Painting an RC drift car is a fun and creative process. It not only makes your car look fantastic but also protects the chassis. In this guide I will walk you through How to Paint an RC Drift Car Body. Unlike other RC Hobbies, RC Drifting is not only about driving, it’s about the body and the detail. Whether you’re new to RC drifting or an experienced drifter looking to upgrade your car’s look, these detailed instructions will help you.

Materials You’ll Need for Painting an RC Drift Car Body

Before starting, gather all the essential materials:

• RC drift car body (Lexan or polycarbonate)
• Fine-tip permanent marker
• Curved and straight scissors
• Hobby knife with a fresh blade
• 240-grit sandpaper
• Neutral dish soap
• Sponge
• Lint-free towel
• Masking tape (thin yellow tape works best)
• Polycarbonate-compatible paint (Tamiya PS paint or similar)
• Decals for finishing
• Clear coat spray (optional)

With your materials ready, let’s dive into the process.

Step 1: Cutting the RC Car Body

First, trace your cut lines with a fine-tip marker to ensure precision while cutting. Use straight scissors for most cuts and curved scissors for the wheel wells. If you need to make detailed cuts, such as around the exhaust or windows, use a hobby knife to score and snap the Lexan cleanly.

Pro Tip: Save larger pieces of scrap Lexan. They’re perfect for testing paint colors or creating small parts like bumper mounts.

Step 2: Sanding and Smoothing the Edges

After cutting, smooth the edges with 240-grit sandpaper. For areas like the wheel wells, wrap the sandpaper around a small object, such as a can, for better control. This will ensure clean, even curves. Sanding by hand may take more time but reduces the risk of damaging the body.

Step 3: Cleaning the Body

Clean the body with neutral dish soap and warm water to remove any manufacturing residue. Be thorough, especially in hard-to-reach areas like bumper recesses. Rinse well and let the body air-dry completely, using a lint-free towel to speed up drying.

Tip: Cleaning is critical for ensuring the paint adheres well, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Masking the RC Drift Car Body

Masking is essential to ensure sharp lines. If your body comes with pre-cut masks for windows, use them. Otherwise, create your own masks with thin masking tape. Align the corners first, and then press down on the edges to prevent paint from seeping through.

For areas where the pre-cut mask doesn’t fit well or is damaged, you can use masking tape to create custom shapes. If you don’t have masks, use decals as masks to cover larger areas like grilles.

Step 5: Preparing to Paint

Make sure your environment is suitable for painting. Ideally, paint at temperatures above 50°F (10°C), and avoid windy conditions to ensure smooth, even coverage. Warm your paint cans by placing them in hot water to improve spray quality.

Step 6: Applying the Paint

Begin with a very light mist coat. Hold the spray can 10-12 inches away from the body and apply a thin coat, letting it dry for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process, applying several light coats rather than a heavy one to avoid paint runs.

Pro Tip: Start with darker colors and work your way to lighter shades. Back your colors with black or white for more opacity and durability.

Step 7: Backing the Paint

Backing your paint adds durability and can affect the final color. Use black to darken colors or white to brighten them. Apply 2-3 coats of the backing color, ensuring even coverage across the body.

Step 8: Removing the Masking

Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the masking tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid lifting any paint. If any paint has seeped under the masking, clean it up with a fine brush or a small amount of solvent.

Step 9: Applying the Decals

When applying decals, cut as close to the edges as possible. Stick the decal down, peel back a small portion of the backing, and slowly remove the rest while pressing out any air bubbles.

For window decals, you can cut out the clear sections, leaving only the window trim behind for a more realistic finish.

Step 10: Clear Coat and Finishing Touches

Adding a clear coat can protect the paint and give your car a glossy finish. Spray it lightly in the same manner as the paint, applying thin, even coats.

After applying the clear coat, carefully peel off the overspray film to reveal the finished body. Decals and stickers can help cover any imperfections or missed spots in the paint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thick Coats: Applying paint too heavily can cause drips and uneven drying.
• Rushing: Not allowing enough time between coats leads to patchy finishes.
• Skipping Cleaning: Residue can prevent the paint from sticking, ruining the finish.

Step 11: Creative Ideas for Custom Designs

Add your personal touch by experimenting with different color combinations, stencils, and decals. Use masking tape to create patterns like stripes or flames. Get creative and make your RC drift car truly unique!

Conclusion on How to Paint an RC Drift Car Body

Painting your RC drift car body is an exciting project that lets you add your own style and protect your car. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a professional-looking finish that will turn heads on the track. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new designs.

Now, get your materials ready and start creating your custom RC drift car body!