RC Car Paint دليل: كيف to Paint Polycarbonate Bodies

A custom paint job transforms a generic RC body into something that turns heads. Polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies are painted from the inside, so the paint is protected by the clear shell on the outside. The process is straightforward once you understand the basics.

Materials You Need

Polycarbonate-specific spray paint is essential. Tamiya PS series and Pactra are the most popular. Regular spray paint, automotive paint, and acrylic craft paint do not bond to polycarbonate and will peel off. You also need masking tape (Tamiya curve tape is ideal), a hobby knife, scissors, rubbing alcohol, and newspaper for a spray area.

Preparation

Wash the body inside and out with warm water and dish soap. Polycarbonate bodies ship with mold release agent that prevents paint adhesion. Scrub the inside surface thoroughly, rinse, and let it dry completely. Wipe with rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth. Do not touch the inside surface with bare fingers after cleaning.

Masking

Polycarbonate bodies are painted in reverse order: the color you mask first shows on top. If you want a black body with white stripes, paint white first, mask over it, then paint black. Apply tape along design lines, pressing firmly. For curves, use narrow 3mm to 6mm tape in short overlapping sections. Use liquid mask for large areas.

Painting Technique

Shake the can for two full minutes. Hold 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Apply light, even coats with smooth back-and-forth motions. First coat should be a light mist. Let dry 10 to 15 minutes between coats. Most colors need three to five light coats. Never apply one thick coat as it pools, runs, and dries unevenly. Paint between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Backing Colors

After main colors are masked, apply a backing coat. White backing makes colors brighter. Black backing creates deeper tones. Apply in multiple light passes. Let dry completely before removing masking.

Finishing

Peel tape slowly at a 45-degree angle. If paint bled under tape, scrape carefully with a hobby knife. Peel the overspray film from outside. Install body clips and trim along cut lines.

Common Mistakes

Using non-polycarbonate paint (it peels). Coats too thick (runs and unevenness). Rushing the masking (bleed-through). Touching inside surface with bare hands (adhesion problems). Painting in cold or windy conditions. Take your time on the first body and expect imperfections. Most painters say their third or fourth body is when technique clicks.