Chloe Zhang
Painting an RC car is a fun and rewarding project, but it's important to use the right paint to get the best results. The type of paint you choose will depend on the body of your RC car, as well as the finish you want to achieve. For plastic RC car bodies, the most commonly used paints are acrylic and enamel, with lacquer being another option. These paints can be applied in different ways, including brushing, spraying, or airbrushing, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | Enamel, Acrylic, Lacquer, Automotive, or Polycarbonate |
| Paint Brand | Tamiya, Testors, SpazStix, Rust-Oleum, SEM, Createx, Parma Faskolor, Kustom Kolor |
| Paint Application | Brush, Spray, Airbrush, Rattle Can |
| Paint Adhesion | Use primer, sand, or clear coat for better adhesion |
| Paint Flexibility | RC car paint must be flexible; consider a flex additive |
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What You'll Learn
Spray paint for RC cars
When it comes to spray painting RC cars, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. The type of paint used, the preparation of the surface, and the application technique all play a crucial role in achieving the desired results.
Firstly, it is important to select the right kind of paint for your RC car body. The most commonly recommended options are enamel or acrylic paints. These types of paint bond well with various materials used in RC cars, including hard plastic, Lexan (a common type of polycarbonate plastic), metal, and fiberglass. Enamel and acrylic paints offer a smooth and even finish and are known for their durability. Additionally, acrylic paints are user-friendly, quick-drying, and easy to thin with water, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
For Lexan bodies, it is crucial to use Lexan-specific paint or regular spray paint designed for polycarbonate surfaces. This ensures that the paint can withstand the flexibility of the RC body and does not crack or flake off. Some recommended brands for Lexan bodies include Tamiya (their PS paint is designed for Lexan, while their TS paint is for ABS model car bodies) and SpazStix. It is also worth noting that Testors Model Masters and other Testors acrylic and enamel paints are often suggested for detail work on Lexan bodies.
When it comes to application techniques, spray painting is the preferred method for achieving an even and smooth finish on RC car bodies. Spray paint options range from inexpensive brands like Rust-Oleum to higher-priced options. For the best results with Lexan or polycarbonate bodies, polycarbonate paints from brands like Tamiya or Pactra are recommended. SEM's Color Coat is another well-liked option among hobbyists. If you're looking for a high-gloss finish, investing in an airbrush kit can give you professional-level results. While airbrushing takes more time and equipment, it allows for consistent paint application over a large area and enables you to achieve intricate details.
Before painting your RC car, proper surface preparation is essential. This includes cleaning the surface with soap and water, ensuring it is thoroughly dried, and using fine sandpaper or sanding techniques like "micromesh" to create a textured surface for better paint adhesion. Additionally, consider using a primer designed for plastic models, such as Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel, to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. When using a combination of primer and paint, always allow each layer to dry fully before applying the next.
Lastly, keep in mind that regular automotive paint may not be the best option for RC cars due to its lack of flexibility. While some people have used automotive paint with some success, it is more prone to cracking and chipping. If you decide to use automotive paint, consider adding a flex additive to increase its elasticity and durability.
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Brush painting for detail work
Brush painting is a great method for detail work on your RC car. It is typically reserved for finer details, such as pin-striping, lettering, and numbering.
If your RC body is made from Lexan, a type of polycarbonate plastic, it is recommended to use enamel or acrylic paints, such as the Testors Model Masters brand and other Testors acrylic and enamel paints. These paints will ensure that your work is durable and won't crack or flake off.
For a smooth finish, it is important to properly prepare the body of your RC car before painting. Some recommend using a primer and wetsanding between coats to ensure the paint adheres well and doesn't peel off. Others suggest using clear Gorilla Superglue as a thick topcoat to seal and protect the paint job.
When it comes to the paint itself, Parma Faskolor is a popular choice for brush painting, and Tamiya also offers a range of polycarbonate paints suitable for both brush and spray painting.
With the right paint, preparation, and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your RC car using brush painting techniques for the finer details.
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Airbrushing for a professional finish
If you want a professional finish for your RC car, airbrushing is the way to go. Airbrushing gives you finer shading, better control, and colour blending that you won't get with spray cans. It ensures a consistent application of paint over a large area and is one of the best ways to get a high-gloss finish. It's also speedy and allows you to do detail work.
There are a few things to keep in mind when airbrushing for a professional finish. First, make sure you have the right paint. Different paints spray differently and may require additional equipment, such as thicker or finer spray nozzles. Water-based paints like Parma's FasKolor are a good option for indoor use as they don't emit noxious fumes, are easier to clean up, and come in a variety of colours. However, if you're looking for permanence, especially on nitro cars, lacquer or enamel-based paints like Duratrax, Spaz Stix, and Tamiya are a better choice, but they should be sprayed outdoors due to toxic fumes.
Another important consideration is the type of airbrush you use. For painting bigger surfaces, choose an airbrush with a larger volume paint cup, typically ranging from 5 to 15cc. If you're a beginner, a top feed option is easier to learn than a bottom feed, which allows for the use of higher-capacity bottles. Additionally, ensure that your airbrush compressor is oil-less and has a diaphragm, a water trap, and an air pressure regulator. The ideal air pressure for spraying FasKolor paints from a bottle is about 50 psi, while 25 psi is sufficient when using the side cup.
To achieve a professional finish, it's crucial to practice and refine your technique. Start by drawing a grid on a piece of paper and practice making small dots, gradually increasing the size by adjusting the paint flow. Then, move on to making straight lines using the same technique of releasing air and paint separately. To practice shading, cut out a circle from thin cardboard and trace a quarter to create a 3D sphere. Additionally, don't forget to mask off the areas you don't want to paint on your RC car body.
Finally, proper cleaning and maintenance of your airbrush are essential for achieving consistent results. Clean your airbrush between each colour change and after you're finished painting before storing it. Set up a cleaning station with a jar that has a hole for the airbrush nozzle to fit into and another hole with a filter for the air to escape.
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Enamel or acrylic paint for Lexan bodies
If you want to paint an overall coat on an RC car body, enamel or acrylic paints will give you the best results. Both types of paint bond to a variety of materials used in RC car bodies, including hard plastic, Lexan, metal, fibreglass, and carbon fibre.
Lexan is a type of polycarbonate plastic that is very tough and commonly used in RC cars because it can withstand a lot of abuse. If your RC body is made from Lexan, you should use either enamel or acrylic paint. Other types of paint will likely crack and flake off.
For detail work on a Lexan RC body, most modellers recommend using Testors Model Masters brand and other Testors acrylic and enamel paints. For an even and smooth finish, most modellers prefer spray paint. For spray painting, polycarbonate paints made by Tamiya or Pactra are considered top-of-the-line. A less expensive option is SEM's Color Coat. If you want to invest a little more, an airbrush kit will give you professional-quality results. Airbrushing allows for consistent paint application over a large area and is one of the best ways to get a high-gloss finish.
Some RC builders have had good results with certain off-the-shelf or specialised paints, such as automotive or heavy equipment paint, provided the body and parts are properly prepped. For example, one person used regular automotive paint with a Bulldog adhesion promoter, while another used Rustoleum with a clear top coat of Gorilla Superglue. However, some automotive paints are not meant to flex as much as an RC body, so specialty paints for plastic parts may be required.
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Using primers and sealants
To achieve a professional-looking paint job on your RC car, it is essential to start with a properly prepared surface. Begin by cleaning the car body with a soft cloth to remove any dirt and dust. Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface, creating a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better.
Next, apply a primer to the car body. Primers give your colour coats a strong bond to resist wear and tear and protect against chipping. For RC cars made of ABS plastic, use a primer specifically designed for plastic, such as Rustoleum Plastic Primer, which is durable and inexpensive. If you are using a thicker, more sturdy industrial primer for a 1/16 RC tank, Mr. Surfacer 1000 is a durable option for both plastic and metal parts, although it is expensive and hard to find. For airbrush applications, consider Ammo By MIG's "One Shot" Polyurethane Primer.
Before applying the primer, lightly sand the plastic parts with 320 or 400-grit sandpaper to improve adhesion. After applying the primer, let it dry completely before proceeding with the paint.
Once you have finished painting your RC car, protect your intricate details and finish by applying a clear coat or sealant. This will enhance the durability of your paint job and ensure that your custom design remains vibrant and resistant to wear and tear. If you are using a clear sealant on a Lexan body, consider using clear Gorilla Superglue as a thick top coat for added durability and abrasion resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use acrylic or enamel paints on your RC car. Lacquers are also an option, but they have a strong odour and are recommended for outdoor use only.
The best method depends on which parts you are working on. Most hobbyists use a combination of techniques, including brushing, airbrushing, and spraying. Airbrushing is a good option if you want to achieve a high-gloss finish.
For Lexan RC bodies, you should use Lexan or polycarbonate paint. Brands such as Tamiya, SpazStix, and Testors offer paints specifically for Lexan bodies.
