How to Paint a Lexan Slot Car Body
Introduction
Lexan is a polycarbonate plastic that is used to make the bodies of slot cars. It is a durable and flexible material that can be painted to create a variety of different looks. If you want to learn how to paint a lexan slot car body, follow these steps:
Materials
- Lexan slot car body
- Automotive masking tape
- Automotive primer
- Automotive paint
- Automotive clear coat
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Tack cloth
- Airbrush or spray gun
- Safety glasses
- Respirator
Preparation
Before you start painting, you need to prepare the lexan slot car body. This involves cleaning the body and sanding it to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Clean the lexan slot car body with a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft cloth to wipe the body down and remove any dirt or debris.
- Sand the lexan slot car body with a fine-grit sandpaper (400-grit or higher). Sand the body in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure. You want to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Wipe the lexan slot car body down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris from the sanding process.
Masking
Once the lexan slot car body is prepared, you need to mask off the areas that you do not want to paint. This includes the windows, headlights, taillights, and any other areas that you want to leave unpainted.
- Use automotive masking tape to mask off the areas that you do not want to paint. Press the tape down firmly to create a good seal.
- Cut out any shapes or designs that you want to paint onto the lexan slot car body. You can use a hobby knife or a scissors to cut out the shapes.
- Apply the cut-out shapes to the lexan slot car body. Press the shapes down firmly to create a good seal.
Priming
Before you can paint the lexan slot car body, you need to apply a primer. Primer helps to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and it also helps to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling.
- Apply a thin coat of automotive primer to the lexan slot car body. Use an airbrush or a spray gun to apply the primer. Hold the airbrush or spray gun about 6-8 inches away from the body and move it back and forth in a smooth, even motion.
- Allow the primer to dry completely before sanding it. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Sand the primer with a fine-grit sandpaper (400-grit or higher). Sand the primer in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure. You want to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Wipe the lexan slot car body down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris from the sanding process.
Painting
Now that the lexan slot car body is primed, you can start painting it. You can use any type of automotive paint that you like, but I recommend using a paint that is specifically designed for lexan bodies. These paints are more flexible and durable than other types of paint, and they will not crack or peel.
- Apply a thin coat of automotive paint to the lexan slot car body. Use an airbrush or a spray gun to apply the paint. Hold the airbrush or spray gun about 6-8 inches away from the body and move it back and forth in a smooth, even motion.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. This may take several hours or overnight.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have achieved the desired color and opacity.
Clear Coating
Once the paint is dry, you need to apply a clear coat to protect it. Clear coat helps to prevent the paint from chipping or peeling, and it also gives the body a glossy finish.
- Apply a thin coat of automotive clear coat to the lexan slot car body. Use an airbrush or a spray gun to apply the clear coat. Hold the airbrush or spray gun about 6-8 inches away from the body and move it back and forth in a smooth, even motion.
- Allow the clear coat to dry completely before handling the body.
Conclusion
Painting a lexan slot car body is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. If you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a beautiful and durable paint job for your slot car.
