External protection for drone

[BenThe]

Hello everyone,

I am a proud owner of two new new-to-me drones, and I am thinking of things I can do to protect its exterior. I understand ceramic coatings does wonders for car paint (with painted surfaces), but they also leaves a deep wet look and protection for unpainted plastics. Is ceramic coatings something I can apply to my drone(s) as well?

I did purchase a set of soft plastic lens protectors for the collision avoidance sensors and main cameras, but for the plastic body, I am thinking of ceramic coatings (when i have some left over from doing my car/lawn mower deck).

Edit: For context, I am adding which drones I have because the plastic surfaces and textures are different:

I have a DJI Mini 4K, which has hard plastic surfaces throughout. I think this might be a pretty safe surface to apply ceramic coating to?

I also have a Air 3S, which has smooth, slightly-rubbery-feel plastic on most of its body (except gimble). Can i also apply ceramic coating to it, or is it going to ruin the surface?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mrktn]

Hello everyone,

I am a proud owner of two new new-to-me drones, and I am thinking of things I can do to protect its exterior. I understand ceramic coatings does wonders for car paint (with painted surfaces), but they also leaves a deep wet look and protection for unpainted plastics. Is ceramic coatings something I can apply to my drone(s) as well?

I did purchase a set of soft plastic lens protectors for the collision avoidance sensors and main cameras, but for the plastic body, I am thinking of ceramic coatings (when i have some left over from doing my car/lawn mower deck).

Thanks in advance!

A big welcome to the forum from the UK!

Plenty of useful advice on here, unable to help with protection. I just use mind as Is with the fly more combo provided bag

 

[Cafguy]

The coatings you apply:
will prabably cost way more than the plastic you are trying to protect.
If you do this I have heard that you should only use agricultural ceramic coatings...Whatever that is.
I have painted a DJI Drone I used Tamiya Lexan paint (for RC Car bodies) with my Iwata airbrush. it works just OK. first and last one I will paint tho. LOTS OF WORK! I found a video for you.

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[Mrktn]

The coatings you apply:
will prabably cost way more than the plastic you are trying to protect.
If you do this I have heard that you should ONLY USE agricultural ceramic coatings...Whatever that is.
I have painted a DJI Drone I used Tamiya Lexan paint (for RC Car bodies) with my Iwata airbrush. it works just OK. first and last one I will paint tho. LOTS OF WORK! I found a video for you.

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Wow, thanks for sharing this, sounds like careful consideration is needed

 

[Drbobk]

There are some vendors who supply skins for drones - they might do as good a job as the more onerous ceramic coatings. Or maybe consider a “rainsuit” offered by an approved vendor on the Forum (Phantomrain.org). Or just BE CAREFUL!

 

[Meta4]

Hello everyone,

I am a proud owner of two new new-to-me drones, and I am thinking of things I can do to protect its exterior. I understand ceramic coatings does wonders for car paint (with painted surfaces), but they also leaves a deep wet look and protection for unpainted plastics. Is ceramic coatings something I can apply to my drone(s) as well?

Cars can be left out in the weather for years.
Drones are different.
There is no need for what you are asking about. ... none at all.

 

[Max Headroom]

I am a proud owner of two new new-to-me drones, and I am thinking of things I can do to protect its exterior.

Why do you think the exterior needs protecting what are you protecting it from?

Some pilots like to use skins like the one below to customise their drone but i honestly don't think they need protection.