Maya Ellison
Painting an RC hard plastic body is a meticulous task that requires patience and the right tools. The process involves several steps, from preparing the surface by removing dirt and grease to selecting the appropriate paint and primer for the job. It is important to use the correct paint for the type of plastic, such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic, to ensure proper adhesion and a desirable finish. The use of a hobby knife, sandpaper, and primer are also crucial in achieving a smooth and detailed final product. With the right techniques and products, one can create a high-quality and durable paint job on their RC hard plastic body.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint | Polycarbonate paint, Tamiya PS spray paints, Tamiya TS paints, Tamiya AS spray paints, Tamiya bottled acrylic paint, Parma Faskolor, Lexan paint, Krylon rattle cans, enamel, lacquer |
| Primer | Tamiya Surface Primer, Tamiya Fine Surface Primer, Tamiya grey primer, Tamiya white primer, Tamiya light grey primer, Tamiya dark grey primer, Tamiya pink primer, Tamiya oxide red primer, automotive sandable primer, black primer |
| Tools | Hobby knife, sandpaper, tack cloth, Tamiya masking tape, Tamiya Modeler's Knife Pro, Tamiya Cement |
| Surface | Polystyrene, ABS plastic, polycarbonate |
| Techniques | Thin layers of paint, prep work, wet sanding, dry surface, grease and dirt removal, taping off areas not to be painted |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Type of Plastic
The type of plastic used for your RC car body will determine the suitable paint type. If your RC body is made of Lexan, a type of polycarbonate plastic, it is recommended to use enamel or acrylic paints. Lexan is a tough and impact-resistant material, and using other paint types may cause cracking and flaking. Tamiya's PS spray paints are specifically designed for polycarbonate bodies. On the other hand, if your RC body is made of ABS plastic, Tamiya's TS spray paints are the recommended choice. These paints are synthetic lacquers that cure quickly and are ideal for ABS hard bodies.
Application Method
The application method of the paint is another factor to consider. You can choose between brushed, sprayed, or airbrushed paint application. Spray paint is commonly used for RC bodies as it provides an even and smooth finish. Airbrushing is also a popular choice, especially for detail work, as it allows for precise application and can help achieve a high-gloss appearance. Brushed paint application is typically reserved for more detailed work, such as pin-striping or lettering.
Primer
Using a primer is crucial to ensuring the paint adheres properly to the RC body. It is recommended to use a thin coat of primer, such as Tamiya's gray Fine Surface Primer, to create a uniform foundation for the paint. Priming helps fill in fine scratches and improves the adhesion of the paint. Additionally, the choice of primer colour can impact the final colour outcome, with grey primers being a good middle ground for both dark and light colours.
Paint Quality
Investing in high-quality paint can make a difference in the final finish. While there are inexpensive paint options available, such as Rust-Oleum, opting for top-of-the-line brands like Tamiya or Pactra can provide better results. Tamiya, in particular, is known for its wide range of colours and ease of application. Their synthetic lacquers are a popular choice for RC enthusiasts due to their availability and exceptional finish.
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Using primer
Primer helps the paint adhere properly to the surface of the model. It also fills in small scratches and imperfections, and gives a uniform foundation for your paint job. A grey primer is great for highlighting any defects or imperfections. If you notice any marks, fix them and respray with primer. If you plan to paint your model with a light colour, consider using a white primer as a second very light coat. Many colours are somewhat translucent, and a dark undercoat can cause the final colour to change.
When choosing a primer, it is recommended to use the same brand as your paint. These products are usually developed and matched chemically to work best with each other. For example, if you are using Tamiya paint, you should also use Tamiya primer. Tamiya's grey Fine Surface Primer is a good starting point and middle-of-the-road base for both dark and light colours. White and tinted primers are also available if you prefer a closer match to your final colour.
Before applying the primer, make sure the surface of your RC body is prepared, washed, and completely dry. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust that may have fallen onto the body. When applying the primer, start by fogging on a light mist over the entire body. Gradually increase the amount of primer over 3 light coats until there is full coverage. Let the primer sit overnight in a warm, controlled environment. The following day, the surface can be sanded smooth using 800-grit wet sandpaper.
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Prepping the surface
Firstly, ensure your work area is well-ventilated and choose a space where you can work on your RC body without interruption. Gather the necessary tools, including a hobby knife, sandpaper or micromesh, primer, and paint. It is recommended to use a sharp hobby knife, such as the Tamiya Modeler's Knife Pro, to trim and remove any leftover material or imperfections on the RC body. This step ensures a smooth and even surface for painting.
Next, use high-grit sandpaper, such as 600-1200 grit wet sandpaper, to sand the entire body. This process helps create a uniform surface and improves paint adhesion. It is important to sand gently and gradually, using the palm of your hand, to avoid creating deeper scratches or damaging the body. After sanding, wash the body with dish soap and water to remove any grease, dirt, or contaminants that may interfere with the paint adhesion. Allow the body to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Once the body is dry, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust particles. This step ensures that the surface is entirely free of dust, which is crucial for achieving a smooth paint finish. After dusting, apply a thin coat of primer to the RC body. It is recommended to use a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as the Tamiya Fine Surface Primer or Tamiya Primer. Primer helps improve paint adhesion, fills in small scratches, and provides a uniform foundation for your paint job. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.
If necessary, you can lightly sand the primed surface again with high-grit sandpaper to ensure an ultra-smooth finish. Remember to remove any dust with a tack cloth after sanding. Finally, you can proceed to the painting stage, following the instructions provided by your chosen paint manufacturer. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take your time to achieve the desired paint finish.
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Painting techniques
Painting an RC hard plastic body requires some preparation and the right tools. The first step is to clean the body with dish soap or a polycarbonate-body-cleaner to remove any dirt or grease. Once the body is clean and dry, use a hobby knife to trim off any leftover material and sand the entire body with various grades of sandpaper, from 600 to 1200 grit. This process helps create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and removes any imperfections.
The next step is to apply a thin coat of primer. It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to improve the adhesion of the paint and achieve a uniform colour. Tamiya offers a range of primers, including grey, light grey, dark grey, pink, and oxide red, which can be chosen based on the final colour. It is important to use a primer that is chemically matched to the paint to ensure the best results.
When it comes to selecting the paint, it is crucial to choose one that is specifically designed for hard plastic surfaces. Tamiya's PS spray paints are ideal for polycarbonate bodies, while their TS/AS paints are suitable for ABS plastics. The paint should be applied carefully, in thin layers, to avoid burying the details of the body. It is also important to tape off any areas that should not be painted.
For painting fine details, such as window trim and door handles, Tamiya offers bottled acrylic paint that can be used with an airbrush. This allows for more precision and control over the paint application.
Finally, it is essential to allow each layer of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat. This process may take several days, depending on the desired finish. Building your skills in painting RC hard plastic bodies takes practice, patience, and using the proper tools and techniques.
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Finishing touches
Once you've applied your final coat of paint, it's important to let it dry completely before adding any finishing touches. This can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of paint used. After the paint has dried, you can add decals, stickers, or other details to personalize your RC car body.
Before applying decals or stickers, clean the areas where they will be placed with rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent, and let them dry completely. When applying the decals, carefully peel off the backing, center the decal on the desired location, and use a credit card or similar tool to press it down smoothly, removing any air bubbles. Allow the decals to dry completely before handling the car body.
If you want to create custom designs, you can print them on decal paper using an inkjet printer and then apply them to the body. To protect your designs and the paint underneath from wear and tear, apply a clear coat over the decals once they are completely dry. This will also give your RC car body a glossy finish.
Another important finishing touch is to carefully remove any masking tape used during the painting process. Use a hobby knife or trimming scissors to cut away any excess tape around edges or tight corners, resulting in a smooth, clean finish.
Finally, attach the body to the car chassis by following the instructions provided. Ensure that the body is secured firmly and won't come loose during use. With these finishing touches, your painted RC car body will not only look impressive but also stand the test of time.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use just about any paint on hard plastic RC bodies. However, to get the best results, it is recommended to use paint that is intended for hard plastic, such as Tamiya's PS paints, which are intended for polystyrene and ABS plastics. If you are painting an ABS hard body, you should avoid using paint developed for polycarbonate bodies.
To paint an RC hard plastic body, you will need paint, a hobby knife, primer, sandpaper, a tack cloth, and masking tape. You may also want to use a polycarbonate-body-cleaner to remove dirt and grease from the body before painting.
First, tape off everything that is not to be painted. Then, apply a thin coat of primer to the surface. Once the primer is dry, apply individual layers of paint step by step. Finally, finish with a clear coat if desired.
