Isabella Flores
Painting an RC car body requires some preparation and the right tools. First, you need to select the right paint. Polycarbonate paint is designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces, which is what RC car bodies are made of. Tamiya PS spray paints are a good option. Next, you need to prepare the surface by removing any dirt and grease with dish soap or a polycarbonate-body-cleaner. Then, you can sketch your desired pattern on the protective plastic on the outer surface of the body and cut the mask with a crafting knife. After cutting the mask, you can start painting, typically starting with darker colours and moving to lighter ones. It is recommended to use thin coats and allow enough time for drying between coats. Finally, you can add a clear sealant for protection and let it cure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Lexan/Polycarbonate paint |
| Paint brand | Tamiya |
| Paint application | Spray can |
| Paint colour | Dark or light base, depending on the colours used |
| Paint technique | Multiple light coats |
| Paint drying time | 4 days |
| Paint protection | Gorilla tape |
| Paint design | Sketch pattern on protective plastic, cut with a craft knife |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing paint colours: select lighter or darker base shades, depending on the colours used
- Paint type: use Lexan/polycarbonate paint, which is designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces
- Paint application: apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next
- Paint adhesion: lightly scuff the surface with fine Scotch-Brite for better paint adhesion
- Paint protection: use a clear sealant to protect the paint and add rigidity to the plastic underneath
Choosing paint colours: select lighter or darker base shades, depending on the colours used
When painting an RC Lexan body, it's important to consider the base shade you'll be using. The base shade will either be lighter or darker, depending on the colours you plan to use.
If you're using darker colours, it's recommended to start with a lighter base shade, such as silver or white. This will help to brighten the overall colour and prevent it from becoming too dark. On the other hand, if you're using lighter colours, a darker base shade, such as black, can be used to tone down the brightness and create a more subtle effect.
It's worth noting that the base colour will have an impact on the final look, so it's a good idea to test out different options before making a decision. You can buy sample sheets of Lexan to experiment with, or use cut-off pieces from previous projects. This will help you determine which combination of base and top colours will achieve the desired result.
Additionally, when painting an RC Lexan body, it's important to use the correct type of paint. Lexan has its own paint, specifically Lexan/polycarbonate paint, as regular paint will not adhere to it. Tamiya PS spray paints are specifically designed for painting polycarbonate bodies and offer a range of colours to choose from.
When you're ready to paint, follow these steps:
- Tape off any areas you don't want to paint using high-quality masking tape.
- Prepare the spray paint by bringing it to room temperature. You can do this by placing it near a heater or gently warming it with a hairdryer.
- Shake the spray can and test the colour on cardboard or paper before spraying the body.
- If using multiple colours, start with the darker shades first and finish with the lightest colour.
- Hold the spray can about 25-30 centimetres away from the body and spray in one direction, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
- Allow the paint to dry for about an hour, then apply additional coats as needed.
By following these steps and choosing the right base shade, you can achieve a professional-looking paint job on your RC Lexan body.
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Paint type: use Lexan/polycarbonate paint, which is designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces
Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate, a tough and impact-resistant plastic that is resistant to UV rays and is particularly durable. When painting a Lexan RC body, it is important to use Lexan/polycarbonate paint, which is designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces. This type of paint is flexible and will not crack or peel when the body flexes.
There are several options available for Lexan/polycarbonate paint. Tamiya spray cans, for example, offer a range of transparent/clear colours that can be used to paint polycarbonate bodies. Their PS spray paints are specifically designed for painting polycarbonate bodies. Tamiya also offers polycarbonate-body-cleaner, which can be used to remove dirt and grease from the body before painting to ensure better paint application and adhesion.
Other options for Lexan/polycarbonate paint include Pro-Line RC Body Paint, which is made by Createx, and Rust-Oleum's Universal, Painter's Touch 2x Ultra Cover, Specialty Paint for Plastic, and Universal Bonding Primer. Automotive acrylic and polyurethane can also be used for painting Lexan RC bodies with an airbrush and spray gun.
When painting a Lexan RC body, it is recommended to apply several light coats of paint. It is also important to allow sufficient time for the paint to dry and cure, as this will help achieve maximum paint adhesion and durability. In addition to using the appropriate paint, protecting the paint job is crucial. This can be done by applying a clear poly paint over the Lexan paint, which will allow you to use other types of paint as well.
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Paint application: apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next
When painting an RC Lexan body, it is important to apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next one. This technique ensures a strong and even finish. It is recommended to use a spray can for this process, as it allows for quick and easy application, even on large areas.
Before beginning the painting process, it is crucial to choose an outdoor location or a well-ventilated room with ample space. Proper ventilation is essential when working with paints and sprays. Additionally, ensure that the RC body is clean and free from grease and dirt. Use dish soap or a specialised polycarbonate-body-cleaner to prepare the surface, enhancing the paint application and adhesion.
When applying the paint, start with the base coat, which can be either white or black, depending on the colours you plan to use. For instance, if you intend to use mostly dark colours, choose a black base, and for lighter colours, opt for a white base. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
After the base coat is dry, you can start applying the subsequent thin coats of paint. It is important to let each coat dry before applying the next one. This process may take some time, but it is worth it to achieve a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. Remember to be patient and avoid using any products that claim to speed up dry times, as these can compromise the quality of your paint job.
Additionally, consider using a clear sealant on the outside of the plastic body. This step can add rigidity and provide an extra layer of protection to your RC body, potentially saving it from tears and crashes. Just like with the paint coats, apply thin coats of sealant, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
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Paint adhesion: lightly scuff the surface with fine Scotch-Brite for better paint adhesion
Painting an RC body requires careful preparation to ensure the paint adheres well and does not chip or peel. One important step is to lightly scuff the surface of the Lexan body with a fine Scotch-Brite pad before painting. This process creates a haze on the surface, improving paint adhesion and reducing the likelihood of paint chipping or peeling. It is important to avoid scuffing areas that will be painted with chrome, as the scratches may be visible.
When scuffing the RC body, it is crucial to use a fine Scotch-Brite pad, such as the 3M Scotch-Brite pad, to ensure the haze created is minimal and does not show through the paint. After scuffing, the body should be thoroughly washed with hot soapy water and rinsed with clean water to remove any oils or soap residue. This step is essential to ensure the paint adheres well and does not peel due to contaminants on the surface.
Once the body is clean and dry, it is ready for painting. It is recommended to use a paint designed specifically for Lexan, such as Tamiya PS spray paints or Parma Faskolor, to ensure the paint is flexible and will not flake when the body flexes. These paints are available in various colours and can be easily applied with a spray can or airbrush. It is also important to apply multiple light coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat, as this will help improve adhesion and reduce the chances of paint chipping.
In addition to using the correct paint and application technique, there are other methods to improve paint adhesion and protect the paint job. One method is to apply a clear coat, such as a lacquer-based flat clear coat, over the paint to provide additional protection. Another method is to use a transparent plastic clinging device, such as the one offered by HIKARI, which increases the fixing power of the paint and makes the process easier. Proper preparation and the use of appropriate materials will result in a durable and aesthetically pleasing paint job for your RC body.
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Paint protection: use a clear sealant to protect the paint and add rigidity to the plastic underneath
Painting an RC body requires some preparation and patience. It is best to choose an outdoor location or a room with enough space and good ventilation. Before painting, it is important to remove grease and dirt from the body using dish soap or a specialised polycarbonate-body-cleaner. This will ensure that the paint application will hold better.
Once the body is clean and dry, it is time to apply the paint. It is recommended to use polycarbonate paint, specifically designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces. This type of paint is ideal for RC bodies made of transparent or clear polycarbonate (also known as Lexan), a tough and impact-resistant plastic that is resistant to UV rays. When applying the paint, it is important to start with a light and thin coat, allowing ample time for drying before applying subsequent coats.
To protect the paint and add rigidity to the plastic, consider spraying a clear sealant on the outside of the body. This will act as a protective barrier, shielding the paint from chips and cracks. It is recommended to spray around five to ten thin coats of the clear sealant, allowing each coat to dry properly before applying the next. This process will help to prolong the life of the paint job and enhance the overall durability of the RC body.
Some additional tips for protecting your paint job include using tape or liquid mask to cover body pin holes and areas that may rub. Clear vinyl tape or plain electrician's tape can be used sparingly to prevent paint from cracking and peeling. It is important to avoid using a "hard" finish, as it will crack and peel off, taking the paint with it.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use Lexan/Polycarbonate paint. Tamiya PS spray paints are specifically designed for painting polycarbonate bodies.
Use dish soap or Tamiya polycarbonate-body-cleaner to remove dirt and grease from the body. Then, sketch your desired pattern on the protective plastic on the outer surface of the body.
Apply multiple light coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
Apply a clear sealant over the paint to add rigidity and protection. You can also use gorilla tape on the inside of the body to protect the paint and prevent chipping.
