Removing Old Paint from RC Car Body

Introduction

Over time, the paint on your RC car body can start to chip, fade, or peel. This can make your car look old and worn out, and it can also affect its performance. If you’re not happy with the way your RC car body looks, you can remove the old paint and repaint it.

Materials You’ll Need

• Denatured alcohol
• Acetone
• Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paint stripper
• Sandpaper
• Steel wool
• Wire brush
• Cloth rags
• Gloves
• Eye protection

Safety Precautions

Before you begin removing the old paint from your RC car body, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Wear gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Some of the chemicals you’ll be using can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Methods for Removing Old Paint

There are several different methods you can use to remove old paint from an RC car body. The best method for you will depend on the type of paint that was used on the body and how old the paint is.

Method 1: Using Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol is a relatively mild solvent that is effective at removing most types of paint. To use denatured alcohol to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply soak a cloth rag in the alcohol and then wipe it over the body. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as denatured alcohol can produce fumes.

Method 2: Using Acetone

Acetone is a more powerful solvent than denatured alcohol, and it can be used to remove most types of paint, including epoxy and polyurethane paints. However, acetone can also damage some plastics, so it’s important to test it on a small area of the body before using it on the entire surface. To use acetone to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply soak a cloth rag in the acetone and then wipe it over the body. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as acetone can produce fumes.

Method 3: Using Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

MEK is a very powerful solvent that can be used to remove most types of paint, including automotive paints. However, MEK can also damage some plastics, so it’s important to test it on a small area of the body before using it on the entire surface. To use MEK to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply soak a cloth rag in the MEK and then wipe it over the body. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as MEK can produce fumes.

Method 4: Using Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a mild solvent that can be used to remove most types of paint from an RC car body. However, isopropyl alcohol is not as effective as denatured alcohol, acetone, or MEK. To use isopropyl alcohol to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply soak a cloth rag in the isopropyl alcohol and then wipe it over the body. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as isopropyl alcohol can produce fumes.

Method 5: Using Paint Stripper

Paint stripper is a chemical solution that can be used to remove most types of paint from an RC car body. However, paint stripper can also damage some plastics, so it’s important to test it on a small area of the body before using it on the entire surface. To use paint stripper to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply apply the stripper to the body and then let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Once the stripper has had time to work, use a cloth rag to wipe the stripper and the old paint off the body. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as paint stripper can produce fumes.

Method 6: Using Sandpaper

Sandpaper can be used to remove old paint from an RC car body. However, sandpaper is a more abrasive method than using solvents or paint stripper, and it can damage the surface of the body if it’s not used carefully. To use sandpaper to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply start with a fine-grit sandpaper and then gradually work your way up to a coarser-grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in a circular motion and apply even pressure.

Method 7: Using Steel Wool

Steel wool can also be used to remove old paint from an RC car body. However, steel wool is more abrasive than sandpaper, so it should only be used on heavily damaged bodies. To use steel wool to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply start with a fine-grade steel wool and then gradually work your way up to a coarser-grade steel wool. Be sure to rub in a circular motion and apply even pressure.

Method 8: Using a Wire Brush

A wire brush can be used to remove old paint from an RC car body. However, a wire brush is more abrasive than sandpaper or steel wool, so it should only be used on heavily damaged bodies. To use a wire brush to remove old paint from an RC car body, simply start with a soft-bristled wire brush and then gradually work your way up to a stiffer-bristled wire brush. Be sure to brush in a circular motion and apply even pressure.

Conclusion

Removing old paint from an RC car body can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it if you want to give your car a new look. With a little patience and effort, you can get your RC car body looking like new again.