Painting Goodyear Billboard Lettering

[bliss]

I'm thinking about attempting to paint the lettering on my billboards, once again.

The last time, the paint tending to bubble and I just gave up. I'm using Ranger whitewall tire paint.

Is there are best procedure for preparing the tire surface that will allow for a better result this time? Is there something better then Ranger out there?

Thanks.

[Kramer]

I, too, have used Ranger paint. I have mixed emotions about it b/c it does work but I am not convinced it is the best method. If you haven't already, do a search on the topic and you can find a lot of opinions. One that was interesting was someone using the rubber paint that they dip tools in to make rubber handles. I don't know how this would be applied or if it would be worth all the masking to make it look right, but I guess it is food for thought.

[Silverback51]

I say leave them be and let them age gracefully.

I went from the BB's to Avons and I will be going back the BB's probably by mid to late summer when the Avons are shot.

The patina of the tire lettering is what I like.




Gives it that race car, not show car look that I prefer.

[fordracing65]

Use a fabric pencil, get at any crafts shop, buy white and stay inside the lines when coloring.

[elmariachi]

On my first set I masked with blue tape, used Ranger Tire Paint slightly thinned with water through an airbrush. However, I have a new set and I agree with John, run 'em as-is for that original look.

[Rick Parker]

Anyone use the flexable paint that is used inside clear slot car or R/C car bodies? I have used the paint pens from a Crafts/Hobby Store as described above. They are easy to use and control but the paint dries brittle and small cracks form with sidewall flex.

[LMH]

Has anyone contacted Goodyear and asked what they use?
Larry

[mpanten]

I used ranger on my regular goodyears, it took a couple coats but held up very well, when i get my billboards i would probaly use it again.

[bliss]

Silverback51

I do see your point - just run them as received - on the other hand, someone at Goodyear simply did a horrible job of painting the letters - there is no doubt about it.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by bliss

Silverback51

I do see your point - just run them as received - on the other hand, someone at Goodyear simply did a horrible job of painting the letters - there is no doubt about it.

It's a race tire. Generally used once and then thrown away. Quality of painting is the least of their priorities.

Like I said, to me it adds to the race car look.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

It's a race tire. Generally used once and then thrown away. Quality of painting is the least of their priorities.

Like I said, to me it adds to the race car look.

Yep. These aren't "raised-white-letter" tires. The lettering is nothing more than free TV advertising for Good Year on race day, so they don't have to look show-car perfect.

[sctripp]

I attempted to paint my tires using a stencil.
I cleaned the tires with Simple Green. This didn't work. Neither the stencil nor the paint would stick well.
I then used mineral spirits, which seemed to work well. The stencil and the paint adhered well. Unfortunately, at that point I had wasted a stencil (1 of 4), so couldn't complete the task.
Stan

[601HP]

I used this Plasti Dip 11207-6 - Plasti Dip Multipurpose Rubber Coatings - Overview - SummitRacing.com

It's lasted about 6 years and will probably outlast the tires. It eventually yellows slightly and there will be some light cracking of the paint, but that's probably because tires are showing ozone cracking also.

I applied two light coats. There is plenty of masking tape to do with this method, and light razor blade tracing before pulling the tape off. If you don't use the razor, the paint will lift with the tape.

David