Lena Rivera
Painting an RC car body can be a challenging task, especially if you are a beginner. It is important to know your limitations and plan out your design before starting. The first step is to wash, rinse, and thoroughly dry the car body. Next, sketch your design on the outside of the body on top of the protective film. Once you are happy with your design, you can begin to paint. It is recommended to paint the inside of the body with Lexan or Polycarbonate paint. The body will then act as a clear coat. If you paint the outside, you will get a matte finish. It is important to let the paint dry for several days before applying tape to the inside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting the outside of an RC body | Not recommended due to dull finish |
| Painting the inside of an RC body | Recommended for a glossy finish |
| RC body paint | Polycarbonate paint, TAMIYA PS spray paints, TAMIYA TS paints, Duratrax, airbrush paint |
| Paint application | Spray cans, airbrush |
| Paint preparation | Sketch design on protective film, mask untinted areas, wash and dry body |
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What You'll Learn
Paint the inside of the body
Painting the inside of an RC body is a common practice, and it offers some advantages over painting the outside. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for painting the inside of an RC body:
Preparation:
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the RC body and your workspace. Choose a well-ventilated area or work outdoors. Gather all the necessary materials, including the RC body, paint, masking tape, gloves, scissors, a cutter knife, sandpaper, clamps, and a breathing mask to protect yourself from paint fumes. Lay out all the parts and tape off any areas you don't want to paint, such as windows or lights, using high-quality masking tape.
Cleaning:
It is essential to clean the inside of the RC body before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. Use a sponge, dish soap, or a specialised polycarbonate-body-cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or mould release chemicals. Rinse it well with plain water and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. Remember to avoid touching the inside of the body shell with oily or dirty fingers after cleaning.
Painting:
When painting the inside of the RC body, you can use either spray paint cans or liquid paint with an airbrush. For spray painting, choose Lexan or polycarbonate paints designed for use on Lexan bodies. Apply light and thin coats, and allow sufficient drying time between layers. If using liquid paint with an airbrush, practice on a separate surface first to get a feel for the technique. Always follow the specific instructions for your chosen paint, especially regarding drying times.
Colour Choices:
You can choose any colour you prefer for the inside of the RC body. Some people suggest painting with dark colours first, such as black, and then following up with lighter colours like white to brighten or darken the overall shade. This technique can also help protect the paint from chipping. Additionally, consider using a clear coat on the outside of the body after painting to enhance the finish and further protect the paint.
Protection:
To prevent paint chipping, you can apply cut pieces of fibreglass mesh drywall tape to the inside of the body after the paint has dried. Coat the tape with a suitable adhesive, such as E6000 or Shoe Goo glue. You can also use gorilla tape on the inside of the body and trim it with a razor knife to make the paint and body last longer.
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Use Lexan or polycarbonate paint
Painting the outside of an RC body requires special paint that is compatible with the flexible material of the body. Lexan, also known as polycarbonate, is a tough and impact-resistant plastic that is commonly used for RC bodies. It is important to use the right type of paint, as regular paint will not adhere properly to Lexan and may crack or peel when the body flexes.
To ensure a successful paint job on a Lexan or polycarbonate RC body, it is recommended to use Lexan or polycarbonate-specific paint. These paints are designed to adhere properly to the flexible plastic material. They are available in various colours and can be applied by spray can or airbrush. When using a spray can, choose a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the can for proper application.
One popular brand of Lexan and polycarbonate paint is TAMIYA. Their PS spray paints are specifically designed for polycarbonate bodies and offer a wide range of colours. TAMIYA also offers TS paints for plastic add-on parts such as mirrors and spoilers. Another option is to use Createx paints, which are known for their high quality and durability. Their Wicked Colors line has been specifically mentioned as a good choice for Lexan RC bodies. These paints can be found at most auto parts stores and offer a large can for a reasonable price.
When painting with Lexan or polycarbonate paint, it is important to follow the proper steps for preparation and application. First, remove any grease or dirt from the body using dish soap or a polycarbonate-specific cleaner. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly. Next, tape off any areas that you do not want to paint, such as windows or headlights. Then, apply the paint in thin layers, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Some RC enthusiasts recommend painting the inside of the Lexan body rather than the outside. This helps protect the paint from chipping and results in a glossy finish on the outside. When painting the inside, it is recommended to use dark colours first, followed by light colours, and then a backing of white or black to brighten or darken the overall colour. This technique can also help prevent chipping and create a longer-lasting paint job.
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Mask off windows and other areas you don't want to paint
Painting the outside of an RC body is a great way to get creative and add your personal touch. However, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and precise painting process. One crucial step is to mask off the windows and any other areas you don't want to paint. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Before you start masking, it's essential to choose the right tools for the job. For masking windows and other delicate areas, you'll need high-quality masking tape specifically designed for painting purposes. Ensure the tape is wide enough to cover the areas you want to protect. It's also a good idea to invest in a hand masker, which can speed up the process and provide cleaner results.
Now, let's begin the masking process:
- Clean the windows and surrounding areas: Before applying the masking tape, ensure the windows and nearby surfaces are clean and free of dirt or grease. This step will help the tape adhere better and create a sharper paint line.
- Tape the corners first: Start by taping the corners of the windows. Place a small piece of tape in one corner, then do the same for the diagonal corner. This technique ensures that you have a reference point and a straight line to work with.
- Connect the sides: After taping the corners, connect the sides by placing a long piece of tape along the window edge, joining the two corner pieces. Make sure the tape is smooth and firmly pressed against the surface.
- Tape the remaining corners: Continue taping any remaining corners of the windows or other areas you want to protect. For example, if you have a rectangular window, tape the bottom left and right corners, trimming any excess tape with a razor or knife.
- Seal the edges: Once all the corners are taped, seal the edges by folding any excess tape neatly onto the adjacent surfaces. This step ensures that the tape is secure and reduces the chances of paint seeping underneath.
- Check for coverage: Inspect your work and ensure that all desired areas are adequately covered with masking tape. Pay close attention to the edges and make any necessary adjustments.
Remember, taking your time during the masking process will pay off when you start painting. A well-masked window or area will result in cleaner paint lines and less touch-up work afterward.
Additionally, when painting RC bodies, it's recommended to use polycarbonate paints specifically designed for this purpose, such as those offered by TAMIYA. These paints are ideal for polycarbonate surfaces, providing a durable and UV-resistant finish. You can choose from a variety of colours and apply them easily with spray cans or airbrushes.
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Plan your design before painting
Planning your design before painting is crucial to achieving the desired look and ensuring a smooth and efficient painting process. Here are some steps to help you plan your design effectively:
Choose the Right Paint
Select a high-quality paint designed specifically for polycarbonate or Lexan surfaces. Polycarbonate paint is ideal for RC bodies as it is tough, impact-resistant, and UV-resistant. TAMIYA PS spray paints are commonly recommended for polycarbonate bodies, offering a range of colours. If you have plastic add-on parts, such as mirrors or spoilers, use TAMIYA TS paints for those components.
Prepare the Surface
Before painting, ensure the RC body is clean and free of dirt, grease, or old paint. Use a suitable cleaner, such as TAMIYA polycarbonate-body-cleaner, or a mild dish soap to prepare the surface. This step will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish.
Design Sketching
Sketch or outline your desired design directly on the RC body using a fine-tip, erasable marker. This step will guide your masking tape application and painting process. If your design is complex, consider drawing it on paper first before transferring it to the RC body. Keep your design simple, especially if this is your first time painting an RC body.
Masking Tape Application
Use masking tape to cover the areas you do not want to paint. Cut the tape into different pieces for each colour you plan to use. Firmly apply the tape to prevent paint from bleeding underneath and to create sharp paint lines. Use a high-quality painter's tape, such as FrogTape, to achieve precise results.
Paint Selection and Technique
Choose the appropriate spray paint or airbrush setup for your design. If using spray paint, opt for paints designed for polycarbonate Lexan, such as those specifically made for RC vehicles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application techniques and drying times. Apply thin layers of paint to avoid streaks or uneven coverage, and always paint from dark to light colours to prevent lighter colours from being covered.
Drying and Additional Coats
Allow sufficient drying time between each layer of paint, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the masking tape for the next colour or design element. Continue this process, alternating between painting and masking until your design is complete.
By following these steps, you will be able to plan and execute your design effectively, resulting in a professional-looking and unique RC body paint job.
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Wash, rinse and dry the body thoroughly
To prepare an RC body for painting, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly. This can be done by washing the body with a mild dish soap and warm water. You can also use a product specifically designed for cleaning polycarbonate RC bodies, such as Tamiya Polycarbonate Body Cleaner. Leave the soap to soak for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub the car body to remove any dirt, grease, or oil. Next, thoroughly rinse the RC body with warm or hot water to remove any soap residue.
After rinsing, it is crucial to dry the RC body completely before painting. You can let it air dry or use a microfiber cloth to dry the remaining wet spots. It is important not to touch the inside of the RC body with your fingers after washing, as the oil from your skin can affect the paint application. Once the body is completely dry, it is ready for the next steps in the painting process, such as scuffing the surface with fine sandpaper to promote better paint adhesion.
There are a few additional tips to consider when cleaning your RC body before painting. Firstly, ensure that you clean in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes from the cleaning products. Additionally, you can use a clean cloth and some rubbing alcohol to give the RC body a final wipe-down before painting. This will ensure that the body is entirely free of any residue and ready for painting.
Overall, taking the time to thoroughly wash, rinse, and dry your RC body is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking paint job. It ensures proper paint adhesion and helps to prevent issues such as paint flaking or chipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Polycarbonate paint is ideal for RC bodies made of Lexan, a tough and impact-resistant plastic. Polycarbonate paints from TAMIYA are called PS spray paints and are intended for painting polycarbonate bodies.
It is important to wash, rinse, and thoroughly dry the RC body before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. Use a dish soap or TAMIYA polycarbonate-body-cleaner to remove dirt and grease from the body.
Most people paint the inside of the body, especially if it is made of Lexan. Painting the outside will result in a matte finish, while painting the inside will give a glossy finish.
You can use spray paint or liquid paint with an airbrush. Spray paint is cheaper and can be applied with a rattle can. For intricate details or small bodies, an airbrush may be more suitable.
