Automotive Paint on RC Car Bodies

Introduction

Automotive paint is a great way to give your RC car body a professional and finished look. It is also more durable than other types of paint, so it will last longer and look better over time. In this post, we will discuss the different types of automotive paint, how to prepare your RC car body for painting, and how to apply the paint.

Types of Automotive Paint

There are three main types of automotive paint: lacquer, enamel, and urethane.

* Lacquer is the oldest type of automotive paint. It is made from a mixture of nitrocellulose and other solvents. Lacquer is easy to apply and dries quickly, but it is not as durable as other types of paint.
* Enamel is a more durable type of paint than lacquer. It is made from a mixture of alkyd resins and other solvents. Enamel is more difficult to apply than lacquer, but it dries to a harder finish.
* Urethane is the most durable type of automotive paint. It is made from a mixture of polyurethane resins and other solvents. Urethane is more expensive than other types of paint, but it is also the most durable and resistant to fading and chipping.

Preparing Your RC Car Body for Painting

Before you can paint your RC car body, you need to prepare it by cleaning it and sanding it.

* Cleaning: First, you need to clean the RC car body to remove any dirt or grease. You can do this with a mild soap and water solution. Once the body is clean, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
* Sanding: Once the body is dry, you need to sand it to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to a fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the direction of the grain of the plastic.

Applying the Paint

Once the RC car body is prepared, you can begin applying the paint.

* Primer: Before you apply the paint, you need to apply a primer. Primer helps the paint to adhere to the plastic and it also helps to fill in any small imperfections in the surface. Apply the primer in thin, even coats. Allow the primer to dry completely before you apply the paint.
* Basecoat: The basecoat is the color of the paint that you want to be the main color of your RC car body. Apply the basecoat in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before you apply the next coat.
* Clearcoat: The clearcoat is a protective layer that goes over the basecoat. It helps to protect the paint from fading and chipping. Apply the clearcoat in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before you apply the next coat.

Tips for Painting RC Car Bodies

Here are a few tips for painting RC car bodies:

* Use a good quality paint. The better the quality of the paint, the better the results will be.
* Take your time and prepare the body properly. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts for a long time.
* Apply the paint in thin, even coats. This will help to prevent the paint from running or sagging.
* Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before you apply the next coat. This will help to ensure that the paint adheres properly and that the finish is smooth and even.

Conclusion

Automotive paint is a great way to give your RC car body a professional and finished look. It is also more durable than other types of paint, so it will last longer and look better over time. By following the tips in this post, you can paint your RC car body like a pro.