Robotronics Toby Tire Robot, Operating Manual

Page: 42 / 61

38
Maintenance: Painting the Body
PAINTING OF THE ROBOT BODY
The following information is only suggestions of painting methods. Contact a professional for
assistance.
Preparing the surface :
The robot body is an ABS plastic and should be cleaned before painting to remove oils and
dirt. This is especially true if the surface has had a silicone-based product such as Armor-All
put on it. Clean the plastic with a plastic cleaner designed to clean before painting. Use a 600-
grit sandpaper to smooth the scratches before painting. You can use a body filler, like Bondo to
fill the scratches then sand them out again after it’s dry. You may also rough up the surface with
600-grit sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite 7448 pad for better adhesion.
Painting the surface:
Method 1
Enamel spray paints such as Krylon Interior/Exterior enamel does adhere to the body. This
method can be touched up easily if the paint ever gets scratched. This is typically a method for
painting trim, bumpers, gauge plates etc. Carefully cover parts that are not to be painted with
masking tape and paper, to protect against over spray. Use a very narrow masking tape to tape
the line and then much larger tape beyond that.
Method 2
If your robot has been pre-painted, an automotive type paint was used. You should contact a
professional painter that has had experience painting on various types of surfaces. These paints
typically include a primer and base coat. For a glossy look you can use a glossy base coat or a
clear coat. Painters can typically color match the painted areas to match the existing paint.
Brand-Dupont
Primer: Acrylic Urethane Flexible Primer Surfacer. Use a Dupont Primer.
Paint: Acrylic Enamel. Dupont ChromaBase Basecoat. ChromaBase requires a clear coat for
a glossy look. Dupont also has some single stage paints where a clear coat is not
required.
For future reference, keep the information on file about who painted the robot and ask them for
the paint brand and mix information. This will help you to get touch up paint and a new paint job
when needed.
The information listed includes suggestions and general information. This material is designed
for application only by trained professional painters, using proper equipment.
If you have any questions, call our service department at 801-489-4466.