How to Paint Your RC Car Body - Customize Your Ride With Cool Paint Techniques

Preparing to Paint Your RC Car Body

Painting your radio controlled (RC) car body is a great way to customize your vehicle and make it truly your own. With some preparation and the right materials, you can paint your RC body and give it a cool, unique look.

Choosing Paints and Supplies

When selecting paint for an RC body, you'll want to use polycarbonate paints. Unlike other types of paints, polycarbonate paint is flexible and durable enough to withstand the rigors of RC racing without cracking or peeling. Good paint options include Tamiya, Duratrax, and Team Associated polycarbonate paints in spray cans or airbrush paint.

You'll also need these supplies:

• Painters tape
• Newspaper or drop cloth
• Sandpaper (180-220 grit)
• Tack cloth
• Masking tape
• Toothpicks for mixing paint
• Top coat clear spray

Prepping the Body

Before painting, you need to properly prepare the RC body:

1. Remove the body from the chassis and pull off any trim pieces, windows, etc. Any parts you don’t want painted should be removed.
2. Wash the body with warm soapy water to remove any residual oils or dirt.
3. Fill any small cracks or imperfections with hobby-grade RC body filler and sand smooth.
4. Lightly sand the entire body with 180-220 grit sandpaper to scuff up the surface for better paint adhesion.
5. Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Painting Techniques

Once prepped, you're ready to paint. Here are some tips for getting great results:

Spray Painting

Spray cans are the easiest way to paint your RC body:

• Always spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Shake the can vigorously for 1-2 minutes before starting.
• Hold the can 6-8 inches from the surface and apply light, even coats. 2-3 coats are usually needed for good coverage.
• Allow 10-15 minutes of drying time between coats.
• Apply coats in opposite directions to ensure even coverage.
• Finish with 2-3 coats of clear to protect the paint.

Airbrushing

For more advanced custom paint jobs, use an airbrush:

• Mix small amounts of paint in a jar and thin with the appropriate thinner for your paint.
• Set air pressure between 25-45 psi and hold airbrush 6 inches from body.
• Apply light coats using an overlapping spraying pattern.
• Clean airbrush thoroughly between color changes.
• Allow paint to dry completely between coats.
• Finish with clear coat for protection.

Masking

Masking tape and painter's tape allow you to create sharp lines between colors:

• Apply strips of tape around edges you want clean.
• Press the edges down firmly to prevent paint seeping underneath.
• Apply first color and let dry before removing tape.
• Reapply fresh tape and paint next color area.
• Carefully remove tape before clear coat.

Detail Painting

Use a small brush for details like headlights, trim, and logos:

• Thin acrylic paint slightly with water for brushing consistency.
• Use a quality brush with fine tip for crisp edges.
• Gently wipe away mistakes immediately with a damp cloth.
• Steady your hands and move the body, not the brush.
• Go slowly and let layers dry between coats.

Custom Paint Design Ideas

Not sure what paint scheme to go with? Here are some cool custom paint jobs to consider:

Two-Tone

A two-tone paint scheme with a line separation is classy and timeless. Use spray cans and masking tape to divide the body into upper and lower halves.

Fades and Gradiants

For a bold, eye-catching look try airbrushing a fade or gradiant between two colors. Lay down the darker color first, then gradually lighten as you move the airbrush.

Candy Apple Paint

Candy apple paint has a deep, rich, translucent effect. Base coat with silver, then apply colored transparent paints in layers until desired tone is reached.

Metallic Flake

Add some shimmer by mixing metallic flake or pearl pigments into your paint. This looks great with candy paint or as a highlight over normal colors.

Detailed Graphics

Make your RC truly unique with custom graphics. Use masking tape and brushes to hand paint shapes, logos, racing numbers, lightning bolts, etc.

Chameleon Paint

Chameleon or color-shift paint changes hue in different lighting conditions. Base coat with silver, then apply translucent chameleon over it. It's a stunning, head-turning effect.

Maintaining Your Paint Job

A properly prepped and painted body should hold up well to RC use. Here are some tips for keeping it looking good:

• Allow paint to fully cure for 1-2 weeks before installing body.
• Check body mounts and clips periodically and replace if broken.
• Gently wash with soap and water after dirty runs.
• Avoid using alcohol or harsh cleaners which can damage paint.
• Repair small scratches quickly with touch-up paint.
• For minor scuffs, polish the body with car wax and buff gently with microfiber.
• Store RC body out of direct sunlight when not in use.

Custom painting your RC car body takes time and care, but the end results are worth it. Not only will you have an awesome looking ride, but the process itself can be creative and fun. So grab your supplies and get ready to bring your own ideas to life!

FAQs

What types of paint can I use on my RC body?

You should use polycarbonate specific paints made for Lexan RC bodies. Standard enamels or acrylics will not adhere or flex well and will chip and peel quickly.

Do I need to sand the body before painting?

Lightly scuffing the surface with 180-220 grit sandpaper will help the paint stick better. Be sure to clean it after sanding to remove any dust.

How many coats of paint should I apply?

2-3 light coats are usually needed for good coverage when spray painting. More coats may be needed if airbrushing thinner paint. Always follow the paint's directions.

How long does it take for the paint to dry?

Allow 10-15 minutes between coats for spray paint to dry. Airbrush and detail paint dries quicker. Drying times will vary based on humidity and other conditions.

How do I clean and maintain a painted body?

Gently wash with soap and water after use. Avoid harsh chemicals. Waxing and polishing it helps maintain the finish. Store out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.