HorizonRC.com How-To: Body Painting Basics (Part 1 of 2)

When it comes to RC related tasks, painting a body can be one of the most intimidating tasks for anyone. There are so many talented people out there who create masterpieces that painting your first body can be rather daunting. I have seen many of these people at racetracks and clubs around the country running what I call the "One-Color Wonders." They simply went to the hobby shop shelf for a can of paint, masked the windows, and blasted the body with a single color. If this describes you, then there's great news on the horizon. Over the years I have painted up more than my fair share of bodies and learned a number of tips and tricks from some of the best painters out there. While I may not be able to recreate their intricate details, I have found many ways to avoid the dreaded "One-Color Wonder."

Painting a body can be a challenging adventure if you have never done so before, but it is not as difficult as it might first appear. Like I said, you need to know your limitations and not get in over your head, but as you gain experience and confidence, definitely feel free to experiment with different things. I will be the first to admit that some of my coolest paint jobs have evolved out of something that I had first made a mistake on. With some time and creativity you can say goodbye to the one-color wonders once and for all.

View Part 2 Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTAPusMGSD4

For more information please visit the links below:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Articles/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1891
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Articles/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1491
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/ExploreRC.aspx



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[camberto5]

do you guys have a video showing what kind of maintenance you should do regularly to a slash 4x4 to keep it in as good of condition as possible. you should make one if not

[HorizonRCdotCom]

@camberto5 We do not, sorry. 

[zotter7]

im gonna be repainting an rc boat, its just plastic, i dont think its Lexine, can i use any spray paint on that

[HorizonRCdotCom]

@zotter7 I would make sure of the hull material before painting anything. Are you sure it's ABS plastic? Is it fiberglass possibly?

[mattmanismyname]

Do you paint it first or do you cut the body out and drill the body post holes first?

[HorizonRCdotCom]

@mattmanismyname It is personal preference either way. It's easier to drill the body out first because you can see through the lexan better/easier. Plus if you cut it out first you don't risk scratching and nicking the paint.

[zotter7]

@HorizonRCdotCom its the Balaenoptera Musculus Radio Remote Control Racing Boat

[jeekee8]

@HorizonRCdotCom i think hes talking about the clear that comes on some bodies. my j concepts has a blueish tint to the clear on the outside

[mattmanismyname]

@HorizonRCdotCom ok thanks ill cut it out first then.

[HorizonRCdotCom]

@magnosd8 I've gotten into the habit of cutting the body out and putting the body post holes in before painting. This way I don't accidentally chip or scratch the paint off.