Lena Rivera
Painting an RC car body is a great way to personalise your vehicle and make it stand out. It is important to plan your design before you start painting, sketching it out on the protective film on the outside of the body. You should also wash the body with hot soapy water to remove any mould releaser and unwanted ridges. Once you have your design and have prepared the body, you can start painting. It is recommended to start with darker colours and then add lighter colours on top. You can use spray paint, an airbrush, or paintbrushes, depending on your preference and the level of detail you want to achieve. To add intricate details, you can use a marker to sketch guidelines directly onto the car body. To protect your paint job, you can apply a clear sealant or use tape to prevent chipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Polycarbonate/Lexan paint |
| Paint brand | Tamiya, Testors, ProLine, Createx, Parma Faskolor |
| Paint finish | Matte, metallic, high gloss |
| Paint application | Airbrush, rattle cans, spray gun, spray paint |
| Paint technique | Thin coats, light coats, multiple layers |
| Paint drying time | 4 days |
| Paint protection | Tape, liquid mask, clear sealant |
| Paint order | Dark colours first, then light colours |
| Paint prep | Wash body, remove mould releaser, sand, prime |
| Paint design | Sketch design, outline colour sections, add detail guidelines |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose the right paint: Lexan or polycarbonate paint is recommended
- Prepare the body: Wash the body with hot soapy water and remove any mould releaser
- Prime the body: Use a primer to fill in fine scratches and help the paint adhere
- Sketch your design: Outline colour sections and add detail guidelines to visualise the final result
- Painting techniques: Start with dark colours, use thin coats, and let each coat dry before applying the next
Choose the right paint: Lexan or polycarbonate paint is recommended
When it comes to choosing paint for your RC body, opting for Lexan or polycarbonate paint is highly recommended. Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate, a type of plastic that can be painted. It's important to select a paint that is specifically designed for Lexan or polycarbonate surfaces to ensure optimal results and durability.
One popular option is to use paints formulated for RC bodies, such as those offered by Pro-Line and Createx. These paints are known for their excellent quality and adhesion to Lexan surfaces. They can be applied using an airbrush or spray cans, depending on your preference.
Another important consideration is the finish you desire for your RC body. If you're aiming for a high-gloss finish, synthetic lacquers like Tamiya Synthetic Lacquers can be a great choice. These lacquers dry quickly and provide a hard, polished surface. However, they require specific techniques that differ from traditional enamels.
When choosing paint for your RC body, it's crucial to prioritize thin coats over thick ones. This ensures that your paint job doesn't obscure the body's details and proportions. Additionally, allowing sufficient time between coats is essential for achieving a strong and even finish.
Lastly, priming plays a vital role in achieving a superior paint job. Primers, such as Tamiya's gray Fine Surface Primer, act as a filler for fine scratches and provide a uniform base for your chosen paint color. By following the manufacturer's instructions and allowing the primer to cure overnight, you can ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Prepare the body: Wash the body with hot soapy water and remove any mould releaser
Preparing the RC body for painting is a crucial step in achieving a well-finished paint job. Here are the steps to effectively prepare the body:
Wash the Body with Hot Soapy Water
Use hot water, as it is more effective at removing dirt and grime. Soap helps to break down any remaining mould releaser and prepares the surface for painting. Wash the body thoroughly, ensuring all areas are cleaned. This step is important as it ensures that the mould releaser is not pushed into the surface during the sanding or scraping process.
Remove Mould Releaser
After washing, pay particular attention to removing any mould releaser. You can use a toothbrush to scrub the body in soapy water, especially after filing off the moulding tabs and defects. This ensures that any remaining mould releaser and resin dust are eliminated. Alternatively, you can use a product like Purple Power, but be cautious as it is strong and not environmentally friendly. A safer option is to use isopropyl alcohol for a thorough wipe-down after washing with lukewarm water.
Additional Tips
Before painting, ensure the body is completely dry. You may also want to apply a clear sealant to the outside of the body for added protection. Thin coats of sealant are recommended, and it is important to avoid using anything that speeds up dry times. Additionally, consider priming the body to fill in fine scratches and create a uniform base for your paint job.
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Prime the body: Use a primer to fill in fine scratches and help the paint adhere
Priming is an important step in achieving a well-painted RC body. It helps to fill in fine scratches and creates a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. When choosing a primer, opt for a product that is suitable for the material of your RC body, such as Tamiya's gray Fine Surface Primer, which is commonly used for plastic models and RC bodies.
Before applying the primer, ensure the body surface is clean and free of any mould releaser. Wash the body with hot soapy water and use a sharp hobby knife to remove any leftover material or ridges left behind from the injection moulding process. This step is crucial as it ensures a smooth base for the primer and paint to adhere to.
When applying the primer, start by spraying a light mist over the entire body. Gradually increase the amount of primer with each subsequent coat until you achieve full coverage. Typically, three light coats are recommended. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next, and let the final coat cure overnight in a warm, controlled environment. This curing process allows the primer and paint to settle and sink into the surface, resulting in a durable finish.
It's important to note that primer alone may not be sufficient for moderate to deep scratches. For more prominent scratches, it is advisable to fill them with a quality spot putty or filler before applying the primer. Sand the filled area to smooth it out, then apply the primer to achieve a seamless finish.
By following these steps and allowing adequate curing time, you will achieve a well-primed surface that enhances the paint's adhesion and covers fine scratches, resulting in a professional-looking paint job for your RC body.
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Sketch your design: Outline colour sections and add detail guidelines to visualise the final result
Sketching your design is an essential step in painting your RC car body. It allows you to visualise the final result and plan your painting process effectively. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you sketch your design:
Firstly, outline the colour sections of your design. Mark the areas where different colours will be applied. This helps you visualise how the colours will come together and ensures a cohesive final look.
Next, add detail guidelines to your sketch. Draw the outlines of any intricate or abstract details you plan to include. These details could be faux mirrors, headlights, or other visual elements. By sketching these guidelines, you create a reference point for yourself while painting, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your design.
When sketching your design, use a marker of your choice and sketch directly onto the protective film on the outside of the car body. Marker lines will eventually be painted over, so you don't have to worry about the type of marker you use.
After sketching your design, the next step is to tape off any areas you don't want to paint. Cut masking tape to match the outlines you drew and cover those areas. This process will need to be repeated for each colour you use, helping to prevent colour mixing and creating clean lines in your final design.
By following these guidelines, you will be well on your way to creating a detailed and visually appealing design for your RC car body. Remember to take your time and plan carefully to achieve the best results.
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Painting techniques: Start with dark colours, use thin coats, and let each coat dry before applying the next
Painting an RC body is a fun and rewarding project. Here are some techniques to help you achieve the best results:
Start with Dark Colours:
Always start painting your RC body with the darkest colours first. This is because darker colours tend to require more coats to achieve full coverage, and by starting with these, you reduce the risk of lighter colours being accidentally covered. It also helps to create a strong foundation for the rest of your colour scheme. Allow each coat of dark paint to dry before adding additional coats to build up the desired colour depth.
Use Thin Coats:
Thin coats of paint are essential to achieving a smooth and professional finish. Light, thin coats allow for a strong, even finish and help to prevent paint build-up, which can bury the intricate details of your RC body. Thin coats also enable better adhesion and a longer-lasting paint job. Take your time and use a light misting technique when spraying, keeping the can about 25-30 centimetres away from the body and moving it constantly to avoid pooling or an uneven coat.
Let Each Coat Dry Before Applying the Next:
It is crucial to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. This prevents the formation of unsightly nose bubbles and ensures a smooth finish. The drying time can vary depending on the brand of paint, the environment, and the number of coats applied, so be sure to read the instructions on your paint carefully. Typically, each coat will require 20 minutes to an hour to dry. You can use a hairdryer on a cool setting, held 2-3 inches away from the body and kept moving, to speed up the drying process.
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Frequently asked questions
First, sketch your design on the protective film on the outside of the body. Then, use masking tape to cover the sections that you don't want to paint with your first colour. Paint the exposed sections with your darkest colour first, and then gradually work towards the lighter colours. Repeat this process for each colour, removing and re-taping as you go.
It is important to use paint that is designed for Lexan or polycarbonate, such as Tamiya paint, to prevent flaking when the body flexes. You can also use airbrush paints, such as Createx, but these require very light coats to stick properly.
Wash the body with hot soapy water to remove any mould releaser. Use a sharp hobby knife to trim off any excess plastic and ridges left over from the moulding process. Then, sand the body and apply primer to fill in any fine scratches and create a uniform foundation for your paint.
