Traxxas Body Shell: Pro Painting Tips & Supplies

Alright, fellow RC enthusiasts, prepare to unleash your inner artist! The world of Traxxas models offers amazing opportunities for customization, and that starts with a fresh, eye-catching Traxxas body shell. A custom Traxxas body shell requires you to become familiar with painting techniques, and proper masking tape is absolutely vital for achieving those razor-sharp lines and multi-color designs that really make your rig stand out whether you’re bashing in your backyard, or at the local RC track. So, grab your airbrush and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to pro-level painting that’ll transform your Traxxas body shell into a true masterpiece!

 <h2>Traxxas Body Shell: Pro Painting Tips & Supplies</h2>

 <p>Alright, thrill-seekers and RC enthusiasts! Ready to transform your Traxxas body shell from factory-fresh to absolutely jaw-dropping? A custom paint job is *the* way to make your ride stand out from the crowd. But before you dive in, let's map out the perfect plan to ensure a professional-looking finish that'll turn heads at the track (or in your driveway!).</p>

 <h3>I. Preparation is Key: The Foundation for Success</h3>

 <p>Think of prepping your Traxxas body shell as laying the foundation for a skyscraper. A solid start is absolutely crucial! This stage determines how well your paint adheres and how smooth your final product will be. Let's break it down:</p>

 <ul>
  <li><strong>Cleaning:</strong> Brand new shells often have mold release agents. These prevent paint from sticking properly. Wash the *inside* of the shell thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Don't skip this! Then, rinse it *completely* and let it air dry.</li>
  <li><strong>Masking:</strong> This is where artistry begins! Use high-quality masking tape designed for RC bodies (like Tamiya masking tape). It's flexible and won't leave sticky residue. Consider these masking techniques:
   <ol type="a">
    <li><strong>Simple Shapes:</strong> For basic color blocking, straight lines are your friend. Overlap your tape slightly to prevent paint bleed.</li>
    <li><strong>Complex Designs:</strong> Use a hobby knife to carefully cut out intricate shapes. Take your time here – patience pays off! You can also use liquid mask for very detailed areas.</li>
   </ol>
  </li>
  <li><strong>Sanding (Optional, but Recommended):</strong> Lightly sanding the *inside* of the shell with a fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) can improve paint adhesion even further. Be gentle! You're not trying to remove material, just create a slightly textured surface. Clean the shell thoroughly after sanding.</li>
 </ul>

 <h3>II. Essential Painting Supplies: Gearing Up for Greatness</h3>

 <p>Having the right tools is half the battle! Here's a rundown of the must-have supplies for painting your Traxxas body shell:</p>

 <ul>
  <li><strong>Lexan-Specific Paint:</strong> This is *crucial*. Regular spray paint will crack and flake off a flexible lexan body. Use paints like those from Tamiya, Pactra, or Duratrax. They're designed to flex with the shell.</li>
  <li><strong>Airbrush (Recommended) or Aerosol Cans:</strong> An airbrush offers superior control and a finer finish. Aerosol cans are a great starting point, but practice your technique to avoid runs and uneven coverage.</li>
  <li><strong>Masking Tape & Liquid Mask:</strong> As mentioned earlier, high-quality masking tape is essential. Liquid mask is fantastic for intricate details.</li>
  <li><strong>Hobby Knife:</strong> For precise masking and trimming.</li>
  <li><strong>Cutting Scissors:</strong> For trimming the body shell itself.</li>
  <li><strong>Body Reamer:</strong> Creates clean, round holes for body posts.</li>
  <li><strong>Clean Workspace:</strong> A well-ventilated area is a must. Dust and debris are the enemy!</li>
  <li><strong>Paint Thinner (for Airbrush Cleaning):</strong> Use the appropriate thinner for your chosen paint.</li>
  <li><strong>Paper Towels/Rags:</strong> For cleaning up spills and wiping down surfaces.</li>
  <li><strong>Body Mount Markers or Body Post Alignment Tool:</strong> Helps you accurately mark where to drill body post holes.</li>
 </ul>

 <h3>III. Painting Techniques: Bringing Your Vision to Life</h3>

 <p>Okay, time for the fun part! Remember to work in thin, even coats. Rushing leads to runs and drips – trust us, we've all been there! Here's a basic process:</p>

 <ol>
  <li><strong>Base Coat:</strong> Start with your lightest color. Spray in smooth, overlapping strokes. Let each coat dry *completely* before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.</li>
  <li><strong>Subsequent Colors:</strong> Apply your other colors, masking off areas as needed. Remember to allow each color to dry thoroughly before masking over it.</li>
  <li><strong>Backing Color (Optional, but Recommended):</strong> Backing your paint job with a solid color (usually white or silver) makes the colors pop and adds durability.</li>
 </ol>

 <h3>IV. Finishing Touches: The Details That Matter</h3>

 <p>Almost there! Once your paint is completely dry (give it at least 24 hours), it's time for the finishing touches:</p>

 <ul>
  <li><strong>Removing the Masking:</strong> Carefully peel off the masking tape. Go slow to avoid lifting the paint.</li>
  <li><strong>Trimming the Body:</strong> Use your scissors to trim the body along the pre-marked lines.</li>
  <li><strong>Making Body Post Holes:</strong> Use a body reamer to create clean, round holes for the body posts. Start small and gradually enlarge the holes until they fit properly.</li>
  <li><strong>Applying Decals:</strong> Add decals to complete the look. Most Traxxas body shells come with decals, but you can also find aftermarket decals to customize your ride even further.</li>
 </ul>

 <h3>V. Troubleshooting: When Things Don't Go as Planned</h3>

 <p>Let's face it, sometimes things go wrong. Here's how to tackle some common painting problems:</p>

 <table>
  <thead>
   <tr>
    <th>Problem</th>
    <th>Possible Cause</th>
    <th>Solution</th>
   </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
   <tr>
    <td>Paint Runs/Drips</td>
    <td>Applying paint too thickly.</td>
    <td>Let it dry completely, sand down the run, and repaint in thin coats.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td>Paint Not Adhering</td>
    <td>Shell not properly cleaned or wrong type of paint.</td>
    <td>Sand down the affected area, clean thoroughly, and repaint with lexan-specific paint.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td>Paint Peeling</td>
    <td>Paint not fully dry before masking or removing masking too quickly.</td>
    <td>Carefully remove the peeling paint, sand the area, and repaint.</td>
   </tr>
   <tr>
    <td>Paint Bleeding Under Masking</td>
    <td>Masking tape not properly sealed or paint applied too heavily.</td>
    <td>Use a hobby knife to carefully trim away the bleed. Consider using liquid mask for intricate areas.</td>
   </tr>
  </tbody>
 </table>

 <p>With a little patience and practice, you'll be painting Traxxas body shells like a pro in no time! Get creative, experiment with different colors and techniques, and most importantly, have fun!</p>

So, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips and tricks give you the confidence to tackle your next Traxxas body shell project. Remember, practice makes perfect, and even if your first attempt isn’t flawless, you’ll learn something valuable. Now go out there, get creative, and make that Traxxas body shell truly your own!