Marcus Chen
Painting carbon fibre on a lexan body requires a decent amount of work and practice to get right. If you have a Lexan RC body, you will typically paint it on the inside to achieve a glossy finish. However, if you want to paint the exterior of a Lexan body, you must use Tamiya PS paint or scuff the outside of the body to ensure the paint adheres properly. You can also use shelf liner, Fasblack, and Faspearl Charcoal to create a carbon fibre effect, or use a drawer mat and airbrush to paint your desired colour, followed by a silver coat and a black backing coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting technique | Spray paint, airbrush, paintbrush |
| Paint type | Tamiya PS paint, automotive acrylic, polyurethane, enamel paints, Tamiya spray cans |
| Paint colour | Transparent black, white, silver, grey, charcoal, black |
| Surface preparation | Clean and scuff the surface to ensure paint adhesion |
| Drying time | 10-15 minutes to touch dry; overnight or longer before handling |
| Number of coats | Two or more thin, even coats |
| Additional materials | Shelf liner, drawer mat, tape, heat gun |
| Challenges | Achieving evenness, preventing paint from cracking or peeling |
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What You'll Learn
Paint types: Tamiya PS paint is recommended for Lexan bodies
Tamiya PS paint is specially formulated for use on polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies. Polycarbonate is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that is resistant to UV rays and is particularly durable. Tamiya PS paint is designed to bond to polycarbonate surfaces, ensuring that it won't flake off or crack. This type of paint is available in a variety of colours and can be applied by spray can.
When using Tamiya PS paint on a Lexan body, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Remove any protective film from the body.
- Mask off any areas that should not be painted, such as windows, headlights, and taillights, using masking tape.
- Apply the Tamiya PS paint in several thin layers, holding the can about 25 to 30 centimetres away from the surface.
- Allow sufficient drying time between each layer, typically 30 to 60 minutes.
It is important to work carefully and patiently when painting a Lexan body with Tamiya PS paint. The number of layers and drying time may vary depending on the desired finish and the specific instructions provided by Tamiya for their paint products.
Additionally, Tamiya offers a PS Matte paint option. For this technique, you would paint the desired colour on the inside of the Lexan body as usual. Then, you would mask the outside and spray the Tamiya PS Matte paint on top. This technique can add a unique finish to your Lexan body project.
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Paint application: Use an airbrush for a carbon fibre effect
Painting a carbon fibre effect on a lexan body using an airbrush requires some preparation and a few steps to achieve a good finish. Firstly, it is important to have the right materials. You will need an airbrush kit, which includes the airbrush, compressor, and paint cups. Additionally, you will need paint in the colours of your choice—typically, black, white, and grey are used for a carbon fibre effect—and some sort of mesh or shelf liner to create the fibre pattern.
Once you have your materials, you can begin the painting process. Start by laying the mesh or liner over the body, ensuring it is tightly pressed, especially on curved areas. This will be your guide for creating the fibre pattern. If using an airbrush for the first time, practise on a separate surface to get a feel for the pressure and technique required.
Now, you are ready to apply the paint. Thin, even coats are generally recommended, but some suggest using a thicker coat of transparent black paint first to create an even base. Spray the paint over the liner evenly, ensuring the liner does not move, as you want to avoid having to realign it for a second coat. Once the black paint is dry, you can apply another colour, such as white or grey, in thin, light coats until the desired opacity is achieved.
Finally, remove the mesh or liner and apply the final coat of paint. This will usually be a solid black to complete the carbon fibre effect. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before handling the body, and remember that patience and practice are key to achieving the desired result.
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Paint order: Paint the colour first, then silver, then black
Painting carbon fibre on a lexan body requires patience and precision. The painting process should be done systematically, layer by layer, to achieve the desired carbon fibre effect. Here is a detailed guide on how to paint carbon fibre on a lexan body, following the paint order: colour first, then silver, then black.
Prepare the Surface:
Before starting the painting process, ensure the lexan body surface is clean and free of any debris or residue. This step is crucial as it ensures the paint adheres properly and creates a smooth finish.
Paint the Colour:
Choose the desired colour for your carbon fibre effect. Start by painting the chosen colour onto the lexan body. It is recommended to use light, thin coats and gradually build up the colour to your desired opacity. This technique allows for better control and helps avoid applying too much paint, which can lead to dripping or uneven coverage.
Apply the Silver:
Once the colour layer is completely dry, it's time to add the silver paint. Silver serves as an essential base for the carbon fibre effect. Similar to the previous step, apply thin coats of silver paint, ensuring even coverage across the surface. Take your time with this step, as the silver layer provides the foundation for the carbon fibre pattern.
Create the Carbon Fibre Pattern:
Now, you'll create the carbon fibre pattern. Using a template or stencil designed specifically for carbon fibre patterns, carefully align it on the surface. You can find carbon fibre templates online or create your own by cutting a shelf liner or mesh material to fit the lexan body's shape and size. Secure the template in place with tape or another suitable method to ensure it doesn't move during the painting process.
Paint the Black:
With the template securely in place, it's time to apply the black paint. Use a spray painting technique to evenly coat the exposed areas with black paint. Make sure the paint is distributed evenly and that the template doesn't shift during this process. Depending on the desired intensity of the carbon fibre pattern, you may need to apply multiple thin coats of black paint. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, being careful not to oversaturate the surface.
Remove the Template and Finalise:
Once you've achieved the desired carbon fibre pattern and the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the template. Inspect the paint job and make any necessary touch-ups. If needed, apply a final coat of clear paint or sealant to protect the carbon fibre effect and enhance the overall finish.
Remember, painting carbon fibre requires precision and patience. Take your time between coats, and ensure each layer is dry before proceeding to the next step. By following these steps and the specified paint order, you can achieve a realistic and striking carbon fibre effect on your lexan body.
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Drying time: Leave overnight before taping off sections
Painting carbon fibre on a Lexan body can be a tricky process. Once you have applied the paint, it is important to give it sufficient time to dry. The drying time will depend on various factors, such as the type of paint used, the number of coats applied, the humidity of the environment, and the method used to accelerate drying.
If you plan to tape off sections over freshly painted areas, it is advisable to wait overnight or longer before doing so. This extended drying time ensures that the paint has set adequately and reduces the risk of smudging or peeling. Allowing sufficient drying time is crucial, especially if you are working in a humid environment, as higher humidity can prolong the drying process.
In some cases, you may need to wait even longer than overnight for the paint to cure fully. This is particularly true if you are using brush paints, as thicker coats of paint generally require a more extended curing period. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the specific paint you are using.
To expedite the drying process, you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer. However, it is crucial to use low heat settings and exercise caution when applying heat to avoid damaging the paint job. Alternatively, you can simply let the paint air dry, although this may take longer, especially in high-humidity environments.
By allowing ample drying time and considering the factors that can influence it, you can ensure that your paint job on the Lexan body is given the best chance to dry and cure properly, resulting in a high-quality and long-lasting finish.
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Templates: Use shelf liner or kitchen drawer anti-skid material
To paint carbon fibre on a Lexan body, one method involves using shelf liner or kitchen drawer anti-skid material as a template. This technique can be used to achieve a carbon fibre effect without the need for specialised paint or complex methods.
First, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning, sanding, and ensuring that your working area is ready. This initial step will help ensure the paint adheres properly and that you achieve the desired finish.
Next, you will need to cut a piece of shelf liner or drawer anti-skid material to size. This material serves as your template and should be large enough to cover the area you wish to paint. Place it on the Lexan body, ensuring it is smooth and tightly pressed, especially on curved parts. Use a hairdryer to help the liner conform to the shape of the body and remove any creases or bumps.
Once the liner is in place, you can begin painting. Start by spraying a light coat of your chosen colour over the liner, ensuring even coverage. Allow this base coat to dry completely. Then, carefully remove the liner template.
Finally, apply your topcoat colour. Spray evenly over the entire area, including the previously painted section. This topcoat can be a darker shade, such as black or charcoal, to create a contrasting effect. Allow this final coat to dry, and you will have a carbon fibre-like pattern on your Lexan body.
This method offers a simple and cost-effective way to achieve a carbon fibre appearance without the need for specialised tools or complex techniques. With practice and experimentation, you can create unique and striking visual effects.
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Frequently asked questions
For a Lexan body, use Tamiya PS paint. Tamiya TS paint will not adhere properly and will peel and crack.
If you use the correct paint, such as Tamiya PS paint, there is no need to prepare the Lexan body with scuffing or similar methods.
To get a carbon fiber effect, you will need a shelf liner, Fasblack, and Faspearl Charcoal. First, lay the liner over the body, ensuring it is tightly pressed, especially on curved parts. Spray Fasblack over the liner evenly, applying a single thick coat. Once dry, spray Faspearl Charcoal over the unpainted area, using two to three coats.
Yes, you can start by painting the desired colour. Then, use a drawer mat as a template to airbrush a silver coat. Finally, apply a black backing coat. This method can be tricky and requires practice.
If you need to move the body, 10-15 minutes should be enough for the paint to dry. However, if you need to tape off sections over the painted areas, it is recommended to wait overnight or longer.
