with future shine)?

If you want to create your own shades of transparent colors, food coloring can be mixed with Future for the desired effect. Tamiya clear colors work well as toners also. If you mess up, you haven't invested as much money as you would combining clear paints.

For those gold tinted canopies on contemporary jet fighters try adding a few drops of Tamiya acrylic gold to a couple teaspoons of Future.

From: link

Finding a paint that will stick to that stuff might be tricky, although I can't say as I've tried. Maybe glue colored cellophane to them, or sandwich it between two dividers?

I'd try Testor's dull coat followed by a wash of the desired color.

Transparent colored tape instead of paint?

You migtht try the Tamiya clear paints ? I've used them on a variety of clear plastic rods and sheets.

Might have to prepare the surface by sanding it to remove the shine. This could cause them to go all opaque and scratched though….

Jo Sonja glass medium may work, you wont need the 1st part as that is an alcohol based cleaner. The second part is what you are after cheap and cheerful and designed to stick to tricky surfaces, though that type of plastic is going to be a hard ask (although fish gizzards seem to stick to my Plano boxes well enough). I would suggest that inks would be better suited to your needs if tinting is what you are after. Best to test first though.

salut
CdW

ps I use Plano's tackle boxes for my paints

I've never done this but I'd try Liquitex Clear Gesso. It may also bead up but if not, that's exactly what it's for, putting a transparent primer tooth onto a surface.

If that doesn't work, I'd agree try Testors Dullcote or a similar matte spray. If that beads up too, try several thin coats letting each dry in between.

Then thin your paint to translucency. You should probably use Gloss Medium to thin it, not just thinner. There are may be other artist mediums specifically for preparing translucent paint. It's probably better to thin it very pale, because you can always apply another coat to increase the color.

Finish with a gloss varnish or sealer.

Airbrush application would doubtless help with the above.

Bruce Hirst of Hirst Arts has a tutorial for tinting clear plastic that may be helpful. Go to hirstarts.com , click Tips & Tricks, then under Tips & Tricks 11, click Plastic Tubes for Cryo Chambers.

He uses "cheap stained glass paint".