Coloring an airtank black - any recommendations?

[Kumbbl]

Unfortunatelly airtanks exist only in two colors: white and blue... the former one is a no go for most models whereas the latter one sometimes match colorwise... but now i need a black one - normally i'm a 100% purist but for this i would make an exception - therefore my question:

Can anybody recommend a coloring-method, a color producer or even a service provider to whom i can send a blue airtank and get it back black colored...

I assume best result would be when airbrushed, right?

Recommendations from Germany would be best but within EU are also ok (cause of shipping costs)...

Thank you very much in advance!

[Phoxtane]

I've heard good things about using vinyl dye. You may have to temporarily cap the inlets on the tank so you don't end up flushing leftover vinyl dye throughout the pneumatic systems.

[Alasdair Ryan]

Why don't you just wrap tires round it?

[1974]

Build one in black and glue it?

[hrontos]

There are many articles that mention some sort of vinyl dye. Like this one. If it really works, it is better than airbrush, since the result will be more homogenous and will not peel off. And does not require any special model airbrush equipment. I would try it with some inexpensive parts first.

[nerdsforprez]

I know this is horrible to admit, but I have colored many parts. Though surely not the best, but entirely sufficient, is simple spray paint. Do several layers for consistent, balanced look. Hold the can fay away from the part to keep the paint from pooling. I have had great results with this.

[jantjeuh]

Vinyl dye is all you need. You can order it on Amazon.

[1974]

The tanks, however, seem to made of different plastic than normal bricks. Might just be (somekind) of ABS anyway ...

I'd like to see your coloured tank as I have 'bout a hundred of the blue ones

[Hrafn]

If you use vinyl dye, please read the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) carefully, and use appropriate safety equipment and procedures. This kind of dye contains some nasty toxins, like toluene, and may be carcinogenic. A quick search found one that says, in part:

May cause nervous system depression. Extreme overexposure may result in unconsciousness and possibly death.

Prolonged overexposure to hazardous ingredients in Section 2 may cause adverse chronic effects to the following organs or systems:

the liver

the urinary system

the cardiovascular system

the reproductive system

[Saint]

I would advice Revell spraycans. Just before putting it on, sand it up ever so lightly with the finest sandpaper there is...Perhaps wet sandpaper is best.

Aply 2 or 3 coats, and I think you got the best result.

Like said above, just try it on something else before you do an airtank. just don't forget to plug the airholes

grtz Saint

[Dafgek81]

I stand with Saint in this, I own a Revell airbrush system, this brand is especialy made for plastic models.

But I would recomend a coat of plastic primer before putting on the paint.

In the manual they recomend it to.

[Saint]

I colorded a few parts myself a couple of years ago, using the Revell spraycan.. ( It was siver , so I don't have any reverence of other coulors ) ) and I found out that the survece was just a little bit rougher than used to be ( that can be my imagination ) , I applied it 2-3 times without a basecoat, and to this date, it still remains on the parts... even mixed with other parts..

Funny to see the chrome disapering and this silver staying on nicely .

Grtz Saint

[Tommy Styrvoky]

you could get one of efferman's custom air tanks from shapeways

small http://www.shapeways.com/model/1894197/air-reservoir-small.html?modelId=1894197&materialId=62

large http://www.shapeways.com/model/1891116/air-reservoir.html?modelId=1891116&materialId=62