My team has been considering spray painting some of the C-Channels on our robot. One of the paints that we have considered is Rust-Oleum 301495 Specialty Glitter Spray Paint, 10.25 oz, Gold (apologies if that isn’t a link). I would like to know from anyone who has worked with glitter paint, would this would leave glitter on the field? And if so, would this be grounds for an R6a or R6b violation? I am familiar with R9a, and it does not mention anything on the topic.
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(https://Rust-Oleum 301495 Specialty Glitter Spray Paint, 10.25 oz, Gold)
Here is the link
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I haven’t personally worked with it, (although your link doesn’t work, I looked it up online and the reviews were both bad and good), but if you’re concerned about it chipping/leaving glitter, you can apply a finish/sealant coat on top of the paint layer to lock it in.
R6 has to do with safety - and glitter isn’t much of a safety hazard, nor would it damage anything it falls on.
While yes R9a doesn’t specify it, (maybe G6 would apply if they’re strict), if it leaves an egregious amount of glitter on the field, although unlikely, you might get a warning to fix it.
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If your concern is shedding material, surface prep before painting is probably one of you priorities. Here’s what’s worked for me without glitter: Using Vinyl Shrink wrap instead of spray paint - #7 by u89djt A tough transparent finish (that doesn’t dull the glitter effect?) does sound important.
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if you’re worried about the glitter shedding, id spray a clear top coat to seal it all in. Otherwise, everything else should be fine
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As far as the rules I don’t think unless you were absolutely shedding glitter on the field you’ll get called. I think that you’ll be fine, it wouldn’t be a safety thing and while there are rules on debris glitter is so fine and small that I’d be surprised if you got called, that being said good job to you for being so aware bc ik a lot of teams that are far less considerate. From an EP standpoint i wouldn’t love cleaning glitter but I don’t think you’ll leave too much.
Now from the standpoint of a person who has nerded out on spray paint finishes in my other hobbies I’ll say this. As long as your willing to spend some time with glitter based paint it will be good and free from debris, however if your rush it or get it “good enough” it wont work. I’ve spent a lot of tie with rattle cans due to my other hobbies as well as robotics. The first thing is going to be primer, not normally needed but its an extra step I always take and if your worried about the bond to the surface that’s the best way to help. Once you have a good coat of primer then you have the optional aesthetic step of first laying down a metallic coat, then adding the glitter on top of the metallic, this is not necessary nor does it help with the bonding, however it does make that glitter look better imo. Then your ready for glitter, lay on your glitter correctly and it should stay however a nice clear coat on top of that will help a lot too. As far as the clear coat its up to you, its probably best to be glossy in this case, however that does mean that to not look wobbly you’ll need either a thick coating of it or you’ll need to polish/wet-sand the clear to be smooth and glossy. This is a pretty long and tedious process for it and idk how it will transfer into VEX but in other applications it look amazing once done correctly, however it will take some time.
TL:DR Primer and Top coat will help out with the glitter sticking and not shedding, I dont think you’ll be in trouble without it.
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Thank you so much, this will be very helpful.
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