Ever looked at a souped-up remote control car and thought, “Wow, that paint job is amazing!”? It’s true, the right paint can transform a basic RC body into a showstopper, making your ride stand out on the track or in the driveway. But when it’s time to pick out your own colors, it can feel like a maze. You want paint that looks great, but you also need it to stick well, survive bumps and tumbles, and be easy to use. Choosing the wrong paint can lead to peeling, fading, or a finish that just doesn’t look right, which can be super frustrating.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This post is going to break down everything you need to know about picking the perfect paint for your RC car body. We’ll guide you through the different types of paints available, what makes them work best on plastic, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to learn how to get a pro-level finish that will make your RC car the envy of everyone.
Our Top 5 Paint For Rc Car Bodies Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Paint For Rc Car Bodies Detailed Reviews
1. Pro-Line Racing RC Body Spray Paint – Black PRO643601
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your remote-controlled car a sleek, finished look with Pro-Line Racing RC Body Spray Paint in Black PRO643601. This paint is made just for R/C car bodies. It helps your car stand out on the track or the trail.
What We Like:
- Easy to Spray: You can spray this paint on smoothly. It’s not messy.
- Extremely Durable and Ultra-Flexible: The paint sticks well and doesn’t crack. It can handle bumps and scrapes.
- Wide Grip Nozzle: The nozzle is easy to hold. This gives you better control when you spray.
- Specially Formulated for R/C Bodies: This paint is made for the plastic used in R/C car bodies. It works perfectly.
- Made in USA: You can trust the quality because it’s made in the United States.
What Could Be Improved:
- This specific color, black, might show dirt more easily than lighter colors.
- While durable, very deep scratches could still go through the paint.
This Pro-Line Racing paint offers a fantastic way to customize your R/C car. It provides a professional look that lasts.
2. Pro-Line Racing RC Body Spray Paint – Gunmetal PRO643701
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your RC car’s true potential with Pro-Line Racing’s RC Body Spray Paint in Gunmetal PRO643701. This paint is made for RC bodies and gives them a tough, cool look. It’s easy to use and makes your RC car stand out on the track or trail.
What We Like:
- Easy to Spray: The paint goes on smoothly and evenly. You don’t need to be an expert painter to get great results.
- Extremely Durable and Ultra-Flexible: This paint is tough. It won’t chip or crack easily, even when your RC car takes a tumble. It also flexes with the body so it doesn’t peel.
- Wide Grip Nozzle: The special nozzle gives you a comfortable and secure grip. This helps you control the spray better for cleaner lines.
- Specially Formulated for R/C Bodies: Pro-Line Racing created this paint just for RC car bodies. It sticks well to polycarbonate and other RC body materials.
- Made in USA: You can trust the quality because it’s made right here in the United States.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Range: While Gunmetal is a classic choice, we’d love to see more color options available in this ultra-durable formula.
- Drying Time: While not excessively long, a slightly quicker drying time would be a bonus for those eager to get back to bashing.
Overall, Pro-Line Racing’s Gunmetal spray paint is a fantastic choice for any RC enthusiast. It delivers professional-looking results that last, making your RC vehicle truly one-of-a-kind.
3. Pro-line Racing Pro-Line RC Body Spray Paint – Blue PRO643606
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking to give your remote-control car a fresh, vibrant look? The Pro-Line Racing Pro-Line RC Body Spray Paint in Blue (PRO643606) is a fantastic choice. This paint is made specifically for R/C bodies, so it understands what your rig needs. It’s easy to use and gives your car a cool, custom paint job.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to spray. You don’t need to be a painting pro to get great results.
- The paint is extremely durable. It can handle bumps and scrapes from off-roading or racing.
- It’s also ultra-flexible. This means it won’t crack or peel when your body flexes.
- The wide grip nozzle makes it comfortable to hold and control.
- It’s specially formulated for R/C bodies, so it sticks well and looks amazing.
- This paint is proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the blue is a great color, a wider variety of other colors would be awesome to see.
- For some projects, a smaller nozzle option might be helpful for very fine details.
This Pro-Line Racing spray paint delivers a professional-looking finish that lasts. It’s a smart way to make your R/C car stand out from the crowd.
4. Tamiya 86001 Paint Spray
Rating: 9.2/10
The Tamiya 86001 Paint Spray in White is a special kind of paint designed for a specific purpose. It’s made in Japan, which is known for its high-quality crafting. This paint is specifically for use on polycarbonate surfaces. Remember, it’s very important to only use this paint on the right materials. It’s not for regular plastic model kits. The can is small, measuring just 2 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 4.25 inches high, making it easy to handle.
What We Like:
- Excellent quality paint made in Japan.
- Specifically formulated for polycarbonate, ensuring a great finish.
- The white color provides a bright and clean base.
- Compact can size is convenient for storage and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Crucial warning: Cannot be used on plastic models, which might limit some hobbyists.
- Limited to one color (white) in this specific product listing.
This Tamiya paint spray delivers a fantastic white finish for your polycarbonate projects. Just be sure to keep it away from your plastic model kits.
5. Pro-line Racing Pro-Line RC Body Spray Paint – Metallic Black PRO643702
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your R/C car the sleek, tough look it deserves with Pro-line Racing’s Pro-Line RC Body Spray Paint in Metallic Black. This paint is made just for R/C bodies. It’s super easy to use and makes your car look awesome. You’ll love how it makes your ride stand out.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to spray. You get a smooth, even coat every time.
- This paint is extremely durable. It can handle bumps and scrapes on the track.
- It’s also ultra-flexible. The paint won’t crack or peel when your car bends.
- The wide grip nozzle is comfortable to hold. It gives you great control while painting.
- It’s specially made for R/C bodies. This means it sticks well and looks great.
- This awesome paint is made right here in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The metallic finish can sometimes show streaks if not applied evenly.
- While durable, very deep scratches might still chip the paint.
Pro-line RC Body Spray Paint in Metallic Black is a fantastic choice for any R/C enthusiast. It delivers a professional look that lasts.
Choosing the Best Paint for Your RC Car Body
Your RC car is more than just a toy; it’s a canvas! Giving it a fresh coat of paint makes it look awesome and reflects your personal style. But with so many paint options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect paint to make your RC car shine.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for RC car paint, keep these important features in mind:
- Durability: You want paint that lasts. It should resist scratches and chips, especially since RC cars can bump into things. Look for paints that are made to be tough.
- Flexibility: RC car bodies are often made of plastic that can bend. The paint needs to be flexible too. If it’s too stiff, it might crack when the body flexes.
- Adhesion: This means how well the paint sticks to the plastic. Good adhesion prevents peeling and flaking.
- Color Options: Most paints come in a rainbow of colors. Think about what look you want for your car. Do you like bright, bold colors or more subtle shades?
- Finish: Do you want a shiny gloss finish, a smooth matte look, or something in between? Different paints offer different finishes.
- Ease of Application: Some paints are easier to spray or brush on than others. If you’re new to painting, choose something user-friendly.
Important Materials
Most RC car paints are made from special types of plastic or chemicals that work well with RC car body materials, usually polycarbonate.
- Polycarbonate-Specific Paints: These are the gold standard. They are designed to stick to and flex with polycarbonate bodies without cracking or peeling. They are often called “PS” paints.
- Enamel Paints: These are a bit older but can still work. However, they might not be as flexible as dedicated polycarbonate paints. They can sometimes become brittle.
- Acrylic Paints: These are water-based and easy to clean up. They are a good choice for beginners, but make sure they are the right kind for plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your paint job amazing or a hot mess.
- Surface Preparation (Improves Quality): This is super important! Always clean the inside of the RC car body thoroughly. Remove any grease, dirt, or mold release agents. A clean surface helps the paint stick much better. Sanding lightly can also help.
- Primer (Improves Quality): Using a primer specifically designed for plastic can create a great base for your paint. It helps the color pop and makes the paint adhere even better.
- Paint Quality (Improves Quality): Higher-quality paints are formulated to be more durable, flexible, and vibrant. Cheaper paints might fade faster or chip easily.
- Application Technique (Improves Quality): Applying paint in thin, even coats is key. Don’t try to cover everything in one thick layer. This leads to drips and an uneven finish.
- Wrong Paint Type (Reduces Quality): Using paint not meant for RC car bodies (like wall paint) will likely peel, crack, or not stick at all.
- Lack of Cleaning (Reduces Quality): If the body isn’t clean, the paint won’t stick properly, and it will look bad.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use RC car paints for all sorts of fun.
- Beginners: If you’re just starting, look for spray paints that are easy to control. They offer quick coverage and a smooth finish. Many beginner-friendly paints are labeled as “easy to use.”
- Racers: RC racers want paint that is tough and looks great under bright lights. They often choose vibrant colors and custom designs to stand out on the track. Durability is a big plus here.
- Hobbyists: Many hobbyists enjoy the creative process of painting. They might use airbrushes for detailed designs or experiment with different color effects. They might also use masking tape to create sharp lines and patterns.
- Kids’ RC Cars: For younger users, bright, fun colors are popular. Easy-to-apply paints that are also washable (if possible) can be a good choice.
Painting your RC car body is a rewarding project. With the right paint and a little patience, you can transform your car into a showstopper!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of paint for RC car bodies?
A: The best paint is usually specifically made for polycarbonate RC car bodies, often labeled as “PS” paints. These paints are flexible and stick well to the plastic.
Q: Can I use regular spray paint on my RC car body?
A: It’s not recommended. Regular spray paint might crack or peel because it’s not flexible enough for the plastic used in RC car bodies.
Q: Do I need a primer for my RC car body?
A: A primer is not always required, but it can improve paint adhesion and make colors appear brighter. Always use a primer designed for plastic.
Q: How many coats of paint should I apply?
A: Apply several thin, even coats instead of one thick coat. This helps prevent drips and ensures a smooth, durable finish.
Q: How long does RC car paint take to dry?
A: Drying times vary, but it’s best to let each coat dry for at least 15-30 minutes before applying the next. Allow the final coat to cure for 24 hours or more before handling.
Q: What’s the best way to clean my RC car body before painting?
A: Wash the inside of the body with mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse it well and let it dry completely. Avoid touching the inside surfaces after cleaning.
Q: Can I paint the outside of an RC car body?
A: Yes, but it’s less common and often less durable. Most RC car bodies are painted from the inside to protect the paint job from scratches.
Q: What if I make a mistake while painting?
A: For wet paint, you can often wipe it off with a rag dampened with the recommended thinner (check the paint can). For dried paint, you might need to lightly sand it down and start over.
Q: How can I create designs or graphics on my RC car body?
A: You can use masking tape to create sharp lines and shapes. For more complex designs, consider using stencils or hiring a professional painter.
Q: Where can I buy paint for my RC car body?
A: You can find RC car paints at hobby shops, online retailers that specialize in RC cars, and some general craft or hardware stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.