How To Paint Rc Car Body

Want to give your RC car a fresh, custom look that'll turn heads at the track or in your backyard? Painting your RC car body is a fantastic way to personalize your ride and make it truly unique. But before you grab a can of spray paint and go wild, it's important to understand the proper techniques and materials needed to achieve a professional-looking finish that will last. Let's dive in and transform that bland RC car body into a work of art!

Choosing the Right Paint for Your RC Car Body

Selecting the correct paint is arguably the most crucial step in painting an RC car body. The body material dictates the type of paint you should use. Most RC car bodies are made from*polycarbonate (Lexan), a flexible and durable plastic. Using the wrong paint can lead to cracking, peeling, or flaking, especially during crashes or when the body flexes.

For polycarbonate bodies, youmust use paints specifically designed for Lexan. These paints are typically solvent-based and are formulated to adhere to the plastic's surface while remaining flexible. Here's why:

1. Flexibility: Lexan bodies bend and flex during use. Paints designed for Lexan have the necessary elasticity to move with the body without cracking.
1. Adhesion: Lexan has a smooth surface that can be difficult for regular paints to grip. Lexan paints contain chemicals that etch into the plastic, creating a strong bond.
1. Durability: These paints are designed to withstand the rigors of RC car racing and bashing, including impacts, scratches, and exposure to the elements.

Acrylic or enamel paints, commonly used on plastic models, arenot suitable for Lexan RC car bodies. They will likely crack and peel within a short time. Always check the paint label to ensure it's specifically for polycarbonate or Lexan. Some popular brands for Lexan paints include Tamiya, Parma Faskolor, and Duratrax. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, including metallic, fluorescent, and pearl.

Essential Tools and Materials for Painting Your RC Car Body

Before you start painting, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's a comprehensive checklist:

1. Lexan-Specific Paint: As mentioned earlier, this is the most crucial item. Choose the colors and finish you desire.
1. RC Car Body Cleaner/Degreaser: This will remove any mold release agents or oils from the body, ensuring proper paint adhesion. Dish soap and water can work in a pinch, but a dedicated RC body cleaner is recommended.
1. Masking Tape: High-quality masking tape is essential for creating clean lines and designs. Tamiya masking tape is a popular choice among RC enthusiasts.
1. Liquid Mask: Liquid mask is a great alternative to masking tape, especially for intricate designs or curves. It can be applied with a brush or airbrush and easily peeled off after painting.
1. Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife is necessary for trimming masking tape and liquid mask.
1. Scissors: For cutting larger pieces of masking tape.
1. Airbrush (Optional): While spray cans can be used, an airbrush provides greater control and allows for finer details and custom blends.
1. Spray Can Holder (Optional): A spray can holder can make it easier and more comfortable to hold and use spray cans for extended periods.
1. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial when working with solvent-based paints. A well-ventilated area or a spray booth is recommended.
1. Respirator: A respirator will protect you from harmful fumes. Choose a respirator specifically designed for organic vapors.
1. Gloves: To protect your hands from paint.
1. Paper Towels/Rags: For cleaning up spills and wiping surfaces.
1. Stir Sticks: If using paint that requires mixing.
1. Body Reamer: For making clean holes for body posts. Do thisbeforepainting!

Preparing the RC Car Body for Paint

Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional-looking paint job. This step ensures that the paint adheres properly and that the finished result is smooth and durable. Follow these steps carefully:

Cleaning the RC Car Body

New RC car bodies often have a thin layer of mold release agent on their surface. This agent can prevent paint from adhering properly. Thoroughly clean the body with RC car body cleaner or dish soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the inside and outside of the body. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the body to dry completely. Make sure there are no water spots or streaks left behind.

Masking the RC Car Body

Masking is used to protect areas of the body that you don't want to paint with a particular color. This is essential for creating multi-color designs, stripes, or flames. Here's how to mask effectively:

1. Plan your design: Before you start masking, sketch out your design on paper or directly onto the body with a non-permanent marker.
1. Apply masking tape: Use high-quality masking tape to cover the areas you want to protect. Overlap the tape slightly to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
1. Trim the tape: Use a sharp hobby knife to carefully trim the masking tape along the lines of your design. Be careful not to scratch the body.
1. Liquid mask (optional): For intricate designs, consider using liquid mask. Apply it with a brush or airbrush, allow it to dry completely, and then trim it with a hobby knife.
1. Press firmly: After applying the masking tape or liquid mask, press it firmly against the body to ensure a tight seal. This will prevent paint bleed.

Remember to mask the inside of the body, as that's where you'll be applying the paint. Also, be sure to allow for proper drying time for liquid mask before proceeding with painting. Patience is a virtue when masking!

Painting Techniques for RC Car Bodies

Now for the exciting part! Painting your RC car body requires a steady hand, patience, and the right techniques. Whether you're using spray cans or an airbrush, the following tips will help you achieve a professional finish.

Spray Can Technique

Spray cans are a convenient option for painting RC car bodies, especially for beginners. Here's how to use them effectively:

1. Shake the can: Shake the spray can vigorously for at least two minutes to ensure the paint is properly mixed.
1. Test spray: Before painting the body, test spray on a piece of cardboard or scrap plastic to check the paint flow and color.
1. Apply thin coats: Apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This will prevent runs and drips. Hold the can about 10-12 inches from the body and move it in a smooth, even motion.
1. Overlap strokes: Overlap each stroke slightly to ensure complete coverage.
1. Allow drying time: Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. Refer to the paint manufacturer's instructions for drying times. Usually, 15-30 minutes between coats is adequate.
1. Inside Out: Always paint inside the body.

Avoid spraying in humid conditions, as this can cause the paint to dry poorly and result in a cloudy finish. Also, remember to dispose of used spray cans responsibly.

Airbrush Technique

An airbrush offers greater control and versatility than spray cans, allowing for finer details and custom blends. Here's a basic guide to airbrushing RC car bodies:

1. Thin the paint: Lexan paints are typically thinned with a solvent-based reducer. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for thinning ratios.
1. Adjust the air pressure: Start with a low air pressure (around 20-25 PSI) and gradually increase it until you achieve a smooth, even spray pattern.
1. Practice: Practice spraying on a piece of cardboard or scrap plastic before painting the body.
1. Apply thin coats: Apply several thin coats of paint, building up the color gradually.
1. Move smoothly: Hold the airbrush about 4-6 inches from the body and move it in a smooth, even motion.
1. Clean the airbrush: Clean the airbrush thoroughly after each use to prevent paint from drying and clogging the nozzle.

Airbrushing requires practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. With practice, you'll develop the skills and techniques needed to create stunning custom paint jobs.

Layering Colors

Layering colors is a great way to create depth and visual interest in your RC car body paint job. Here's how to layer effectively:

1. Start with the lightest color: Apply the lightest color first, as it will be visible through the darker colors.
1. Mask off areas: Mask off the areas where you want the lightest color to remain visible.
1. Apply the next color: Apply the next color in thin coats, overlapping the masked areas slightly.
1. Repeat: Repeat the process with each color, masking off the areas you want to protect.
1. Remove masking: After all the colors have been applied and dried, carefully remove the masking tape or liquid mask.

Experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques to create unique and eye-catching designs. Remember to allow each color to dry completely before applying the next one. Solid black as a backing color can really make the top coats pop!

Finishing Touches and Protecting Your Paint Job

Once you've finished painting your RC car body, there are a few finishing touches you can add to enhance its appearance and protect the paint job. These include:

Removing the Masking

Carefully remove the masking tape or liquid mask, pulling it away from the painted areas at a shallow angle. If any paint has seeped underneath the masking, you can use a hobby knife to carefully scrape it away.

Applying Decals

Decals can add detail and realism to your RC car body. Use a sharp hobby knife to carefully cut out the decals and apply them to the body. Use a decal solution or a damp cloth to smooth out any air bubbles.

Adding a Clear Coat

A clear coat can protect the paint job from scratches and UV damage. Apply several thin coats of clear coat, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Use a clear coat specifically designed for Lexan.

Reinforcing the Body

Applying drywall tape and Shoe Goo to the inside of the body will help reinforce it in key areas that often crack during hard crashes. This will help protect your new paint job and extend the life of your RC car body.

Troubleshooting Common Painting Problems

Even with careful preparation and the right techniques, you may encounter some common painting problems. Here are some tips for troubleshooting:

1. Paint runs or drips: If you get a paint run or drip, don't panic! Allow the paint to dry completely, then sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper and reapply the paint in thin coats.
1. Orange peel: Orange peel is a textured surface that can occur when the paint is applied too thickly or when the humidity is too high. To fix orange peel, sand down the surface with fine-grit sandpaper and reapply the paint in thin coats.
1. Paint cracking or peeling: Paint cracking or peeling is usually caused by using the wrong type of paint or by not properly preparing the surface. Remove the affected paint and start over, using Lexan-specific paint and cleaning the body thoroughly before painting.
1. Paint bleed: Paint bleed occurs when paint seeps underneath the masking tape. To prevent paint bleed, use high-quality masking tape and press it firmly against the body. If paint bleed does occur, you can use a hobby knife to carefully scrape away the excess paint.

Painting RC car bodies can be challenging, but with practice and patience, you can achieve professional-looking results. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, designs, and techniques to create a unique and personalized RC car body. Remember to always prioritize safety and use proper ventilation and protective gear when working with paints and solvents. Now go out there and transform your RC car into a head-turning masterpiece!