100% waterproof paint?

[SilkSpun]

Hi guys! I've recently been musing about custom-sculpting a g1-to-g4 Sea Pony, and experimenting with resin-casting them to be 100% waterproof and floatable... An ambitious (and probably long-term) project for me, but I can't stop thinking about it.

My question is, what paints out there can be used on resin (or vinyl, or a similar synthetic), that is 100% waterproof? In my experience, even craft acrylic that's been sealed with "waterproof" sealant will get mushy and peel off if it's been exposed to moisture for too long... Or maybe I should use a different sealant? I want to make something you could feasibly display floating in water (for a not-too-long period of time, like for photo shoots or an art show)!

[Colorscapesart]

Honestly the only thing that comes to mind is oil paint/enamels, but those don't work out well on plastic that I've seen.

I'll give you a bump.

Post Merge: July 17, 2013, 10:06:38 AM

On second thought.....maybe check out what people use to paint model racing boats. 

[CarnationTwirl]

I've read that you can use oil paint as a pigment in your resin, and it won't affect translucency if you're using clear.  And if the colour is in the material no need to worry about it melting off.
Using a harder sealer may also be the trick.  I've used rustoleum painters touch clear glossy 2x and it's quite sturdy after a few even layers.

[BarbedDragon]

I would test everything you can get your hands on. I'm interested to know as well.

[Starshinescustoms]

On second thought.....maybe check out what people use to paint model racing boats.

I was going to suggest something like car paint, but actually this is a much better idea. Because it's designed to go in the water, the paint used for model boats seems to be a good solution. As usual, Colorscapesart has topped me on this one 
I'd love to see how this turns out. I was thinking about a G4 sea pony the other day, but my lack of skills prevents me from trying it 
Might be a good idea to do a Google search and take a look at some RC Boat building forums to see what they use. You can probably find what you need on ebay. Bear in mind it may need some kind of primer first and / or a lacquer afterwards, depending on the materials and paint that you're using.

[lonewolf]

Have you considered Micromark's resin casting system?

http://www.micromark.com/casting-and-molding-supplies.html

Theirs has 7 different pigments avalable which would let you make any color you need.

[sd_dreamcrystal]

Resin you can typically tint with various things (has seen paint used to tint and even chalk pastels) however, it also depends on how translucent you want the cast too

[JoshsPonyPrincess]

Just really read about what resin you are going to use as most resin isn't waterproof and can be damaged severly by water