Painting a Lexan Body Shell.
Most RC Model kits come with an unpainted, clear Lexan plastic Body Shell you yourself must prepare and paint. This type of Body Shell is painted on the inside, and special spray or brush on Polycarbonate Paints MUST be used.
The beauty of this is you can go wild and show off your artistic ability, or simply choose your favourite colour, and add some choice decals later.
This article is for those who have never done this kind of thing before, and need some basic guidance.
Cut Out the Body Shell
Firstly, cut off the waste from the body shell with sharp pair of curved nose scissors. If required finish off the rounded wheel arches with smooth sandpaper wrapped around a drinks can.
Any holes for body posts must also be drilled before painting. Place the clear body shell over the model and adjust the posts so the shell is in the desired position. Where the posts touch the shell make a small dot with a marker pen.
Next, pierce small holes in the shell where the dots are from the inside. Place the shell on an old piece of wood and drill the post holes, again, from the inside.
Thoroughly Clean the Lexan Shell
The next thing to do is clean it inside and out. Any small amount of impurity such as oil or grease could impair the adhesion of the paint.
For this, fill a bowl with water and use a small amount of washing up liquid with a soft sponge. Never use a scourer. Rinse well to ensure no residue remains.
Masking the Windows
Most Body Shells come with a set of sticky back paper masks for the windows etc that are positioned on the inside. If not supplied, you will have to either make your own, or use masking tape. Run your thumb nail around the edges of each mask to ensure contact - paint can creep into any open area and easily ruin your hard work, so please be vigilant.
Tip: To protect against paint spilling out onto the outside of the body shell, use masking tape around the outside edges and wheel arches.
Now you are ready to begin applying your paint. Find a well ventilated area and if spraying, use a breathing mask. Three or four sprayed, or at least two brushed layers are recommended allowing around thirty minutes between layers.
Once the paint is fully dry, to protect the paint from scratching, spray or brush over it with one or two layers of clear plastic varnish.
When the varnish is completely dry, carefully remove the window masks. If necessary, use a modelling knife to lift an edge to grasp between your thumb and finger - DO NOT RUSH.
Add Decals
Decals can now be placed on your body shell. Check out my article "How to put Decals onto RC Model Body shells".
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