Painting Lexan RC Car Bodies

Preparation

Start by thoroughly cleaning your Lexan body with soap and water․ Remove any dirt, dust, or debris․ Allow the body to dry completely․ Next, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a more receptive surface for the paint․ This will help the paint adhere better and prevent peeling․ Finally, use a degreaser to remove any remaining oils or contaminants․

Choosing the Right Paint

Selecting the right paint for your Lexan RC car body is crucial for achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish․ Unlike traditional car paints, Lexan requires specialized paint formulations designed to adhere to its polycarbonate surface․ Here’s a breakdown of the key paint types and factors to consider⁚

Polycarbonate-Specific Paints⁚

• Acrylic Paints⁚ Acrylic paints are a popular choice for Lexan bodies due to their ease of use, quick drying time, and vibrant color range․ They offer good durability and are generally water-based, making them less toxic than solvent-based paints․ Acrylics are available in both spray cans and bottles for brush application․
• Polycarbonate-Specific Enamel Paints⁚ Enamel paints provide a harder, more durable finish than acrylics, making them ideal for high-impact applications․ They typically offer excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and fading․ Enamel paints are often solvent-based and require proper ventilation during application․
• Two-Part Polyurethane Paints⁚ For the most durable and scratch-resistant finish, consider two-part polyurethane paints․ These paints require mixing a resin with a hardener, creating a chemically-cured coating that offers exceptional protection against wear and tear․ They are generally more expensive than acrylics or enamels but offer superior longevity․

Factors to Consider⁚

• Color⁚ Select a color that complements your car’s design and personal preference․ Consider the impact of color on visibility and the overall aesthetic appeal․
• Finish⁚ Decide whether you want a glossy, matte, or satin finish․ Each finish imparts a different look and feel to the body․
• Durability⁚ Choose a paint that offers the level of durability required for your driving style and the expected wear and tear on your car․
• Application Method⁚ Consider whether you prefer spraying, brushing, or using an airbrush․ Each method requires different techniques and paint formulations․

It’s always recommended to test a small area of your body with the chosen paint to ensure compatibility and desired results before applying it to the entire surface․

Masking and Protection

Masking and protection are essential steps in painting your Lexan RC car body, ensuring a clean and professional finish․ These techniques help prevent paint from reaching areas you don’t want to paint and protect delicate components during the process․ Here’s a breakdown of the key masking and protection methods⁚

Masking Techniques⁚

• Masking Tape⁚ Use high-quality masking tape specifically designed for automotive applications․ Apply it carefully to create clean lines and prevent paint bleed․ Ensure the tape is firmly adhered to the surface to avoid paint seeping underneath․
• Masking Film⁚ Masking film is a flexible, transparent film that protects areas you don’t want to paint․ It’s ideal for covering intricate details, windows, or large sections of the body․ Secure the film with masking tape for a secure hold․
• Painter’s Tape⁚ Painter’s tape is a less aggressive masking tape suitable for delicate surfaces․ It’s useful for masking off smaller areas or protecting trim pieces․ However, always test its adhesion on a small area before applying it extensively․

Protection Methods⁚

• Drop Cloths⁚ Cover your work area with drop cloths to protect it from paint spills and overspray․ Ensure the drop cloths are large enough to cover the entire surface, and use painter’s tape to secure them in place․
• Protective Gear⁚ Wear appropriate safety gear, including a respirator mask to protect yourself from paint fumes, gloves to prevent skin contact, and eye protection to shield your eyes from overspray․
• Ventilation⁚ Work in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper air circulation and minimize exposure to paint fumes․ If painting indoors, use fans or open windows to create airflow․

Thorough masking and protection are crucial for achieving a professional-looking finish․ Take your time, use the right tools and materials, and ensure a clean and organized workspace for optimal results․

Painting Techniques

Painting Lexan RC car bodies requires specific techniques to achieve a durable, vibrant, and professional finish․ The right techniques ensure even paint application, minimize runs and drips, and create a smooth, flawless surface․ Here’s a breakdown of essential painting techniques⁚

Thinning the Paint⁚

Before applying paint, it’s crucial to thin it according to the manufacturer’s instructions․ Thinning the paint ensures proper viscosity, allowing it to flow smoothly and create an even coat․ Use the recommended thinner for your specific paint type and follow the manufacturer’s dilution ratios․

Applying the Paint⁚

Use a spray gun for a professional finish․ Hold the spray gun at a consistent distance from the body (usually 6-8 inches) and maintain a steady, even motion․ Apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next․ Overlapping each coat by about 50% ensures a smooth transition and prevents streaks․

Drying Time⁚

Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next․ Drying time varies depending on the paint type, temperature, and humidity․ Check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended drying times․ Avoid touching the surface until it’s completely dry to prevent smudging or marring the paint․

Layering for Depth⁚

For a truly stunning finish, consider layering multiple colors․ Start with a base coat, followed by a mid-coat, and finish with a top coat․ This technique creates depth and dimension, adding visual interest to your body․ Use the same thinning and application techniques for each layer, ensuring proper drying time between each coat․

Tips for Success⁚

• Practice on a scrap piece of Lexan before applying paint to your actual body․
• Use a light touch when applying paint and avoid over-spraying․
• Clean your spray gun thoroughly after each use to prevent paint buildup and ensure a smooth finish for future projects․

With the right techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking paint job on your Lexan RC car body․

Finishing Touches

After the paint has dried completely, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will elevate your Lexan RC car body from good to great․ These finishing touches enhance the look and protect your paint job, ensuring a long-lasting and eye-catching finish․

Clear Coating⁚

Applying a clear coat is essential for protecting your paint from scratches, chips, and UV damage․ A clear coat acts as a protective barrier, ensuring that your paint job stays vibrant and pristine․ Choose a high-quality, durable clear coat specifically designed for Lexan․ Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next․ This creates a smooth, even layer that enhances the gloss and durability of your paint․

Decals and Stickers⁚

Decals and stickers add personality and style to your RC car body․ Choose decals that reflect your personal preferences and create a unique look․ Apply decals carefully, ensuring they are smooth and free of air bubbles․ Use a decal solution to help position and adhere the decals properly․ Once the decals are in place, apply a clear coat to protect them and ensure they last․

Masking⁚

Masking is a valuable technique for creating intricate designs and adding accents to your paint job․ Use masking tape or painter’s tape to protect areas you don’t want to paint․ Ensure the tape is applied smoothly and securely to prevent paint bleed․ After applying the paint, carefully remove the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid lifting the paint․ This allows you to create sharp lines and precise details․

Details and Accents⁚

Don’t be afraid to experiment with details and accents․ Use a fine-tipped brush to apply small details, such as lines, dots, or patterns․ You can also use a stencil to create intricate designs․ Consider using metallic paint, pearl paint, or glitter to add a touch of sparkle and uniqueness․

Polishing⁚

After the clear coat has dried completely, consider polishing your body for a truly stunning finish․ Use a fine-grade polishing compound designed for Lexan to remove minor imperfections and enhance the gloss․ Apply the compound with a soft cloth, using gentle circular motions․ This final step adds a professional touch and brings out the best in your paint job․

Maintenance and Durability

A well-painted Lexan RC car body is an investment that can last for years with proper care and maintenance․ While Lexan is a durable material, it’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure your paint job stays vibrant and protected⁚

Cleaning⁚

Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your body looking its best and preventing dirt and grime from damaging the paint․ Use a mild soap and water solution to gently wash the body, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the paint․ Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth․

Storage⁚

Store your painted body in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures․ Sunlight can fade the paint over time, while extreme temperatures can cause the paint to crack or peel․ Consider using a protective bag or case to shield the body from dust and debris․

Protection⁚

Protect your body from scratches and impacts as much as possible․ Avoid dropping or bumping the body against hard surfaces․ Use a padded case or box for transport and storage․ If your body does get scratched, a touch-up paint pen can help repair minor imperfections․

Re-coating⁚

Over time, the clear coat on your body may become scratched or worn․ Consider re-coating the body with a fresh layer of clear coat to protect the paint and maintain its gloss․ Before applying a new coat, lightly sand the existing clear coat to create a rough surface for the new coat to adhere to․

Repairing Cracks and Chips⁚

If your body develops cracks or chips, repair them promptly to prevent further damage․ Clean the area thoroughly and use a Lexan-compatible epoxy or glue to fill the crack or chip․ Allow the repair to dry completely before sanding and painting․

Don’t Over-tighten Screws⁚

When attaching your body to the car, avoid over-tightening the screws․ Over-tightening can put stress on the Lexan and potentially cause cracks or chips in the paint․ Use a torque wrench to ensure you tighten the screws to the correct specifications․

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your painted Lexan RC car body stays vibrant and protected for years to come, providing you with countless hours of enjoyment on the track․