How to Paint Clear RC Car Bodies

Materials You’ll Need

• Clear RC car body
• Automotive primer
• Automotive paint
• Automotive clear coat
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Masking tape
• Paintbrushes or airbrush

Step 1: Prepare the Body

Start by thoroughly cleaning the RC car body with soap and water. This will remove any dirt or debris that could affect the paint adhesion. Once the body is clean, sand it with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher) to create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.

Step 2: Apply Primer

Primer helps the paint adhere to the body and provides a smooth, even surface for the paint to go on. Apply several thin coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand the primer lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (400-grit or higher) to smooth out any rough spots.

Step 3: Paint the Body

Now it’s time to apply the paint. You can use either paintbrushes or an airbrush to apply the paint. If you’re using a paintbrush, use thin, even strokes and avoid applying too much paint at once. If you’re using an airbrush, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup and use.

Step 4: Mask and Paint Details

Once the base coat of paint is dry, you can start masking off areas of the body that you want to paint a different color. Use masking tape to carefully cover the areas you don’t want to paint. Then, apply the second color of paint as desired.

Step 5: Apply Clear Coat

Once the paint is completely dry, apply several thin coats of clear coat to protect the paint and give the body a glossy finish. Allow each coat of clear coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 6: Wet-Sand and Polish

Once the clear coat is dry, you can wet-sand the body with fine-grit sandpaper (1000-grit or higher) to remove any imperfections. Then, polish the body with a polishing compound to bring out the shine.

Tips for Painting Clear RC Car Bodies

• Use high-quality automotive primer and paint for best results.
• Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next.
• Use masking tape to carefully cover areas of the body that you don’t want to paint.
• Apply several thin coats of clear coat for best protection and shine.
• Wet-sand and polish the body after the clear coat is dry to remove any imperfections and bring out the shine.

Conclusion

Painting clear RC car bodies can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will make your RC car stand out from the crowd.