I have thought about it recently, but decided to hold off. It would add realism, but I have found my track has more grip the more I run cars on it. The pain of painting was also a big factor in deciding to not paint at this time.
Yeah I have a rubbered in racing line and painting it to look real would be nice but having to clean Off the rubber on the track is going to be a chore.
😂, like the video buddy…. To paint or not to paint…. Hhhmmmm … many varieties of attack on this subject. On the one hand painted tracks look great. Tire compounds do differ depending on the material you choose to use to paint your track and the technique you choose to apply the paint. I personally love the look of a painted track , and being a non magnet guy myself I prefer a painted track. This subject is a video that I’m in the works of right now. Just collecting all the different materials to review and apply to my own track. Everything from latex paint to acrylic and even spray can. Big thing with painting a track is your prep work, this is the most important part of this adventure…. So to get back to your original question….. I Say Paint The Track…. 😂
Lol thanks Boonie! Oh nice! If the man with the hands is coming out with a video on the subject of track painting then it will for sure be a good watch! Yeah I guess there’s a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the materials that best suits your personal needs and wants out of it. I can already tell the prep work is going to be the most fun part!…not. 🤣 Thanks for your input brother! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏼
That’s an interesting idea: labour intensive but traction would be great! Have you seen Muhlbach 5.0 (from Austria, I think)? He painted his track and also added comments like paint on the road: it added a nice level of detail.
Good response on this topic. I have thought about painting the track to make it more realistic looking, but in reality painting the surface will act as a filler to smooth the track unless you spray it on lightly. I also thought about spraying Duracoat which has a myriad of colors and is much tougher than regular paints. It is a two part paint that must be mixed before spraying. I thought about adding a micro granular particulate to it as it will not wear down anywhere near as quickly as household paint. It is not cheap , but it is a darn good process. If you decide to paint, surface prep will make or break the end result.
Definitely paint if you run non-magnet. I have a 4 lane 110’ Carrera track and painted it with a flat grey latex paint and could not be happier. It not only looks way better but does have much, much better grip. Just do small sections at a time. Blue tape the rails and roll on 2 coats of paint. You will be very happy you did!
Hi Massimo, painted tracks are aesthetically stunning! My doubts about painting concern only the amount of work needed, and the fact that, as I understand it, the work needs to be redone every now and then. I have a track of about 35 meters (as you can see in my channel), and this amount of work scares me, otherwise I would have already painted it. I have no idea of the grip on painted tracks, but for this problem you can use better tires than the Carrera's, and it's solved. In an italian slotcar forum's discussion, I have collected some nice tracks found on youtube (I also added yours!), there are some beautiful examples of painted tracks. If you want I can give you the link of the discussion to take a look. Cheers!
As all in life it has adventages and disadventages, if ypu want to play only magless plastic scaley 1/32 cars I prefer like most people here in Spain Ninco/Policar surface. But if you want to play with other different cars like 1/24 modelcars like Pla-fits or Scaleautos 1/24 even Metal entry level racing cars (Parmas or JKs) I will stay with Carrera without paint because you can use foams or silicones or urethanes (they re also available for plastic 1/32). Italian plastic 1/32 cars like NSR or Thunderslot come with soft rubbers which work ok in any surface.
Paint your track? Yes! I’m currently in the process of prepping my track for paint. Thought I would search UA-cam and see if I can find out some do’s and don’ts. I have a micro HO raceway with AFX track. I’ve added aprons, used putty to smooth out track section connections, and I’m almost ready to paint. My last prep is to mask my rails. If you have already painted, please reply with any knowledge you gained in your experience. Enjoy
Massimo, greetings (Thomas here). I was faced with the same dilemma back in October. I grew tired of the lane medians and instead of painting over them, I did the entire track with good results. I used a Behr Interior latex, flat finish in Asphalt Gray color. Two coats with a 4-inch foam roller. I sent you an email with few photos in October after I was finished. My humble thoughts are, if you’re satisfied with the aesthetics of your track, then don’t bother painting. Pros -- I think your detailed layout would be enhanced if you decided to paint. Cons -- Take into account disassembly, taping rails and sensors, painting and reassembly. Tedious work, and once painted, it can’t be undone.
I was never interested in painting my tracks surface but I didn’t like the white centre lines so I just taped and painted over the white lines with a Matt black paint . Maybe this is another option for you
Carrera track improves greatly with a painted surface! Be sure to use the least expensive latex paint you can find as it has a higher latex (rubber) content than more expensive paints. The reason that UNPAINTED Carrera track is 'slippery' is that it is made of styrene plastic that the more you use it, the more statically charged it becomes and the more your track will attract dust and become more difficult to keep clean. (Apologies for the run on sentence.) We painted our track (Kit's Spa) and it has given us years of enjoyment with exceptional performance. Here is a tour: ua-cam.com/video/TGGNwbtO4sI/v-deo.html I hope this helps! A painted Carrera track is the next best thing to a routed wood track! Keep up the great work!
Carrera track is more medium grip in my experience. A lot of engineering went into it. You're going to be putting in an awful lot of work if you paint it. Personally I'd just leave it.
I honestly think what works for you is what you should go with. Mine is not painted and my tires are tried and I keep the track surface clean weekly. If you run at a higher voltage then they will slide a lot more. I run for analog cars at 10 volts and for digital it’s the 14.8. Do you run only rubber tires? Do you run urethane or silicone? That will have an impact on the handling.Hope you get what you want!
Hi mp I love the track behind you I'm like you and many other woulda shoulda but haven't lol great ?man so where are you leaning towards I just subd btw peace friend
i have also been thinking should i paint my track but when i go ask the forums they all say no, just keep running cars they say, change tyres they say lol so now i have no idea what to do so good luck Mass, will be interesting to see the replies
I wouldn't paint the track. It won't improve the grip as much as you are hoping, and the work just isn't worth it. If you are dead set on painting a track, then take a step back and spend that precious time and effort on making yourself a routed wood track.
If you do it, I’ll do it. I’m sick of the middle stripe already. Give me an excuse to get my ass off the couch and just do it already. I was debating the paint. Acrylic or latex. You’ve answered that. Now to find a asphalt color to match a true track and an asphalt color for he pit lane. I’ve also dreamed about painting in a “racing line” apart from the true car’s racing line only for aesthetics. Sponge 🧽 or air brush. I’ve been dreaming a bit.
Your track is KooL. Very tastefully done. Do not touch!
I think you should paint it, both for the looks (always thought the stock look is so "toy-like") and for the grip of course 👍
I would leave it alone. It looks great. Keep up the informative vids
I painted my track, as it makes it more realistic. Plus, your black cars will look nicer. It is a hell of a job but worth it.
I have thought about it recently, but decided to hold off. It would add realism, but I have found my track has more grip the more I run cars on it. The pain of painting was also a big factor in deciding to not paint at this time.
Yeah I have a rubbered in racing line and painting it to look real would be nice but having to clean
Off the rubber on the track is going to be a chore.
😂, like the video buddy…. To paint or not to paint…. Hhhmmmm … many varieties of attack on this subject. On the one hand painted tracks look great. Tire compounds do differ depending on the material you choose to use to paint your track and the technique you choose to apply the paint. I personally love the look of a painted track , and being a non magnet guy myself I prefer a painted track. This subject is a video that I’m in the works of right now. Just collecting all the different materials to review and apply to my own track. Everything from latex paint to acrylic and even spray can. Big thing with painting a track is your prep work, this is the most important part of this adventure…. So to get back to your original question….. I Say Paint The Track…. 😂
Lol thanks Boonie! Oh nice! If the man with the hands is coming out with a video on the subject of track painting then it will for sure be a good watch! Yeah I guess there’s a few factors to keep in mind when choosing the materials that best suits your personal needs and wants out of it. I can already tell the prep work is going to be the most fun part!…not. 🤣
Thanks for your input brother! 🤜🏻💥🤛🏼
Hell yes you should document it!
That’s an interesting idea: labour intensive but traction would be great! Have you seen Muhlbach 5.0 (from Austria, I think)? He painted his track and also added comments like paint on the road: it added a nice level of detail.
Good response on this topic. I have thought about painting the track to make it more realistic looking, but in reality painting the surface will act as a filler to smooth the track unless you spray it on lightly. I also thought about spraying Duracoat which has a myriad of colors and is much tougher than regular paints. It is a two part paint that must be mixed before spraying. I thought about adding a micro granular particulate to it as it will not wear down anywhere near as quickly as household paint. It is not cheap , but it is a darn good process. If you decide to paint, surface prep will make or break the end result.
If your patient … maybe! Leave it if you want more time racing 👍 but yeah a painted track would look cool but where do you want your time spent !? 😊🇦🇺
Definitely paint if you run non-magnet. I have a 4 lane 110’ Carrera track and painted it with a flat grey latex paint and could not be happier. It not only looks way better but does have much, much better grip. Just do small sections at a time. Blue tape the rails and roll on 2 coats of paint. You will be very happy you did!
Hi Massimo,
painted tracks are aesthetically stunning!
My doubts about painting concern only the amount of work needed, and the fact that, as I understand it, the work needs to be redone every now and then. I have a track of about 35 meters (as you can see in my channel), and this amount of work scares me, otherwise I would have already painted it.
I have no idea of the grip on painted tracks, but for this problem you can use better tires than the Carrera's, and it's solved.
In an italian slotcar forum's discussion, I have collected some nice tracks found on youtube (I also added yours!), there are some beautiful examples of painted tracks. If you want I can give you the link of the discussion to take a look.
Cheers!
To paint or not to paint….that is the question 😉🤔
As all in life it has adventages and disadventages, if ypu want to play only magless plastic scaley 1/32 cars I prefer like most people here in Spain Ninco/Policar surface. But if you want to play with other different cars like 1/24 modelcars like Pla-fits or Scaleautos 1/24 even Metal entry level racing cars (Parmas or JKs) I will stay with Carrera without paint because you can use foams or silicones or urethanes (they re also available for plastic 1/32). Italian plastic 1/32 cars like NSR or Thunderslot come with soft rubbers which work ok in any surface.
Paint your track? Yes! I’m currently in the process of prepping my track for paint. Thought I would search UA-cam and see if I can find out some do’s and don’ts. I have a micro HO raceway with AFX track. I’ve added aprons, used putty to smooth out track section connections, and I’m almost ready to paint. My last prep is to mask my rails. If you have already painted, please reply with any knowledge you gained in your experience. Enjoy
Yes, paint it! It will look so much better without the white stripe. Just tape off the rails and roll it on, you can even paint it fully assembled.
Paint a spare piece and see how it looks and if you plan on doing the whole track absolutely film it.
Massimo, greetings (Thomas here). I was faced with the same dilemma
back in October. I grew tired of the lane medians and instead of painting over
them, I did the entire track with good results. I used a Behr Interior latex,
flat finish in Asphalt Gray color. Two coats with a 4-inch foam roller. I sent
you an email with few photos in October after I was finished.
My humble thoughts are, if you’re satisfied with the aesthetics
of your track, then don’t bother painting.
Pros -- I think your detailed layout would be enhanced if
you decided to paint.
Cons -- Take into account disassembly, taping rails and
sensors, painting and reassembly. Tedious work, and once painted, it can’t be
undone.
I was never interested in painting my tracks surface but I didn’t like the white centre lines so I just taped and painted over the white lines with a Matt black paint .
Maybe this is another option for you
Nice piece mate
Thanks Legend! 🙌🏻
Carrera track improves greatly with a painted surface! Be sure to use the least expensive latex paint you can find as it has a higher latex (rubber) content than more expensive paints. The reason that UNPAINTED Carrera track is 'slippery' is that it is made of styrene plastic that the more you use it, the more statically charged it becomes and the more your track will attract dust and become more difficult to keep clean. (Apologies for the run on sentence.) We painted our track (Kit's Spa) and it has given us years of enjoyment with exceptional performance. Here is a tour: ua-cam.com/video/TGGNwbtO4sI/v-deo.html I hope this helps! A painted Carrera track is the next best thing to a routed wood track! Keep up the great work!
Carrera track is more medium grip in my experience. A lot of engineering went into it. You're going to be putting in an awful lot of work if you paint it. Personally I'd just leave it.
You first :). If you have success (which I think is likely) I think it would add another level of realism!
Thanks mate! Yeah if all goes well it would give a really nice effect.
I honestly think what works for you is what you should go with. Mine is not painted and my tires are tried and I keep the track surface clean weekly. If you run at a higher voltage then they will slide a lot more. I run for analog cars at 10 volts and for digital it’s the 14.8. Do you run only rubber tires? Do you run urethane or silicone? That will have an impact on the handling.Hope you get what you want!
Massimo, what did you decide about painting your track?
I vote Yes. 😉
Hi mp I love the track behind you I'm like you and many other woulda shoulda but haven't lol great ?man so where are you leaning towards I just subd btw peace friend
i have also been thinking should i paint my track but when i go ask the forums they all say no, just keep running cars they say, change tyres they say lol
so now i have no idea what to do so good luck Mass, will be interesting to see the replies
Hi Ken, haha yeah it seems like a mixed bag right now, 50/50 🤔
@@MPSlotCar yeah there is a mixed thought process on this.
Most of the tracks I see that are painted look like they have more grip
Nice track. What is your table size? Thanks
Hi Luc, thanks you. The table size is 13 ft x 8 ft
I wouldn't paint the track. It won't improve the grip as much as you are hoping, and the work just isn't worth it. If you are dead set on painting a track, then take a step back and spend that precious time and effort on making yourself a routed wood track.
Yea painted mine grips better and you can get the tyre mark effect which looks better big job though
If you do it, I’ll do it. I’m sick of the middle stripe already. Give me an excuse to get my ass off the couch and just do it already. I was debating the paint. Acrylic or latex. You’ve answered that. Now to find a asphalt color to match a true track and an asphalt color for he pit lane. I’ve also dreamed about painting in a “racing line” apart from the true car’s racing line only for aesthetics. Sponge 🧽 or air brush. I’ve been dreaming a bit.
Has anyone tried the anti slip paint available for outside surfaces ? (For us humans not to fall over ! )
Yes paint it it does help.
Do yoy use pace cars in your circuit?
Hi Vince, I have one setup but only use it once in awhile. It’s a cool feature
@@MPSlotCar tks.
Too much effort for too little reward.
do not paint plstic
No. Don't do it. It s nice this way.