Tips for Painting Lexan RC Car Body
Painting your Lexan RC car body can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your car and make it stand out on the track. Here’s a guide to help you get started and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Preparation is Key
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful Lexan paint job. It ensures a smooth, even finish and helps prevent paint from peeling or chipping. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepping your Lexan body⁚
- Clean the Body Thoroughly⁚ Start by washing the Lexan body with mild dish soap and warm water. This removes any dirt, grease, or residue that could interfere with paint adhesion. Rinse the body thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Sand the Body⁚ Use fine-grit sandpaper (600-800 grit) to lightly sand the entire surface of the Lexan body. This creates a slightly rough surface that helps the paint adhere better. Focus on sanding any imperfections or scratches. Avoid sanding too aggressively, as this can weaken the Lexan.
- Prime the Body (Optional)⁚ A primer is not always necessary for Lexan, but it can enhance adhesion and provide a smoother base for your paint. If using a primer, choose one specifically designed for Lexan. Apply the primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring even coverage.
- Mask Off Areas⁚ Before painting, mask off any areas you don’t want to paint. Use painter’s tape, masking paper, or other masking materials to protect areas like windows, lights, and the interior of the body. Make sure the tape adheres securely to prevent paint bleed-through.
- Degrease the Body⁚ After masking, use rubbing alcohol or a dedicated degreaser to clean the Lexan body once more. This removes any remaining oils, dust, or fingerprints that could affect the paint’s adhesion.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll create a clean, smooth, and prepared surface that will help ensure a professional-looking paint job that lasts.
Choosing the Right Paint
Selecting the appropriate paint is crucial for a durable and vibrant finish on your Lexan RC car body. There are various paint types available, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Here’s a breakdown of popular options⁚
- Polycarbonate Paint (Lexan Paint)⁚ This type of paint is specifically designed for Lexan bodies and is often the best choice for RC car painting. It offers excellent adhesion, durability, and flexibility, making it resistant to cracking and chipping. Polycarbonate paint is typically available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including gloss, matte, and metallic.
- Acrylic Paint⁚ Acrylic paints are water-based and generally easy to use. They are a good option for Lexan bodies, but they may require a primer for better adhesion and durability. Acrylic paints dry quickly and are available in a wide variety of colors.
- Enamel Paint⁚ Enamel paints are oil-based and known for their durability and gloss finish. However, they can be more difficult to work with and require proper ventilation for drying. Enamel paints may not be the ideal choice for Lexan bodies, as they can sometimes crack or chip under stress.
- Spray Paint⁚ Aerosol spray paints are a convenient option for painting Lexan bodies. They offer good coverage and are easy to apply. However, it’s essential to choose spray paints specifically formulated for plastics or Lexan to ensure proper adhesion and durability.
When choosing paint, consider the following factors⁚
- Color and Finish⁚ Select colors and finishes that match your desired aesthetic and racing style.
- Adhesion⁚ Ensure the paint you choose is designed for Lexan or plastic surfaces to ensure proper adhesion and prevent peeling.
- Durability⁚ Consider the paint’s resistance to scratches, chips, and fading, especially if you race your car frequently.
By carefully choosing the right paint, you’ll lay the foundation for a stunning and long-lasting finish on your Lexan RC car body.
Masking and Protection
Masking and protection are essential steps in achieving a clean and professional paint job on your Lexan RC car body. These techniques help prevent paint from getting where it shouldn’t, ensuring sharp lines and a well-defined finish.
- Masking Tape⁚ Masking tape is your best friend for creating precise lines and protecting areas you don’t want to paint. Choose a high-quality masking tape specifically designed for automotive applications. It should be strong enough to hold its shape and prevent paint bleed but gentle enough to remove without damaging the Lexan.
- Masking Paper⁚ Use masking paper to cover larger areas of the body, such as windows, headlights, and areas you don’t want to paint. Secure the masking paper with masking tape for a tight seal.
- Masking Fluid⁚ Masking fluid is a liquid that dries to form a protective barrier. It’s useful for creating intricate designs and protecting areas where masking tape might be difficult to apply. Once the paint dries, you can simply peel off the masking fluid.
- Protective Film⁚ Consider using a protective film to cover areas that are particularly susceptible to paint overspray, such as the chassis or electronics. Protective film is a thin, transparent film that can be easily removed after painting.
- Work Area Protection⁚ Protect your work area from paint overspray by covering surfaces with drop cloths or newspapers. Wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from paint fumes.
By carefully masking and protecting your Lexan RC car body, you can minimize the risk of paint mistakes and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Application Techniques
Applying paint to your Lexan RC car body requires a steady hand and some practice. There are several techniques you can use to achieve a smooth and even finish.
- Airbrushing⁚ Airbrushing is the most popular method for painting Lexan bodies. It allows for precise control over paint application, creating smooth transitions and fine details. An airbrush uses compressed air to atomize paint, creating a fine mist that is sprayed onto the surface.
- Spray Can⁚ If you don’t have an airbrush, you can use a spray can to apply paint. Choose a spray can specifically designed for Lexan or polycarbonate, as these paints are formulated to adhere to these materials. Hold the can about 6-8 inches from the body and apply thin, even coats. Avoid spraying too heavily as this can cause runs and drips.
- Brush Painting⁚ Brush painting is an option for smaller areas or for applying details. Use a high-quality brush designed for acrylic paints. Apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
- Multiple Thin Coats⁚ Regardless of the application method, it’s crucial to apply multiple thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat. Thin coats allow the paint to dry evenly and prevent runs and drips.
- Drying Time⁚ Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. The drying time will vary depending on the type of paint and the temperature.
Practice your painting techniques on a scrap piece of Lexan before applying paint to your actual car body. This will help you get a feel for the application method and avoid mistakes.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve applied the paint and allowed it to dry thoroughly, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make your RC car body stand out.
- Clear Coating⁚ A clear coat is essential for protecting your paint job and adding durability. There are two main types of clear coats⁚ polycarbonate-specific and acrylic. Polycarbonate-specific clear coats are designed to adhere to Lexan and provide excellent durability. Acrylic clear coats are more affordable but may not be as durable.
- Decals and Stickers⁚ Decals and stickers can add a touch of personalization to your RC car body. Choose decals that are designed for Lexan and apply them carefully, ensuring they are smooth and free of air bubbles.
- Window Masking⁚ If your car body has windows, you’ll need to mask them off before painting. Use masking tape or a specific window masking film to create clean lines around the windows.
- Overspray Protection⁚ To protect other parts of your car from overspray, use masking tape, paper, or plastic sheeting to cover areas that you don’t want to paint.
- Detailing⁚ After applying the clear coat and decals, use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and create a smooth finish. You can also use a detail brush to clean up any paint spills or overspray.
Remember to allow each layer of paint, clear coat, and decals to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Take your time and enjoy the process of customizing your RC car body.
Maintenance and Care
A well-maintained paint job will keep your RC car looking its best and protect it from damage. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your painted Lexan body⁚
- Cleaning⁚ After each run, gently clean your body with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the paint.
- Storage⁚ Store your painted body in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help prevent the paint from fading or cracking.
- Repairing Scratches⁚ If you get a scratch on your paint, you can repair it with a clear coat touch-up pen or a small amount of clear coat.
- Re-painting⁚ If your paint job becomes severely damaged, you can always repaint the body. However, it’s important to strip off the old paint before applying a new coat.
- Protecting the Paint⁚ To protect your paint job from scratches and wear, consider using a polycarbonate protector film. These films are designed to absorb impacts and protect the underlying paint.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your painted Lexan RC car body looking great for years to come.