Best Paint for RC Car Bodies

Best Paint for RC Car Bodies – A Complete Guide

Painting your RC car body is one of the most exciting parts of building or upgrading your model. It allows you to customize the car’s appearance to match your style, give it a fresh look, or even match it with a favorite design. But choosing the best paint for RC car bodies can be tricky, as not all paints are created equal. The right paint will ensure durability, a smooth finish, and the ability to withstand the wear and tear of racing and off-roading.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top paints available for RC car bodies, the best types of finishes, and factors you should consider when painting your model for both aesthetics and longevity.

Why Choosing the Right Paint Matters

The paint you choose for your RC car body doesn’t just determine how it looks it also affects the durability and performance of your model. RC cars, especially those used in racing or off-roading, are subjected to extreme conditions. You need a paint that can withstand dirt, mud, moisture, and impact. At the same time, the finish should adhere well to the plastic body, not chip easily, and maintain its vibrant color.

The best paint will offer:

• Durability: The ability to resist chipping, fading, and scratching.
• Adhesion: A paint that adheres to the polycarbonate (Lexan) body without peeling.
• Color vibrancy: To ensure your RC car looks fantastic and stands out.
• Ease of application: Whether you prefer spray paint or airbrush options, the paint should be easy to apply and offer a smooth finish.

Now that we understand why the right paint is crucial, let’s dive into some of the best options available for RC car bodies.

Best Paints for RC Car Bodies

1. Tamiya PS Series Spray Paint

Overview: Tamiya is one of the most well-known brands in the RC world, and its PS Series spray paints are specifically designed for RC car bodies made of polycarbonate. This paint is a favorite among hobbyists because of its durability, easy application, and vibrant colors.

• Key Features:
  • Specially formulated for use on polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies.
  • Provides a smooth, glossy finish that resists scratches and fading.
  • Quick-drying and easy to apply using spray cans.
  • Available in a wide range of colors, including metallics, glosses, and transparent finishes.
• Best For: Beginners and experienced modelers alike who want reliable, easy-to-use paint for polycarbonate RC bodies.
• Why It’s Ideal: The Tamiya PS Series offers excellent adhesion to polycarbonate, ensuring a durable finish that can stand up to the rigors of RC racing and off-roading. The paint goes on evenly, and it dries quickly, making it ideal for quick projects.

2. Duratrax Polycarbonate Paint

Overview: Duratrax is another leading brand in the RC world, and its Polycarbonate Paint is a popular choice for those looking for a durable finish. Known for its quality, Duratrax offers a selection of colors and finishes that are designed to work perfectly with RC car bodies.

• Key Features:
  • Specifically designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces.
  • Excellent adhesion, preventing peeling or cracking.
  • Comes in various finishes, including gloss, flat, and metallic.
  • Durable and resistant to scratches and impacts.
  • Provides a smooth, glossy finish.
• Best For: Those looking for durable and long-lasting paint for both casual and competitive RC driving.
• Why It’s Ideal: Duratrax Polycarbonate Paint is an excellent choice for racers and off-roaders due to its resilience and flexibility. It offers excellent coverage and dries quickly, which is perfect for when you need to reapply after a race or during a repair.

3. Automotive-Grade Paints (Krylon, Rust-Oleum)

Overview: While automotive-grade paints like Krylon and Rust-Oleum aren’t always formulated specifically for RC car bodies, many hobbyists use them because they offer great coverage, durability, and color vibrancy. These paints are typically designed for metal, but can also work well on the plastic surfaces of RC bodies if applied correctly.

• Key Features:
  • Wide selection of colors, including custom shades and finishes.
  • Durable, scratch-resistant finish.
  • Long-lasting and resists fading from sun exposure.
  • Can be used for painting the outside of the body (for specific projects).
• Best For: Those looking to achieve custom or metallic finishes on their RC cars.
• Why It’s Ideal: Automotive-grade paints like Krylon and Rust-Oleum are great for creating custom designs, but they do require careful application and preparation. If you’re looking for unique, eye-catching colors and finishes that can stand up to the wear and tear of RC driving, these paints are a solid choice.

4. Pro-Line RC Body Paint

Overview: Pro-Line is another top contender in the world of RC racing, and their RC Body Paint is tailored for RC car bodies. This paint is known for its vibrant colors and durability, and it’s a great option for those seeking premium-quality finishes for their models.

• Key Features:
  • Specially designed for use on RC bodies made of polycarbonate.
  • Known for its high-performance and superior adhesion.
  • Available in a wide variety of colors, including metallic, flame, and neon finishes.
  • Dries quickly and provides a professional-quality finish.
• Best For: Serious RC enthusiasts and racers who want premium paint with excellent color depth and durability.
• Why It’s Ideal: Pro-Line paint is widely trusted for its long-lasting, abrasion-resistant properties, making it perfect for high-speed racing and rugged off-road environments.

5. Spaz Stix Spray Paint for RC Cars

Overview: Spaz Stix offers high-quality spray paints that are popular in the RC car community. Their paints are designed for polycarbonate bodies and offer an amazing finish with bright, bold colors.

• Key Features:
  • Works great on polycarbonate bodies, ensuring superior adhesion and a glossy finish.
  • Available in a wide array of vibrant colors, including metallic, chrome, pearlescent, and transparent finishes.
  • Dries quickly and provides a durable finish that holds up well against abrasions and chips.
• Best For: Those looking for vibrant, bold colors that pop and stand out in RC racing.
• Why It’s Ideal: Spaz Stix offers innovative finishes, including chrome and pearlescent options, for a more dynamic look. These paints are perfect for custom designs and stand out in the RC crowd.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for RC Car Bodies

1. Paint Compatibility with Polycarbonate

RC car bodies are typically made from polycarbonate (Lexan), a plastic that requires specific types of paint. Paints that are not designed for polycarbonate may not adhere well and can peel or crack easily. Always check that the paint is specifically formulated for polycarbonate if you want long-lasting results.

2. Durability and Scratch Resistance

Since RC cars are exposed to dirt, gravel, and hard impacts, the paint needs to be durable enough to withstand these conditions. Look for paints that are specifically formulated to resist scratches, chips, and UV fading.

3. Ease of Application

Depending on your skill level and preferences, you may want to choose a paint that is easy to apply. Spray paints like those from Tamiya or Pro-Line are typically the most convenient for even coverage, but airbrushing is another option for more intricate designs and finishes.

4. Finish and Glossiness

The type of finish you prefer is another important consideration. If you want a glossy and shiny look, choose a gloss or metallic finish. For a more matte or custom look, you can explore flat or pearlescent finishes.

5. Color Options

Your paint choice will likely depend on the look you’re going for. Many RC hobbyists enjoy customizing their vehicles with bright, bold colors, so be sure to choose a paint that offers a wide variety of hues and finishes.

Conclusion

The best paint for RC car bodies depends on your specific needs, including durability, finish, and ease of application. Tamiya PS Series and Duratrax Polycarbonate Paint are excellent choices for those seeking tried-and-true, durable finishes. For those looking for more premium or custom colors, Pro-Line RC Body Paint or Spaz Stix are great options. If you’re aiming for a more personal touch with automotive-grade finishes, Krylon and Rust-Oleum can offer excellent results with proper application.

Ultimately, the right paint will not only enhance the look of your RC car but also provide the protection it needs to endure the rough conditions of racing and off-roading.