paint predicament

[mikemacdee]

I live in AZ, where it's currently about 110 outdoors and 77 indoors on average. I'm trying to use Krylon spraypaint on some miniatures for a boardgame project -- I'm just painting the pieces a single color so I can have a set of red, blue, green, and yellow pieces. Also putting a coat of gloss on it afterward.

Method: I spray a coat on a figure set, "strafing" the spray area left to right and back again from about a foot away. This usually covers one side of the figures completely. I let the paint dry for an hour or so, then add another coat. After that coat dries, I flip 'em and do the same to the other side. Then I do one coat of gloss on each side.

After all that, the slightest scratch just scrapes the paint right off the following day. This is unacceptable if the pieces are going to share a box, where they'll most likely bump against each other. What am I doing wrong? Is it because of the heat I'm forced to work in? The cans say 70 degrees for best results, and I always store them inside so it's not like I'm leaving them out in the sweltering garage all day.

I can't spray outside cos its too hot and there's wind; but I can't spray inside because of the fumes. Best I can do is spray in the garage and immediately bring the figures inside where it's cooler.

[Sjeng]

I live in the Netherlands (think Brittain, slightly slightly better), so I don't really have that problem. I can't tell you if that's the cause or the paint brand.

[Daedalus]

At least humidity isn't the problem. Have you washed them in water with detergent to remove oils and seperator? You may want to go with a primer first, as they have better adhesion. Then spray your colors over that. Also, I suspect the Krylon your using isn't formulated for plastic. Others here may have more specific advice.

[Goblin-King]

What daedalus said. Different paints are designed to different materials.
Try using Games Workshop or Army Painter. They are specifically designed for miniatures.

[mikemacdee]

I did wash them thoroughly, but haven't tried using primer. I thought primer went on after the paint, actually.

The paint I'm using is Krylon "Short Cuts" Hobby/Craft paint. Supposed to work on most surfaces.