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Painting RC car bodies, especially those made of polycarbonate (Lexan), requires specialized paints and techniques to ensure the paint adheres well and withstands the flexing and impacts of RC use. Thorough preparation, including cleaning and masking, is crucial for a successful paint job.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation:
2. Painting:
3. Finishing:
Tips for Beginners:
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation:
- Clean the body:
Wash the inside of the body thoroughly with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to remove any mold release agents or oils that might prevent paint adhesion. - Masking:
Apply window masks and any other desired masking (tape, liquid mask) to protect areas you don't want painted. Use quality masking tape for curves and straight lines, and consider a wider tape for larger areas. - Prepare the workspace:
Ensure the workspace is clean and dust-free to prevent imperfections in the paint job.
2. Painting:
- Use polycarbonate-specific paint:
Regular spray paints won't adhere well to polycarbonate. Specialized paints like Tamiya PS or Traxxas ProGraphix are formulated for this purpose. - Shake the paint cans:
Thoroughly shake the paint cans for 3-5 minutes before each use. - Apply light coats:
Apply multiple thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This helps prevent runs and ensures better adhesion. - Back with a dark color (optional):
For lighter colors, especially on clear bodies, backing with a darker color (like black or silver) can prevent light from shining through and enhance the color's vibrancy. - Consider backing with black:
If you're using lighter colors, backing with black can make them appear more vibrant and prevent light from shining through. - Check for thin spots:
Hold the body up to a light source to check for any thin areas and apply additional coats as needed.
3. Finishing:
- Remove masking:
Carefully remove the masking tape and window masks after the paint has dried. - Apply decals:
Once the paint is completely dry, apply any desired decals. - Touch-ups:
If there's any paint bleed or overspray, you can carefully sand it down with fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 600 grit) or use a polycarbonate body cleaner and a cotton swab to remove imperfections. - Clean the body:
After painting, you may want to wash the outside of the body to remove any dust or fingerprints.
Tips for Beginners:
- Practice on scrap material:
If you're unsure about your technique, practice on a scrap piece of Lexan or a similar material before painting the actual body. - Start with simple designs:
Begin with a solid color or a simple two-tone design before attempting more complex patterns. - Focus on even coverage and masking:
Achieving a smooth, even coat of paint and preventing bleed-through are key to a good-looking paint job. - Don't be afraid to experiment:
Once you're comfortable with the basics, experiment with different colors, techniques, and designs to create unique and personalized RC bodies.