To all you painters out there... HELP!

[1 bad bug]

Alright guys here's my problem, I would like to get a Hotshot re-release but the only thing holding me back from getting one is the polycarbonate body. I have no idea how to paint a Polycarbonate body let alone how to trim one. The last thing I need is to ruin a $30 body because I "accidentaly painted a part I wasn't supposed" to or "I trimed off something I wasn't supposed to". So please guys can you give me some tips on how to paint one of these types of bodies. I think I'd rather try tuning a nitro again than paint one of these things and those of you who have read some of my posts, you know how I hate nitro.

[DaveC]

The keys to painting are:

Plan your steps and then follow the plan.
Prep the body (wash, clean, dry etc.) very well. Paint sticks better.
Use the right lexan specific paints, like Pactra or Faskolors.
Paint dark colors first, light colors last.
Be patient. Light coats. Fully dried before lifting masks.
Practice painting on scrap plastic before you work on the body. Practice makes perfect was first said by a painter (I think).


Trimming:

1. Scissors
2. Score with hobby knife and peel it back along the score line. (My choice)
3. Dremel tool with rotary mill bit.

Work slowly and carefully. Again, let all paint cure for a day or so before trimming so you don't smudge it while soft.

Main thing...have fun and try it. The worst that happens, you get a practice body or you sell it on ebay to get some of your money back.

[1 bad bug]

Thanks for the help Dave. I gotta tell ya though, painting one of those polycarbonate bodies is not going to be the highlight of the build for me hopefully I won't screw up. This is all based on if I get the Hot shot or not, I still can't deside if I should wait and get an E-maxx or go with the Hot shot.:confused:

[DaveC]

I may have misunderstood you...is it polycarbonate (which is lexan) or poly styrene, which is the rigid, non-clear plastic that model kits are made of?

Painting styrene's is just an enamel job and there are endless brands and colors for that too, like Testors Model Masters, etc. I know you have to lightly sand and remove any molding lines on those to get them to look good.

[1 bad bug]

It's the lexan stuff. When it come to ABS type plastic bodies I'm a pro but man those lexan bodies intimidate me. I'd probably do something stupid like paint the masking and peel all my paint off LOL.:rolleyes:

[boone722]

Dave c has covered the steps.Just take your time and plan your paint job.Painting lexan really well like anything else takes practice.If you want to try it first take a used plastic soda bottle cut the top off it and some what of the side and practice on that.It works really well.And the key to pulling the masking off is give the paint time to cure.I think you will be very surprised on how your first body will turn out. Good luck

[DaveC]

Clean masking removal also is easier if you keep the paint coats to a minimum for coverage. When the paint film gets too thick, it tends to lift and rip, making more of a mess.

[Philderbeast]

It's the lexan stuff. When it come to ABS type plastic bodies I'm a pro but man those lexan bodies intimidate me. I'd probably do something stupid like paint the masking and peel all my paint off LOL.:rolleyes:

I did that. I was at work, done my first body in like 2 hours, (i get in a hurry), it looked really really cool. Then my Uncle/boss asked what I was doing. I was on my last color, and I told him. He let me finish, then after I started drillin the body post holes, I noticed a thin plastic sheet type film lifted jaggedly up around the holes. My uncle was laughing uncontrolably as i tryed to figure it out. Then he asked to see the body, and lifted the film in a corner to show my how good the body was going to look. Wow, did I feel dumb when it was clear underneath.

[OldSchoolRC]

thankfully the hotshot is all one color - simple red. Any other colors come from the decals - that's a nice easy one to start with. 1 piece of advice I have is to pick up a set of curved lexan scissors - they make all the difference when trying to cut out around curves and detail areas.