Getting paint to stay on Perspex.

[Matrosen]

I've tried lightly sanding, cleaning with acetone/universal dissolvent/petrol etc. but still don't get a good bond.
Anyone know the secret?

 

[philip_stevens]

I once had to "stick" some antifouling to a polypropelene boat a few years ago. The boat agents said it may not adhere as the polyprop is very oily and may throw the AF off. I mixed some Gunwash (spraygun cleaner) in with the AF, and as I know that Gunwash will melt plastic, gave it a go. So far, it has stuck on for two seasons.

Perspex will also melt with Gunwash, so the paint should adhere quite well. Give it a go.

 

[Matrosen]

Thanks for that. Do you know what the active ingredients are? I'm in the Spanish enclave of Melilla and I doubt they would know it by that name.

 

[philip_stevens]

No, I'm not sure what the make-up of it is, but it is for cleaning spray-guns. Maybe one of the local spray painters could point you in the right direction.

http://www.acronpaints.co.uk/cgi-bin/acron2/htmlhands/gunwash shows what is in Gunwash.

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

My gut says sand fairly heavily, epoxy then paint.
I have to ask though, what piece of perspex are you painting and why?
Not a criticism, just curious as I always think of perspex as being transparent.
Cheers,
Nicki Crutchfield

 

[30boat]

Two pot polyurethane won't stick to perspex but regular spray can paint will,tenacioulsy.No need to abrade.Beware of acetone,it'll craze perspex at the slightest contact.

 

[Lakesailor]

Try cellulose thinners. Often sold for gun cleaning. There is a cheap version. That will melt the surface of perspex.