Priya Kapoor
Painting an RC body to resemble carbon fibre can be challenging, but the results can be stunning. While normal spray paint can be used on an RC body, paint specifically designed for this purpose will yield better results. For a Lexan RC body, Tamiya PS paint is recommended, as Tamiya TS paint will not adhere properly. To achieve the carbon fibre effect, some suggest using a shelf liner or drawer liner as a template, while others recommend using carpet tape from the inside. The paint colours used to create the effect include silver, pearl white, grey, and black.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Requires a decent amount of work and practice |
| Paint | Use paint specifically designed for RC car bodies |
| Paint type | Normal spray paint can be used, but will not look as nice as specialised paint |
| Paint brand | Tamiya PS paint for Lexan RC bodies |
| Paint application | Use an airbrush |
| Paint colours | Fasblack, Faspearl Charcoal, silver, white, black, transparent black, grey, gold |
| Paint technique | Use a drawer mat or liner, or small tape tiles |
| Paint direction | Work backwards rather than forwards |
| Paint coats | Apply two or three even coats |
| Paint drying | Speed up drying with a heat gun |
| Alternatives | Carbon fibre sticker sheets, vinyl wrap, carpet tape |
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What You'll Learn
Using a drawer mat and airbrush
Painting carbon fibre on an RC body can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a drawer mat and airbrush to achieve a carbon fibre effect:
Prepare the Materials
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need an airbrush kit, paint in your chosen colours (typically silver and black, but you can experiment with other colours like lime green pearl or white), a drawer mat or liner, and, optionally, an index card and a heat gun or hair dryer. Ensure your paint is suitable for thinning for use in an airbrush if necessary—for example, Tamiya paints should be thinned with Tamiya thinner, not water.
Prepare the Surface
Before you begin painting, clean, sand, and prepare the RC body surface. If using a Lexan RC body, you will typically paint on the inside to achieve a glossy finish.
Paint the Base Colour
Start by painting the RC body with your chosen base colour. This will be the colour that shows through the carbon fibre pattern. Allow this coat to dry completely.
Apply the Drawer Mat
Cut the drawer mat into sections to fit the RC body, especially if you are working with curved surfaces. Lay the mat over the body, ensuring it is tightly pressed down and lined up straight, particularly along the edges. You can use an index card to smooth out any bumps in the liner.
Spray the Silver Coat
Using your airbrush, lightly dust a coat of silver paint over the drawer mat. Ensure the airbrush is held straight and not angled to avoid paint blowing under the mat. Allow this coat to dry.
Remove the Drawer Mat and Apply the Black Backing
Once the silver coat is dry, carefully remove the drawer mat. Then, apply a solid black coat or two over the entire body, ensuring even coverage. Again, allow this coat to dry.
Final Steps
To finish, apply a clear coat if desired. You can speed up the drying process between coats by using a heat gun or simply waiting. Practise is key to perfecting this technique and achieving a realistic carbon fibre effect.
Remember, the drawer liner method is known for being the easiest and fastest way to achieve a carbon fibre effect, so take your time and enjoy the process of customising your RC body!
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Paint types and application
Painting an RC body to resemble carbon fibre can be achieved using a variety of paints and methods. The paint type and application method will depend on the desired finish and the material of the RC body.
For a Lexan RC body, Tamiya PS paint is recommended as it is designed to adhere to the smooth surface. Tamiya TS paint, on the other hand, is not suitable for Lexan bodies as it will peel and crack. If painting the outside of a Lexan body, it is important to note that the surface must be scuffed substantially to ensure proper paint adhesion.
Some people prefer to use normal spray paint, which can work fine if applied carefully. However, paint specifically designed for RC car bodies will result in a nicer finish. It is also important to consider the colour scheme when creating a carbon fibre effect. The key to making it look realistic is to use shades that are not too far apart. A combination of silver for the darker colour and pearl white with a hint of silver for the lighter colour is recommended.
To achieve the carbon fibre effect, various methods can be employed. One popular method is the drawer liner technique, which involves using a drawer liner or mat as a template to create the carbon fibre pattern. Another method is to use carpet tape from the inside, spraying Tamiya PS-32 smoke paint first and then backing it with Tamiya PS-5 black. Additionally, Element RC suggests using rattle can paints and carpet tape to create a faux carbon fibre effect.
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The liner method
Firstly, use primer black and apply 3-4 thin layers of paint to the RC body, ensuring each layer dries before applying the next. You can speed up the drying process using a heat gun or hair dryer.
Next, cover the body with the shelf liner, ensuring it is tightly pressed and snug against the body. Use the index card to smooth out any bumps or creases in the liner.
Then, spray or airbrush the silver paint over the liner, ensuring an even coat. Move your hand in even lines and avoid applying too much paint to one spot.
After the silver coat has dried, carefully remove the liner. Finally, spray or airbrush the black paint to complete the carbon fibre effect.
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Using vinyl wrap
If you want to achieve a carbon fibre effect on an RC body using vinyl wrap, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, it is important to purchase high-quality vinyl wrap, such as 3M 1080 for flat areas with slight curves, or 3M Di Noc for curvy and stretched areas. These products have been recommended by users for their durability and ease of application.
Before applying the vinyl wrap, ensure that the RC body surface is clean and free of any debris. It is also recommended to use a tack reducer to aid in the application process. Start by aligning the vinyl wrap with the edges of the RC body, working in small sections at a time. Smooth out any air bubbles or creases with a squeegee or a similar tool, being careful not to stretch or distort the vinyl.
For curved areas, heat the vinyl wrap slightly to make it more pliable and easier to conform to the shape of the RC body. Overlap the vinyl wrap by a few millimetres at the edges to ensure complete coverage. Once applied, use a sharp blade to trim away any excess vinyl, creating a clean finish.
Finally, to prevent peeling and ensure longevity, apply 3M edge sealer to the corners and edges. This will help keep the vinyl wrap adhered and protect it from debris. With these steps, you can achieve a carbon fibre effect on your RC body using vinyl wrap, creating a durable and realistic finish.
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Tamiya paint
Firstly, it is important to prepare your work area and the RC body itself. Work in a dust-free, well-ventilated area, and ensure your work surface is stable and covered with a base such as old newspapers. Gather all the parts you need, including the RC body, paint, masking tape, a cutter knife, sandpaper, scissors, gloves, and clamps. Remove any dust, grease, or dirt from the RC body using a damp cloth or Tamiya polycarbonate-body-cleaner.
If you have a Lexan RC body, you can paint it on the inside to achieve a glossy finish. If you prefer to paint the outside, you must use Tamiya PS paint, as Tamiya TS paint will not adhere properly to Lexan bodies and will peel and crack. Tamiya PS paint is designed for polycarbonate bodies and comes in a variety of colours. Before painting, ensure the outside of the Lexan body is scuffed sufficiently to allow the paint to adhere.
Tamiya provides detailed instructions on how to achieve a carbon fibre effect on their website. They recommend spraying at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the mesh, building up thin coats of Metallic Grey paint until you achieve the desired effect. Remember to allow each coat to dry before applying the next one. The drying time will vary depending on factors such as coat thickness, humidity, and air movement.
To paint intricate details on your RC body, Tamiya offers a modelling brush set with high-quality pointed brushes made with Kolinsky Sable hair. These brushes are flexible, durable, and ergonomically designed for extended use.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to achieve a carbon fiber effect on an RC body. One way is to use a drawer liner or mesh as a template and spray paint over it. Another method is to use Tamiya PS paint, carpet tape, and rattle can paints to create a faux carbon fiber effect. You can also use carbon fiber stickers or vinyl wrap to achieve the carbon fiber look.
You can use normal spray paint for an RC body, but it may not look as nice as paint specifically designed for RC car bodies. Tamiya PS paint is recommended for Lexan RC bodies, while Tamiya TS paint is not suitable as it will not adhere properly.
The drawer liner or mesh template method is considered the easiest and fastest way to achieve a carbon fiber effect on an RC body. Simply lay the liner or mesh over the body, making sure it is tightly pressed and lined up with the edges. Then, spray your chosen paint colour evenly over the liner or mesh.
To make the carbon fiber effect look realistic, it is important to choose the right colours and ensure that the shades are not too far apart. A combination of silver for the darker colour and pearl white with a hint of silver for the lighter colour is recommended. You can also try mixing and matching different colours to find the right shades.
