Extended time in water - paint finishes

[bob the builder]

Haven't had much experience with this so I'm hoping someone can chime in.

Is there anything that I need to take into account for a model sub that will see extended time in a freshwater aquarium (I'm talking months/years). I assume there will be a degree of discoloration over time. Any chance that decals will separate under the paint, chemicals leach out into the water, or anything else that's not super-desirable?

I have a Trumpeter Seawolf that a customer wants to drop in his freshwater aquarium. I've sealed it with clearcoat, but wanted to see if anyone had any red flags to wave before I let it go to him (with all due cautions and limits of liability safely in place, of course)

[petn7]

Re: Extended time in water - paint finishes

I can't tell you what will work for sure, but I can say that I've searched for a truly waterproof and durable clearcoat and haven't found one. Below are a few threads that I've had involvement in and will help give you some some pointers of what to avoid or what not to do:

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=10549&hilit=clearcoat

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=808&hilit=+clearcoat

Seems like something for boats are cars will be your best bet. Figuring out how to keep whatever you use from melting the plastic might be the tricky part.