Translucent Yellow Polycarbonate Spray 100ml PS-42

Vibrant colour and depth with Tamiya PS-42 Translucent Yellow lexan spray

The Tamiya PS range has been the benchmark for painting polycarbonate (lexan) bodies for decades, and the PS-42 Translucent Yellow is no exception. Its translucent formula allows light to penetrate through the colour, generating that vibrant shine that is highly appreciated in slot car bodies and in modelling work with special finishes.

Applications

This spray is primarily designed for lexan bodies, the standard material in most 1/10 scale slot cars and similar models that are painted from the inside. However, it also delivers excellent results on conventional plastics when a translucent effect is desired or when working in layers combined with opaque colours.

• Painting polycarbonate (lexan) bodies from the inside.
• Layering for depth effects and gradients.
• Application on plastics in static models and figures.
• Creating chrome or metallic effects with a prior silver base.

Compatibility

The PS-42 is compatible with the plastics and polycarbonates commonly used in slot, static models, and dioramas. Being translucent, the final result largely depends on the background colour or base it is applied over: on white or silver, the yellow appears very bright; on black, the effect is much more subdued. It is advisable to test on a scrap piece of material before painting the final part.

Finishes and special effects

The distinguishing feature of the PS-42 compared to a conventional opaque yellow is precisely its translucency. This makes it a very versatile tool:

• Thin layers: allow most of the light and base colour to pass through, creating a soft golden tone.
• Accumulated layers: increase the saturation of the yellow to achieve a more solid colour without completely losing the translucent effect.
• Combination with PS-41 Bright Silver: creates a metallic gold finish widely used in competition bodies.

Application tips

To achieve the best results with the PS-42, consider these points:

1. Clean and degrease the surface before painting to ensure adhesion.
2. Shake the can for at least one minute before use.
3. Apply in thin, crossed layers, keeping the can about 25-30 cm from the piece.
4. Allow to dry between layers (minimum 15-20 minutes under normal conditions).
5. On lexan bodies, always paint from the inside and apply the background colour (white, silver, or black) in the last layer, as the body is mounted upside down.
6. Work in a ventilated space and at a stable room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use PS-42 directly on lexan bodies without prior preparation?

Yes, the Tamiya PS range is formulated to adhere directly to polycarbonate without the need for primer. However, cleaning the surface with soap and water or degreaser improves adhesion and prevents grease stains.

Is it necessary to apply a base coat before PS-42?

It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended if you want to control the final result. Being translucent, the background colour directly influences the tone obtained. A white base brightens it; a silver base creates a golden effect; a black base darkens it considerably.

Can it be mixed with other sprays from the Tamiya PS range?

The PS sprays are not designed to be mixed directly in the can, but you can apply overlapping layers of different PS colours to achieve combined effects. The translucency of the PS-42 makes it particularly compatible with this type of layering technique.

How much coverage does a 100 ml can provide?

Coverage depends on the number of layers and the application distance, but a 100 ml can is usually sufficient to paint one or two slot car bodies with several layers, or for detailing work on models and figures.

Is it compatible with paints from other brands like Vallejo or Kaleido?

The Tamiya PS range is synthetic-based, so it may not be compatible with previously applied water-based acrylic paints. If you mix brands, always perform a test on a small area before applying to the final piece.

Is it only for slot or also for static models?

The PS range was originally formulated for polycarbonate bodies of radio-controlled and slot cars, but it can also be perfectly used on static models, figures, and dioramas when a translucent or deep colour effect on plastic is desired.

Tamiya PS-42 Translucent Yellow 100ml spray paint for polycarbonate (lexan) and plastic surfaces. Ideal for slot car bodies, scale models, figures and dioramas. Translucent finish allows layering effects, compatible with Tamiya PS range for creating depth and metallic tones. A trusted choice among slot racers and scale modellers worldwide.