Spray Painting RC Car Bodies: Can You Use Regular Paint?

By -Kyle Hilson
Posted on April 29, 2023June 2, 2023
Posted in RC Cars

RC cars are a popular hobby for many people, offering hours of entertainment and enjoyment. One of the many joys of owning an RC car is the ability to customize and personalize it to fit your unique tastes and preferences. While many RC cars come with pre-painted bodies, some hobbyists prefer to create their own custom designs. This is where painting RC car bodies comes into play. However, with so many types of paint available on the market, it can be difficult to know which type is best for your project. One common question that many RC car enthusiasts ask is whether or not regular spray paint can be used on RC car bodies. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of using regular spray paint, as well as some tips for achieving the best results.

Why people paint RC car bodies

Customizing the appearance of an RC car is one of the main reasons people choose to paint their car bodies. Some popular reasons why people paint RC car bodies include:

Adding personality to their car
Matching a real-life car or following a specific design
Having a car that stands out in races or competitions

There are different types of paint that can be used on RC car bodies, each with its pros and cons. For instance, some people opt for polycarbonate paint or airbrushing, while others prefer to use regular spray paint. In the next section, we will examine the characteristics of regular spray paint and see if it’s a good choice for painting an RC car body.

If you’re interested in learning more about RC cars, there are plenty of websites and online communities where you can connect with other enthusiasts. Some popular websites to check out include RC Car Action, RC Driver, and RC Universe. Additionally, if you’re in the market for an RC car or painting supplies, websites like Amazon or Horizon Hobby offer a wide variety of products to choose from.

What do you paint an RC car body with?

RC car enthusiasts often customize their vehicles by painting their bodies to create unique designs. To achieve this, they use specific types of paint that are both durable and flexible enough to withstand the wear and tear of RC car racing. Here are the most commonly used types of paint for RC car bodies:

Lexan paint: This type of paint is specifically designed for painting RC car bodies made of Lexan, a type of polycarbonate plastic that is lightweight and durable. Lexan paint creates a flexible and scratch-resistant coating that can adhere to the plastic without chipping or flaking off. Some popular brands of Lexan paint include Pactra, Spaz Stix, and Gofer Racing.
Spray paint: While not specifically designed for use on RC car bodies, spray paint can still be used to achieve a variety of effects. However, you need to ensure you use a paint that bonds well to the specific material of your RC car body. For instance, spray paint designed for metal surfaces won’t stick properly to LEXAN.
Acrylic or enamel paint: Acrylic and enamel paints can be used to paint an RC car body, but they may not be as durable as Lexan paint. They may scratch or flake off over time since they are not designed to be flexible. It is best to use them only for temporary designs or decorations.

If you’re new to painting RC car bodies, many RC hobby stores, like hobbyking.com, carry paint options specifically designed for this purpose.

What is regular spray paint?

Regular spray paint is an all-purpose paint that can be used on various surfaces such as metal, plastic, and wood. It usually comes in a can that includes a propellant and can be applied by pressing on the nozzle. Here are some characteristics of regular spray paint:

Dries relatively quickly
Requires proper ventilation when being applied
May need a primer to achieve a smoother surface
Available in a wide range of colors and finishes
May chip or peel if not applied correctly or if the car body is flexed

While regular spray paint is a popular choice for painting RC car bodies, it does have some disadvantages, such as the tendency to peel or chip over time. Additionally, it may not bond as well with the polycarbonate material usually used in RC car bodies, which can result in a rough or uneven surface. In the next section, we will explore some tips for using regular spray paint on an RC car body, as well as some alternatives to consider.

If you’re interested in purchasing regular spray paint or other painting supplies for your RC car body, popular online retailers like Amazon or eBay offer a wide range of brands and colors to choose from. Additionally, some hobby shops or craft stores may carry specialty paints that are specifically designed for use on RC car bodies.

Can you use spray paint on RC cars?

Yes, you can use spray paint on RC cars. However, there are certain precautions that need to be taken into consideration to avoid damaging the car. Some tips to keep in mind include:

Disassemble the car completely before painting.
Clean the body thoroughly and let it dry completely.
Apply a primer before painting to ensure better adhesion.
Choose a quality paint that is made for RC cars.
Avoid painting the battery compartment, motor area, or any other moving parts.
Avoid applying too much paint in one go to prevent drips and runs.
Complete the painting process in a well-ventilated area.

Check out the websites of RC car manufacturers or hobby shops for specific guidance on painting your particular model.

Tips for using regular Spray Paint on RC Car Bodies

While regular spray paint may not be the perfect choice for painting RC car bodies, there are some tips you can follow to improve the results:

Prepare the surface of the car body by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water, and then drying it with a soft, clean towel. Make sure there is no dirt or debris left on the surface.
Apply a thin layer of primer to help the paint adhere better to the surface of the car body. Allow it to dry completely before applying the spray paint.
Choose a well-ventilated area to paint and be sure to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself.
Apply multiple thin coats of spray paint rather than one thick coat. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one.
Hold the can 6 to 8 inches away from the car body when spraying and move the can steadily back and forth to achieve an even coverage.
Avoid painting in high humidity or extreme heat as this can affect the paint’s drying time and adhesion.

By following these tips, you can decrease the likelihood of experiencing chipping, peeling, or unevenness with regular spray paint on your RC car body. If you’re still not happy with the results, you may want to consider some alternative options, which we will explore in the next section.

If you’re looking for quality paints and primers for your RC car body, some popular brands include Krylon, Rust-Oleum, and Dupli-Color. You can find these brands at most hardware stores, hobby shops, or online retailers like Amazon or eBay.

Can you spray paint a RC car body?

Yes, you can spray paint a RC car body. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, clean and sand the body to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
Next, choose a paint that is specifically designed for RC car bodies.
Make sure to apply several thin coats of paint, rather than one thick coat.
Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Finally, consider adding a clear coat to protect the paint and give the body a glossy finish.

If you’re looking for high-quality RC car paint and supplies, check out websites like Tower Hobbies or HobbyTown.

Alternatives to using Regular Spray Paint on RC Car Bodies

While regular spray paint can be used on RC car bodies, there are alternative options that may provide better results:

Polycarbonate Spray Paint

– Specifically designed for use on RC car bodies made of polycarbonate plastic
– Durable and flexible, able to withstand the stress of being driven at high speeds
– Available in a wide range of colors and finishes

Airbrushing

– Provides complete control over the paint job
– Allows for more precise detailing and customization
– Requires more equipment and skill, but can produce professional-grade results

If you decide to go with an alternative to regular spray paint, some great brands to consider include Tamiya, Pactra, and Spaz Stix. These brands offer a variety of polycarbonate sprays and airbrush paints in various colors and finishes. You can find them at most hobby shops or online retailers like Tower Hobbies or AMain Hobbies.

It’s important to choose a method that suits your needs and skills, and consider the pros and cons of each option. Whether you stick with regular spray paint or choose an alternative, remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through!

Can I use regular spray paint on an RC body?

Using regular spray paint on an RC body is possible, but not recommended. Here are a few reasons why:

Regular spray paint may melt the plastic of the RC body.
The wrong type of paint can make the body brittle and susceptible to cracking or breaking.
The color may not be as vibrant or smooth as paint specifically made for RC bodies.

To ensure the best results for your RC body, it’s recommended to use paint made specifically for RC bodies. You can find options at hobby stores or online retailers such as Amain Hobbies, Horizon Hobby, and Tower Hobbies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can use regular spray paint on RC car bodies, but there are other options available that may provide better results. Depending on your preferences, skill level, and the level of customization you want, you can choose from a variety of paints specifically designed for use on RC car bodies.

While regular spray paint is a cheap and easy option, using polycarbonate spray paint or airbrushing can provide more durable and professional results. It’s important to follow best practices when using any type of paint, such as working in a well-ventilated area and allowing proper drying time.

With some practice and patience, you can create a customized and eye-catching design for your RC car. So, have fun with it and let your creativity shine!