Isabella Flores
Painting an RC rock crawler body to make it look rusty can be done in several ways. One method involves using salt to create a rusty effect. This can be done by applying a clear matte coat to the desired areas, rubbing steel wool onto it, and then spraying a solution of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and salt. Another method is to use the hairspray technique, which involves applying a base layer of paint, followed by hairspray, and then a top coat of paint. Once dry, the paint is chipped off using water and a toothbrush. It is important to note that proper surface preparation is crucial, including cleaning, sanding, and priming the body. Some recommended paints for RC crawlers include Tamiya TS paints, automotive paints, and Rust-Oleum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Acrylic paints, Tamiya TS paints, automotive paints, unbranded paints, Krylon 5-in-1, Tamiya Lexan paint, Duratrax Lexan paint |
| Paint brand | Rust-Oleum, Hycote, Tamiya |
| Paint colour | Rust colours, flat red primer, yellow, red |
| Paint finish | Matte, satin, gloss |
| Surface preparation | Clean the surface with mild soap, sand with 1500-2000 grit sandpaper, apply primer |
| Painting technique | Spray painting, airbrushing, hairspray method, salt technique |
| Additional tools/materials | Water, toothbrush, hobby knife, masking tape, razor, sponge, scouring pad |
| Drying time | A couple of hours indoors, avoid leaving overnight |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and priming
Sanding:
Before you begin painting, it's essential to prepare the surface of your RC rock crawler body. Start by using a mild soap or detergent to clean the body, ensuring it is free from any dirt, grease, or residue. Once it's clean and dry, you can move on to the sanding process.
For effective sanding, you'll need to use fine-grit sandpaper or sanding blocks. Wet the sandpaper with water before use to achieve the best results. Start with 1500-grit sandpaper and gently sand the entire surface of the body. This initial sanding step helps create a smooth base and removes any minor imperfections or irregularities.
Priming:
After sanding, it's time to apply a primer. Primer serves as a crucial base coat that promotes better paint adhesion and helps create a more consistent finish. Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a grey plastic primer, to ensure compatibility with your RC rock crawler body.
Apply the primer evenly across the entire surface of the body, following the instructions on the primer product. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Once the primer is dry, you'll need to perform a second sanding step to ensure a smooth finish.
Final Sanding:
For the final sanding step, use a finer grit sandpaper than before. Opt for 2000-grit sandpaper and gently sand the primed surface. This step helps to remove any minor bumps or imperfections that may have resulted from the primer application. It also ensures that the surface is smooth and ready for the subsequent paint layers.
Remember to wipe away any sanding residue with a clean, dry cloth after completing the final sanding step. Now, your RC rock crawler body is ready for the application of the rust effect!
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Using salt to create rust
To create a rusted look on an RC rock crawler body, you can use a variety of techniques, including salt. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use salt to create a realistic rust effect:
Prepare the Surface:
Start by preparing the body of your RC rock crawler. Wash the surface with mild soap and water, and ensure it is thoroughly dried. If you are working with a clear body, remember to keep the protective film on the outside until the inside is completely painted and dried.
Primer and Base Coat:
Once the body is clean and dry, apply a base coat. You can use a red oxide primer or a grey plastic primer, depending on the look you want to achieve. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Apply Salt:
Now, you can begin the rusting process. Using a small spoon or a brush, apply water to the areas you want the salt to stick. You can use different sizes of salt granules to create varying textures. Larger chunks can block bigger areas of paint and add more texture, while finer grains will create a lighter, more subtle effect. Sprinkle the salt onto the wet areas, building up layers if needed.
Painting and Detailing:
After applying the salt, you can use an airbrush or spray paint to add colour and detail to your RC body. Remember to work carefully, as you don't want to encapsulate the salt too much, making it difficult to remove later. Use matte colours and custom mixes to achieve the desired tone and create a natural, faded look. You can also use a brush to apply paint streaks, mimicking water drip marks and adding to the overall rusted appearance.
Removing Excess Salt:
Once the paint is dry, you can remove any excess salt by gently brushing it off. Be firm and scuff up the paint slightly, as this will create an authentic, textured look. You can also use a stiff toothbrush or a green scourer to scrub off the salt, especially if you want to remove most of it and leave the parts to absorb the remaining moisture.
Final Touches:
To finish, you can apply a topcoat or sealant to protect your work and give it a sheen, such as a clear matte coat. You can also add decals, stickers, or other details to enhance the overall appearance and give your RC rock crawler a truly unique, weathered look.
Remember to experiment and have fun with the process, as there are no strict rules when creating a rusted effect. You can always make adjustments and touch-ups as needed to achieve your desired result.
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Painting inside the body
The next step is to mask off any areas that you do not want to paint, such as windows or other details. This can be done using masking tape and a sharp razor to create clean edges and prevent paint bleed. It is important to plan this step carefully to achieve the desired effect.
Once the masking is complete, you can begin the process of creating the rust effect. One popular method is to use salt to create a realistic rust texture. Sprinkle coarse sea salt or pink salt onto the areas where you want to create the rust effect. You can adjust the intensity of the effect by using lighter or heavier amounts of salt. Use a paintbrush to lightly apply water to the areas where you want the salt to stick.
After the salt is applied, you can start painting. Choose a paint that is suitable for the material of your RC rock crawler's body and apply a base coat. Acrylic paints, such as Hycote aerosols or airbrushed Tamiya XF-paints, can be used to simulate iron oxide (rust) on painted steel or polycarbonate surfaces. Apply the paint sparingly over the salt to avoid encapsulating it, as this will require more effort to remove during the finishing process.
Let the paint dry completely, and then use a brush to remove any excess salt and create a textured, authentic look. You can also use a razor to scrape and scuff the paint for added texture and to simulate wear and tear. Finally, you can apply a clear matte coat to protect the paint job and give it a finished look.
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Using a hairspray method
To paint rust onto an RC rock crawler body using the hairspray method, you will need an airbrush, Tamiya acrylics (XF jars), clear acrylic lacquer (not Tamiya brand), coarse kitchen or sea salt, and regular hairspray.
First, prepare the panels by sanding, priming, and painting them with a base colour such as matt black. After the base colour dries, paint the panels with a mix of rust tones and flat aluminium. Once dry, apply a layer of satin clear to seal everything.
Next, spray a liberal amount of hairspray onto the panels. For different effects, you can also sprinkle salt onto the wet hairspray. Allow everything to dry.
After the hairspray and salt are dry, spray on the colour coat, using only the minimum amount of paint needed to cover the treated area. This will ensure that the salt is not encapsulated and can be removed without serious sanding.
Finally, once the colour coat is dry, use a toothbrush to chip away at the paint and create a rusted effect. You can also use a brush or razor to scrape and scuff the panels, creating an authentic, textured look.
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Choosing the right paint
Paint Type
The type of paint you choose is important. Some paints are better suited for certain surfaces, such as metal or wood, so selecting a paint compatible with the material of your RC rock crawler body is essential. Acrylic paints are a good option and can be applied with aerosols or airbrushed. Tamiya XF-paints and Hycote aerosols are examples of acrylic paints that can be used to simulate rust. Additionally, consider using paints specifically designed for RC vehicles, such as Tamiya Lexan paint, to ensure better adhesion and durability.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is key to achieving a successful paint job. Clean the body thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Sanding is an important step to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 1500-grit or 2000-grit, to sand the surface evenly. After sanding, apply a suitable primer to the surface. Primer helps the paint adhere better and creates a uniform base for the paint.
Flexibility and Durability
RC rock crawlers are subject to scratches, impacts, and flexing during use. Therefore, choosing a paint that can withstand these conditions is essential. Look for paints designed for RC vehicles or automotive paints known for their flexibility and durability. Avoid paints that are prone to flaking or shattering, such as Rust-Oleum, as they may not hold up well to the demands of RC rock crawling.
Creative Techniques
There are various creative techniques you can use to achieve a realistic rust effect. One popular method is the hairspray method, where you apply a base layer of paint, followed by a coat of hairspray, and then the topcoat. After curing, you can use water and a toothbrush to chip away the paint and create a rusted look. Another technique involves using salt to create a rusty appearance. Sprinkle salt onto the painted surface, allowing it to dry, and then applying the colour coat. The salt will create a textured, rusty effect underneath the paint.
Clear Coat and Protection
Consider applying a clear coat over the painted surface to protect the paint job and add the desired finish. You can choose between matte, satin, or gloss clear coats, depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve. The clear coat will also provide an extra layer of protection against scratches and wear. Remember to follow the specific instructions and recommendations for the paint and clear coat products you choose to ensure optimal results.
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Frequently asked questions
Tamiya TS paints, automotive paints, and cheap unbranded paints all work well on hard bodies. However, it is important to properly prepare the surface by sanding and priming.
One way to create a rust effect is to use salt. First, mask off the areas you want to remain paint-free, then paint water onto the areas where you want the salt to stick. Next, sprinkle salt onto the water and leave it to dry. Once dry, you can brush off any excess salt and apply a colour coat.
The hairspray method involves applying a base layer of flat red primer, followed by a heavy coat of hairspray, and then a top coat of paint. Once the paint has cured, use a water soak and a toothbrush to chip away at the paint to create a rusted look.
