Isabella Flores
Painting an RC car body requires careful preparation and the right type of paint. The most common type of RC car body is made from Lexan, a type of polycarbonate plastic, and requires a specific type of paint. Regular spray paint will not adhere properly to Lexan and will flake off. Tamiya is a popular brand of paint for RC car bodies and offers a range of products suitable for different surfaces, including polycarbonate and hard plastics. In addition to choosing the right paint, proper surface preparation is key to achieving a good finish. This includes cleaning the surface with soap and water, applying a primer, and sanding to create a smooth base for the paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Polycarbonate paint, spray paint, lacquer, enamel |
| Paint brand | Tamiya, Parma Faskolor, Testors, Traxxas, Createx |
| Paint application | Spray can, airbrush |
| Paint preparation | Wash and dry the surface, apply primer, sand the surface |
| Tools | Hobby knife, sandpaper, masking tape, tack cloth |
| Surface material | Polycarbonate, ABS plastic, Lexan, polystyrene |
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What You'll Learn
Tamiya spray paints for hard plastic RC bodies
Tamiya spray paints are a popular choice for painting RC car bodies. They offer a wide range of colours, from basic primary colours to iridescent, metallic, and fluorescent shades. Tamiya's PS spray paints are specifically designed for polycarbonate bodies, which are common in RC cars such as monster trucks, buggies, and performance crawlers. These paints grip hard to the plastic and remain flexible after drying. Tamiya's TS spray paints, on the other hand, are suitable for ABS model car bodies and RC shells that are not made of polycarbonate.
Before painting an RC body with Tamiya spray paints, it is important to prepare the surface properly. This includes washing the body with mild soap and water to remove any grease, dirt, or contaminants and letting it dry completely. It is recommended to use a primer, such as Tamiya's Fine Surface Primer, to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. The primer can be applied in light coats, building up to full coverage. It is then left to cure overnight, after which the surface can be sanded smooth using fine-grit sandpaper.
When painting with Tamiya spray paints, it is important to follow the instructions on the can and take your time. The paint should be applied in thin, light coats, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. The can should be held approximately 20-30 cm away from the surface and moved consistently from one end to the other, ensuring a light coat of paint is applied. Multiple light coats are better than heavy coats, as they allow the paint to adhere better and reduce the chances of bleeds and runs. It is also recommended to wear a suitable paint mask and work in a well-ventilated area when painting.
Tamiya spray paints are known for their quality and are recommended by many RC car enthusiasts. They offer a range of accessories, such as primers and decal films, to help achieve a professional-looking finish. Tamiya paints are also compatible with other types of paints, such as acrylics, allowing for more detailed and creative designs. Overall, Tamiya spray paints provide a great option for customising and personalising RC car bodies.
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Priming the surface
To begin priming, make sure the RC body surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Use a mild detergent or a specialised plastic cleaner, such as Tamiya Polycarbonate Body Cleaner, to remove any dirt, grease, or oils. This step is crucial as contaminants can interfere with the paint adhesion and cause issues like "fish eyes." Once the surface is clean, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust particles.
Next, choose a suitable primer designed for plastic surfaces. Tamiya offers a range of primers specifically developed for RC bodies, including their Fine Surface Primer in grey, white, light grey, dark grey, pink, and oxide red. You can select a primer colour that best suits your desired paint colour, providing a good base for both light and dark shades.
When applying the primer, start by fogging a light mist of primer over the entire body, gradually increasing the amount over several light coats until you achieve full coverage. Allow the primer to cure overnight in a warm, controlled environment. This gives the primer time to soak into the surface and ensures a solid foundation for your paint.
After the primer has cured, you can further smooth out the surface by lightly sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper, such as 800-grit wet sandpaper. Keep the surface and sandpaper wet during this process, rinsing regularly to remove the sanding film and maintain a clean sanding surface. Wipe the RC body with a damp cloth after sanding and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the painting stage.
By following these priming steps, you'll create an optimal surface for your paint to adhere to, resulting in a high-quality and durable finish on your RC body.
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Sanding and cleaning the surface
- Scrub the RC body: Use a scrub brush or a non-scratch sponge to scrub the plastic surface with soapy water. Remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants. For tough stains, apply rubbing alcohol and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before scrubbing.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the RC body thoroughly with regular water to remove any suds. Wipe it with a rag or paper towel and let it air dry completely. Place it in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to speed up the drying process.
- Sand the surface: Once the RC body is completely dry, use fine-grit sandpaper (around 400-600 grit) to sand the entire surface. If the plastic has shiny parts, focus on those areas a little more to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. You can also use a sanding block, which is useful for curved surfaces or small crevices.
- Remove sanding dust: After sanding, use a dry cloth to wipe away the bulk of the sanding dust. Then, use a wet rag or paper towel soaked in mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to remove the remaining dust and create a clean surface for painting.
- Check for smoothness: If there are any dried-on drips or drops after painting, let the paint dry completely. Then, use extra-fine sandpaper to gently smooth out these spots with a light circular motion. Remove the sanding dust with a dry and then a wet cloth.
Remember, the key to a successful paint job is taking your time and ensuring the surface is properly prepared. A well-prepped surface will enhance the details of your RC body instead of hiding them.
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Paint adhesion
Painting an RC car body requires some preparation and patience. The paint job should complement the body's details, not hide them. The best paint jobs begin with a well-prepped surface. This process can take up to 3 days, depending on the quality of finish desired.
Before painting, it is important to ensure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or debris. This will help the paint adhere properly and ensure a smooth finish. To clean the surface, use some dish soap or a polycarbonate-body cleaner to remove dirt and grease. Sand the surface lightly if necessary to provide better adhesion for the paint.
Once the surface is prepared, washed, and completely dry, it needs a thin coat of primer. Priming is necessary for a few reasons. The primer works as a filler for fine scratches, helps the paint adhere properly, and gives a uniform-coloured foundation for your paint job. Tamiya's grey Fine Surface Primer is a good starting point and middle-of-the-road base for both dark and light colours. White and tinted primers are also available.
After priming, apply the spray paint. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the spray paint. Make sure to apply the paint evenly and avoid applying it too thickly, as this can affect the curing process.
Once the paint is dry, it can be baked in the oven. Baking spray paint enhances the durability of projects by improving the bond between the paint and the surface. The heat causes the paint to cure, resulting in a harder finish. This process increases adhesion, making the paint less likely to chip or peel. It also helps the paint resist environmental factors like moisture and UV light, which can cause fading.
To achieve optimal results when baking spray paint, it is generally recommended to bake the painted item at a temperature between 150°F and 200°F (65°C to 93°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes. This specific time and temperature can vary based on several factors, including the type of spray paint used and the material of the painted item. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent issues such as poor adhesion and to ensure safety.
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Paint chipping and cracking
Once the surface is clean and dry, it is important to use the correct type of paint. For polycarbonate RC bodies, it is necessary to use polycarbonate paint, as regular paint will not work and will likely chip and crack. Polycarbonate paints, such as TAMIYA PS spray paints, are designed to bond with the polycarbonate body and are flexible, which is important for RC bodies that may experience impact or flexing during use.
Proper priming is also critical to preventing paint chipping and cracking. A quality primer will help the paint adhere properly to the surface and provide a uniform base for the paint. It is generally recommended to use a primer from the same brand as the paint, as these products are often chemically matched to work together. Tamiya primers, for example, are commonly used and well-regarded in the RC community. When priming, it is important to apply thin coats and allow them to dry completely before proceeding.
In addition to the choice of paint and primer, the application technique is crucial. Paint layers should be as thin as possible to avoid burying the details of the RC body and throwing off the proportions. Applying multiple thin coats is generally preferable to a single thick coat. It is also important to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, and to follow the specific instructions provided by the RC model manufacturer.
Finally, the environment in which the painting takes place can impact the likelihood of paint chipping and cracking. It is recommended to work in a dust-free, well-ventilated area to prevent dust particles from settling on the paint and to ensure proper drying. Choosing a stable surface and laying out a base, such as old newspapers or painting film, can also help create a clean and controlled environment for painting.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should use polycarbonate paint for polycarbonate RC bodies and Tamiya TS paint for ABS plastic bodies.
You can use a spray can or an airbrush.
Using a primer is not necessary, but it will improve the adhesion of the paint and help you achieve a better finish.
Tamiya Fine Surface Primer in grey, white, or light grey is a popular choice.
Wash the body with dish soap and water, then dry it with a lint-free towel or chamois. You can also use sandpaper to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
