So, you’re thinking about giving your RC car a fresh new look? Awesome! The world of RC cars, often associated with brands like **Tamiya**, offers so much room for customization, and learning how to paint an RC car body is a fantastic way to dive in. **Lexan**, a popular material known for its flexibility and impact resistance, is commonly used for these bodies; its properties make painting a unique process. To get the best results, it is important to use proper techniques for **spray painting**. Many model shops like **Horizon Hobby** carry all the paints and equipment you’ll need to get started. Trust me, with a little patience and the right guidance, you’ll be turning out professional-looking paint jobs in no time!
Ready to Make Your RC Car Look Amazing? A Beginner’s Guide to Painting
Alright, so you’re itching to give your RC car a fresh, custom look? Awesome! Painting your RC car body is totally doable, even if you’re a complete beginner. This guide breaks down the whole process, step-by-step, so you can achieve a sweet finish you’ll be proud to show off. We will be covering "how to paint an rc car body", so let’s get started.
First things first, you will need to gather your tools.
What You’ll Need:
- RC Car Body: Obviously! Make sure it’s clean. We’ll get to that.
- RC Car Body Paint: Specifically designed for polycarbonate (Lexan) RC bodies. This is super important; regular paint will crack and peel.
- Masking Tape: Quality masking tape like Tamiya or 3M will give you crisp lines.
- Sharp Hobby Knife: For trimming masking tape.
- Scissors: For cutting larger pieces of masking tape.
- Cleaning Supplies: Dish soap and water, rubbing alcohol.
- Soft Cloth or Paper Towels: Lint-free is best.
- Spray Booth (Optional): Helps contain the mess and fumes. A cardboard box works great if you’re on a budget.
- Respirator/Mask: Protect your lungs! Painting fumes are no fun.
- Gloves: Keeps paint off your hands.
- Body Reamer (Optional): For enlarging body post holes if needed after painting.
- Heat Gun/Hair Dryer (Optional): To help the paint dry faster and adhere better (use carefully!).
Now that we have our tool and materials, let’s prepare the RC car body.
Step 1: Prep is Key – Cleaning & Masking
This is where the magic begins! A clean body is crucial for paint to adhere properly.
- Wash the Body: Use warm soapy water (dish soap works great) to remove any mold release agents or fingerprints. Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry Completely: Allow the body to air dry or use a lint-free cloth.
- Wipe Down with Alcohol: Use rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue.
-
Masking Time: This is where your creativity comes in! Use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want painted. Think about your design. Are you doing a single color? Multiple colors? Flames? Stripes?
- Tips for Masking:
- Overlap your tape slightly to prevent paint bleed.
- Burnish the edges of the tape firmly with your finger or a popsicle stick to create a good seal.
- Use a sharp hobby knife to carefully cut around curves and intricate details.
- For complex designs, consider using liquid masking film (apply, let dry, paint, peel off).
- Masking for Windows: Many RC car bodies have a protective film on the outside of the body. Before masking the insides, you can remove the protective film from the outside of the windows to allow for a clear finish. Alternatively, you can mask the inside of the windows if you want them painted.
- Tips for Masking:
- Second Skin? Most bodies have a clear protective film on the outside. Leave this on during painting! It protects the outside from overspray and scratches. Only remove it after you’re completely done painting.
Next we will move on to actually applying paint to the car body.
Step 2: Painting Like a Pro
Okay, now for the fun part!
- Shake Well: Always shake your paint can thoroughly for at least 2 minutes before using. This ensures the pigments are evenly distributed.
- Test Spray: Before painting your body, test the spray pattern on a piece of cardboard. This helps you get a feel for the distance and pressure.
- Light Coats: Apply several thin coats of paint, rather than one thick coat. This prevents runs and drips. Let each coat dry for about 10-15 minutes before applying the next.
- Distance: Hold the paint can about 8-12 inches away from the body.
- Movement: Use smooth, even strokes. Overlapping each stroke slightly.
- Inside First: Always paint the inside of the body.
- Layering: If you’re using multiple colors, start with the darkest color first. This allows you to easily cover it with lighter colors.
The following shows you the recommended number of paint layers.
| Color Type | Recommended Layers |
|---|---|
| Base Color | 2-3 |
| Backing Color (typically white) | 1-2 |
| Special Effects/Candy Colors | 2-3 |
Now that you have applied paint to your RC car body, let’s discuss masking and backing color.
Step 3: Removing Masking and Adding Backing Color
- Remove Masking: Once the paint is completely dry to the touch, carefully remove the masking tape. Pull the tape away from the painted area at a 45-degree angle. This helps prevent chipping.
- Backing Color: This is a crucial step, especially if you’re using metallic or translucent colors. A backing color (usually white or silver) will make your colors "pop" and prevent light from shining through. Apply 1-2 light coats of your backing color.
- Optional: Clean Edges: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean up any minor imperfections around the edges of your design.
Let’s prepare to finish the painting job.
Step 4: Final Touches and Clean Up
- Check for Imperfections: Inspect your paint job closely. If you spot any runs, drips, or imperfections, you can try to sand them down with very fine-grit sandpaper (400 grit or higher) and then touch them up with paint.
- Patience is key!: It is better to let the paint completely dry before touching anything
- Remove the Protective Film: Once the paint is completely dry (give it at least 24 hours), carefully peel off the protective film from the outside of the body. Prepare to be amazed!
- Ream Body Post Holes: If the paint has made the body post holes smaller, use a body reamer to carefully enlarge them.
- Mount the Body: Attach your newly painted body to your RC car chassis and admire your handiwork!
With this guide, you should be well on your way to painting your first RC car body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint works best on an RC car body?
Polycarbonate-specific spray paint, often referred to as Lexan paint, is crucial. Regular paints will crack and flake when the flexible RC car body bends or flexes. Using the correct paint is fundamental to how to paint an RC car body successfully.
Why do I need to paint the RC car body from the inside?
Painting from the inside protects the paint job from scratches and damage during use. The clear polycarbonate acts as a protective layer. This method ensures a longer-lasting finish, a key element to how to paint an RC car body for durability.
How many coats of paint should I apply?
Apply several thin, even coats instead of one thick coat. This prevents runs and ensures even color distribution. Usually, 2-3 light coats are sufficient when learning how to paint an rc car body, allowing each coat to dry before the next.
What if I make a mistake while painting?
If you make a mistake painting your RC car body from the inside, you can use a hobby knife to carefully scrape off the wet paint. However, if the paint is dry, you’ll need to use a polycarbonate-safe paint remover. Always test the remover in an inconspicuous area first. Knowing this helps avoid major problems when learning how to paint an rc car body.
So, there you have it! That’s everything you need to know to confidently paint an RC car body like a pro. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and designs, and most importantly, have fun with it! You might just surprise yourself with what you can create when you paint an RC car body with a little patience and these tips in mind. Happy painting!