Help with re-painting a repair

[RichWallnerParticipant]

My Aerotech Strong Arm broke a fin on landing the last time it flew (even through it landed gently under a full chute). Based on the really good advice I received from y’all on how to fix it, I Dremel’ed out the remaining fin, bought a replacement (it’s pre-molded plastic), and built it back up, and the rocket is as good as new.

However, I’m having trouble with making the paint job look good. I taped off the area around the repair, and re-sprayed with the original color (I used Testors Model Master paint). If I cover up the tape lines, you can see I’ve used the correct paint color (the replacement fin is on the left):

However, if I remove the tape, it doesn’t look so good:

I’m guessing that the problems are a) using a different can means a slightly different color, and b) the original paint “aged” somewhat after application, so it’s a slightly different color than when I originally sprayed it, too.

How can I make the re-paint look decent, other than re-painting a large section of the rocket? I really don’t want to re-paint a large section of the rocket, because of the large number of decals:

Thanks for your help!

[Ed Dawson]

Rich,

It looks like the best thing to do is paint the entire fincan, aft of the yellow decal. If you did not clearcoat the over the decals you may be able to reuse them.

You might be able to get Aerotech to resend the sheet of decals. If not, you can just use strips of black tape for some of the trim on the fins. If you’re really sporting you can print your own decals with your laser printer (not ink-jet). You can get the decal stock online or at hobby stores. I have some extra if you want me to print a couple decals for you.

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

Either do a complete repaint, or at least wet-sand it at 800 to 1500 or use automotive polishing compound to feather the edge of the painted area.

W

[SCOTT EVANS]

Rich,

It looks like the best thing to do is paint the entire fincan, aft of the yellow decal. If you did not clearcoat the over the decals you may be able to reuse them.

You might be able to get Aerotech to resend the sheet of decals. If not, you can just use strips of black tape for some of the trim on the fins. If you’re really sporting you can print your own decals with your laser printer (not ink-jet). You can get the decal stock online or at hobby stores. I have some extra if you want me to print a couple decals for you.

Now I know this ia the optimist coming out in me 😉 but you could just leave it, because your just going to crash it again!

[Ed Dawson]

Or, if you are like me, you could let it sit around collecting a thick layer of dust and no one would never notice.

[MikeSModerator]

It looks fine. A few battle scares are earned.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I agree with our horse guy, Mr. Ed, and Mike Shinn, battle scars are badges of honor. Let it fly!

[bryans]

I happen to have a Strong Arm decal sheet, which i bought “on sale” a while back, thinking i was going to do a scratch faux-scale project.

You can get it at https://www.discountrocketry.com/aerotech/aerotech-strong-decal-sheet-p-591.html, I’d also be willing to part with mine for $8 if you want to come get it… not sure if having to mail it would defeat any cost advantage.

That said, I’d tend toward the “fly it with honor” crowd and let’er go.

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