Top RC Car Body Paints

Choosing the Right Paint

When choosing paint for your RC car body, consider the type of racing you’ll be doing, the desired finish, and your budget. For durability, polycarbonate paints are a popular choice, offering good protection against scratches and weathering. Acrylic paints are also commonly used, offering a wide range of colors and ease of application. If you’re aiming for a high-quality, professional finish, consider using 2K paints, which offer superior durability and gloss.

Types of RC Car Body Paints

The world of RC car body paints is diverse, each type offering unique properties and advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types⁚

Polycarbonate Paints⁚

• Durability⁚ Polycarbonate paints are designed specifically for polycarbonate bodies, offering excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and weathering. This makes them ideal for off-road and basher cars that endure rough terrain and impacts.
• Application⁚ They are typically applied with an airbrush for a smooth, even finish. Some brands offer spray cans for easier application, but these may not offer the same level of detail and durability.
• Color Range⁚ Polycarbonate paints come in a wide array of colors, including vibrant neons, metallics, and even pearlescent finishes.
• Clear Coats⁚ A clear coat is often applied over polycarbonate paint to enhance durability and protect the color from fading.

Acrylic Paints⁚

• Versatility⁚ Acrylic paints are widely used for RC car bodies due to their versatility and ease of use. They can be applied with brushes, airbrushes, or even spray cans.
• Color Range⁚ Acrylic paints offer an extensive range of colors, making them suitable for both realistic and fantasy paint schemes.
• Durability⁚ While not as durable as polycarbonate paints, acrylic paints can be made more resilient with multiple layers and a clear coat.
• Drying Time⁚ Acrylic paints dry relatively quickly, allowing for a faster painting process.

• High-Quality Finish⁚ 2K paints, also known as two-part paints, are a premium option known for their superior durability, gloss, and chemical resistance. They are commonly used for professional-looking finishes, particularly in racing applications.
• Mixing Process⁚ 2K paints require mixing two components⁚ a base coat and a hardener. This process activates the chemical reaction that creates the durable, glossy finish.
• Application⁚ 2K paints are typically applied with an airbrush for precise application and a smooth finish.
• Cost⁚ 2K paints are generally more expensive than polycarbonate or acrylic paints, reflecting their higher quality and performance.

Applying RC Car Body Paint

Applying RC car body paint requires careful preparation and technique to achieve a professional-looking finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide⁚

Preparation⁚

• Clean the Body⁚ Thoroughly clean the RC car body with soap and water to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Allow it to dry completely.
• Mask Off Areas⁚ Use masking tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, such as windows, headlights, or decals.
• Sanding⁚ For a smooth finish, lightly sand the body with fine-grit sandpaper. This helps the paint adhere better.
• Primer⁚ Apply a primer to the body, which helps the paint adhere better and creates a smooth surface for painting.

Painting⁚

• Airbrushing⁚ Airbrushing is the preferred method for achieving a professional finish. Thin the paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Spray Cans⁚ If using spray cans, hold the can about 12 inches away from the body and apply thin, even coats. Avoid overspraying.
• Brushes⁚ Brushes can be used for detailed areas or for applying specific paint effects. Use a high-quality brush and apply thin coats.

Finishing Touches⁚

• Clear Coat⁚ Apply a clear coat over the paint to protect it from scratches and fading. Use a high-quality clear coat that is designed for polycarbonate bodies.
• Decals⁚ Once the clear coat is dry, you can apply decals to add details to the paint scheme;
• Final Touches⁚ Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the body.

For best results, practice your painting skills on scrap pieces of polycarbonate before applying paint to your actual RC car body.

Maintaining Your Paint Job

A freshly painted RC car body is a thing of beauty, but it requires proper care to maintain its vibrant colors and pristine finish. Here are some tips to keep your paint job looking its best⁚

Cleaning⁚

• Gentle Cleaning⁚ After each run, gently clean the body with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the paint.
• Avoid High-Pressure Washers⁚ High-pressure washers can strip away the paint and damage the body. Stick to gentle hand washing.
• Dry Thoroughly⁚ After cleaning, dry the body thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming.

Storage⁚

• Avoid Direct Sunlight⁚ Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the paint over time. Store your body in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Proper Storage⁚ When not in use, store the body in a protective case or bag to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.
• Separate Storage⁚ Avoid storing the body near other items that could scratch the paint. Store it separately or in a designated area.

Repairs⁚

• Touch-Ups⁚ For minor scratches or chips, use a touch-up pen or brush to match the original paint color. Apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely.
• Major Repairs⁚ For more significant damage, consider repainting the entire body or seeking professional repair services.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your RC car body looking its best for years to come.

Recommended RC Car Body Paints

Choosing the right paint can make all the difference in the look and durability of your RC car body. Here are some highly recommended brands and paint types known for their quality and performance⁚

Tamiya PS Paints⁚

• Known for⁚ Wide range of colors, excellent adhesion, and durability. Tamiya PS paints are specifically formulated for polycarbonate bodies and offer a glossy, vibrant finish.
• Pros⁚ Easy to apply, dries quickly, and provides excellent coverage.
• Cons⁚ May require multiple coats for full coverage and can be more expensive than other brands.

Pactra Acrylic Paints⁚

• Known for⁚ Affordable, versatile, and available in a vast array of colors. Pactra acrylic paints are a popular choice for both beginners and experienced painters.
• Pros⁚ Water-based, easy to clean up, and dries quickly. They offer good coverage and can be thinned with water for smoother application.
• Cons⁚ May not be as durable as polycarbonate paints and may require more coats for full coverage.

Dupli-Color Perfect Match Automotive Paints⁚

• Known for⁚ High-quality, durable, and available in a wide range of colors. Dupli-Color Perfect Match paints are designed for automotive applications and offer excellent adhesion and gloss.
• Pros⁚ Available in both spray cans and bottles, offering flexibility for different application methods. They provide a professional-looking finish and are highly resistant to fading and chipping.
• Cons⁚ May require a primer for optimal adhesion to polycarbonate bodies and can be more expensive than other options.

2K Paints⁚

• Known for⁚ Superior durability, gloss, and resistance to scratches. 2K paints are a two-part system that requires mixing a resin and a hardener before application.
• Pros⁚ Offer exceptional protection and a high-quality, professional finish. They are highly resistant to fading, chipping, and weathering.
• Cons⁚ More complex to apply and require proper mixing and preparation. They can be more expensive than other paint types.

Ultimately, the best paint for your RC car body depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the type of racing you’ll be doing, the desired finish, and your budget when making your choice.