What Paint To Use on ABS?

[oldcarfan]

I just received a 1/24th Mercedes Benz Sprinter to convert to a racer's tow vehicle. The proportions look dead on to me and it's nicely detailed for something sold as a toy. To me it's on par with a lot of promo models. The package says it is made of ABS and that brings in my question. Will regular hobby paints work on this? I normally use Duplicolor Sandable Primer or Tamiya Primer to start.

[Fat Brian]

The S in ABS is styrene so it should be similar to model plastic. Since the rear of the body is enclosed you could shoot anything you want to use on the inside first to see if there is any unplanned reaction.

[peteski]

Yes, ABS is a type of what we call "styrene" and some model companies use ABS for their model kits too. IIRC some Tamiya kits are made using ABS.  There would be the ABS symbol molded somewhere on the sprue (parts tree).  ABS is a less brittle and sturdier overall than polystyrene (that is sometimes called "high impact").  So it can be painted using the same paints you would use on a typical automotive model kit, but some solvent-type liquid cement for polystyrene might not work as well on ABS.

[bobss396]

Some 3D printed parts guys use an ABS material, I probably even have some made if it.

If in doubt, try painting a sample area that is not visible in the finished form.

[Rick L]

You can safely use any paints or solvents made for styrene based plastics interchangeably.