It is possible to own an RC car with the best features and specifications but with a not-so-cool design and body color. It would be expensive to purchase a new car with better color. The best option is to repaint the RC car; with this option, you get to design the vehicle to suit your taste.
Yes, you can repaint an RC car body. However, there are steps to follow when repainting an RC car body. The main aspects you should consider are the appropriate type of paint to use, preparing the car body for repainting, and having the necessary materials and tools to repaint an RC car body.
Repainting an RC car body is a good way to re-customize your RC car and make it look brand new. You must carefully and diligently follow procedures when repainting the RC car body so that no important step is overlooked.
List Of Steps To Repaint An RC Car
Repainting an RC car is a crucial activity, so you have to be careful and take your time to get an excellent result. There are steps you must carefully follow; your execution of each step determines the outcome of the process. Here is the list of steps to repaint an RC car.
Remove Existing Paint
The very first and most important step in repainting an RC car is to make sure you properly remove the existing paint. You can always use a chemical paint stripper; however, you must be extremely careful when choosing the type of paint stripper.
After you have gotten the right chemical paint stripper, carefully follow the instructions exactly as stated on the label. You should also leave it for the stated time, which is usually between 3 to 12 hours. Then, you can clean the stripper off with a washcloth or sponge. Repeat this procedure if you still see some paint that did not come off.
Get The Right Paint
Another important thing is to choose the right type of paint. Many RC cars are made from clear polycarbonate that is commonly referred to as 'Lexan,' which is the name of a specific brand of polycarbonate plastic. You can get spray paint specifically made for polycarbonate plastic to use on your RC car.
If your RC car body is made from styrene or ABS plastic, you can use standard spray enamel paint. You should never use generic spray paint on your RC car so that it does not become ruined. When you use the right paint for your RC car, you will get thinner coats, and all details of your vehicle will remain even after the paint has dried.
Mask Your RC Car
Before you start, you should use masking tape to cover the areas you do not want to paint. It will be better if you use different colors of tape so that you can identify each place. You can use the first color to cover the place you will not be painting at all.
Then, cut out different pieces for the different colors you will be painting with. Make sure you firmly press down the masking tape to prevent jagged areas. As you proceed with painting, you can remove the masking tape.
Start Painting Your RC Car
You should wear safety goggles and a disposable mask to protect your face when repainting an RC car. You should also make sure you are painting in a well-ventilated area to protect you from inhaling the paint fumes. It is important that you read the directions on the paint to be aware of the warnings.
When painting, keep the can two or three inches away from the RC car; by doing this, you are close enough to coat the vehicle but not too close to make a blotchy paint job. Always spray back and forth and not dwell on one area so that the job will be even. Let the paint dry before using your RC car.
Can You Remove Paint From An RC Car?
Yes, you can remove paint from an RC car. When the paint on your RC car is getting old or peeling off, you can remove the paint from it. There are different ways to remove paint from an RC car. Scraping off the paint is a bad way to remove it as it can damage your RC car and cause a huge mess.
You can use Nitro fuel to remove the paint from your RC car. However, you do not have to dip the RC car into the fuel when using this method. You have to dip a paintbrush into the nitro fuel and coat your RC vehicle with it. The paint will immediately start to come off. The nitro fuel does not have to be good or new.
You can also use WD-40 to remove the paint from your RC car. This is one of the cheapest methods to use. All you have to do is spray a large amount of WD-40 on the RC car and place the vehicle in an airtight container or a plastic bag and leave it for a few hours. Then, take out the RC car and scrub the paint off.
Denatured alcohol is another thing you can use to remove paint from your RC car. You need to let the RC car body soak in the denatured alcohol for a little while. While it is soaked, the paint will start to come off, and all the paint is off before you know it.
Another thing you can use to remove paint from your RC car is nail polish remover. This sounds strange, but it works. However, if you are going to use this method, you must do so in a well-ventilated area. As you apply the nail polish remover, the paint will start to come off just like it would if applied to a polished nail.
Can You Use Acetone On Polycarbonate RC To Remove Paint?
Acetone is an organic compound called propanone; it is the smallest and simplest ketone. This compound is highly flammable and volatile; it is also colorless and has a pungent odor. Acetone is commonly used as a solvent in manufacturing plastic and nail polish removers.
Polycarbonates are generally not recommended to be used with acetone or ketones. So, even though acetone will remove paint, you should not use them on polycarbonate RC cars to remove paint.
Seeing as acetone is one of the ingredients of nail polish remover, you might be wondering if using nail polish remover to remove paint from a polycarbonate RC car is safe. Using nail polish remover is safe as there is just a little acetone in it. The amount is not large enough to cause any damage to the RC car.
When you use acetone to remove paint from a polycarbonate RC car, it will remove the wax and eat through the clear coat, which can cause permanent damage to your RC car. Acetone is a very strong solvent, so you should be careful when using it and not use it on polycarbonate RC cars to remove paint.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to wait until the paint on your RC car peels off before you repaint the car. Repainting an RC car is the best way to redesign and make it cooler. Frequently repainting your RC car will help make it last longer because you would also be conducting maintenance. No one rebrands the exterior of a vehicle without rebranding the interior.
Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.