RC Body Shell Painting Guide for Clean Results
06/07/2026
RC Body Shell Painting Guide: How to Get a Professional Finish Every Time
A fresh body shell can completely transform the look of your RC car, but paint mistakes are easy to spot once it's mounted and out in daylight. If you want a finish that looks clean, lasts through plenty of runs, and avoids paint bleed, crazing or cloudy windows, this RC body shell painting guide covers the techniques that deliver the best results.
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. You can find a wide range of RC body shells, accessories and bodyshop products here:
- https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/513/rc-bodyshop
- https://www.applianceelectronics.co.uk/products/541/spray-paint
Most RC car bodies are made from clear polycarbonate (often called Lexan), which means you paint the inside of the shell rather than the outside. The clear plastic provides the glossy finish while protecting the paint from scratches and impacts. It sounds straightforward, but the order you paint, the preparation and using the correct paint all make a huge difference.
What You'll Need Before You Start
You don't need a professional workshop, but you do need the right materials.
Essential items include:
- Polycarbonate (Lexan) spray paint
- Washing-up liquid
- Warm water
- Lint-free cloth
- Quality masking tape
- Sharp hobby knife
- Curved or straight body scissors
- Window masks or masking film
- Optional fine scouring pad for lightly keying the surface
Using ordinary aerosol paint designed for wood, metal or household plastics is one of the quickest ways to ruin a shell. Always use paint specifically made for polycarbonate.
A clean, dust-free, well-ventilated workspace also makes a noticeable difference. Cold garages and damp sheds are common causes of poor paint finishes.
Preparation Is Everything
Most new shells have a mould release agent left over from manufacturing. Paint struggles to bond properly if this isn't removed.
Start by:
- Washing the inside thoroughly with warm water and washing-up liquid.
- Rinsing well.
- Allowing the shell to dry completely.
- Avoiding touching the inside afterwards.
If you choose to lightly key the inside surface, do so after washing but before the final wipe.
Leave the protective overspray film on the outside of the shell throughout painting. It protects the glossy exterior from scratches and overspray until the very end.
Some hobbyists paint before trimming the shell, while others trim first to ensure wheel arches, bumpers and body posts line up correctly. Either method works, although test fitting first is usually safer for complex bodies.
Masking Makes the Difference
A clean paint job starts with careful masking.
Apply window masks carefully, making sure every edge is firmly pressed down. Even a tiny lifted corner can allow paint to creep underneath.
For custom designs:
- Use quality masking tape for stripes and simple graphics.
- Use liquid mask for more detailed artwork.
- Always use a fresh hobby blade.
- Plan your design before cutting.
Remember that you're painting the inside of the shell.
The first colour sprayed becomes the visible top colour once viewed from the outside.
Fine details, pinstripes and dark accents normally go on first.
Backing colours dramatically change the final appearance:
- White keeps bright colours vivid.
- Silver enhances metallic finishes.
- Black deepens colours and blocks light.
Spraying the Paint Correctly
One heavy coat almost always causes problems.
Instead:
- Warm the aerosol slightly in hand-warm water if the room is cool.
- Shake thoroughly.
- Spray from approximately 20–30cm away.
- Use smooth overlapping passes.
- Build up several light coats.
Allow each coat to flash off before applying the next.
Translucent colours become much darker once backed, so regularly check the shell against the light before adding more paint.
Solid colours are generally more forgiving but still benefit from several even coats.
Multi-Colour Paint Order
Paint order is one of the biggest causes of mistakes.
A reliable sequence is:
- Fine details
- Dark accent colours
- Main colours
- Backing colour
For example:
- Black stripes
- Red body
- White backing
Painting in reverse often causes colours to muddy together or hide finer details.
When removing masking between colours, always check that the remaining mask edges are still firmly sealed.
Drying and Removing the Overspray Film
Touch dry doesn't mean fully cured.
Allow the paint plenty of time to harden before fitting the shell.
Avoid placing it near direct heat sources, which can warp thin polycarbonate.
Once cured:
- Slowly peel away the protective overspray film.
- Enjoy the glossy finish underneath.
- Apply decals afterwards to a clean, dry surface.
Taking your time aligning stickers makes just as much difference as the paint itself.
Common Painting Mistakes
Paint Bleed
Usually caused by:
- Poor masking
- Heavy coats against mask edges
Use light coats first and press masking down firmly.
Cracking or Flaking
Almost always caused by using incorrect paint.
Only use polycarbonate-specific paints.
Fish Eyes
Typically caused by:
- Fingerprints
- Grease
- Mould release residue
Wash thoroughly and avoid touching the inside afterwards.
Cloudy Finish
Usually appears when spraying in:
- Cold conditions
- High humidity
- Damp environments
Choose a warm, dry day whenever possible.
Practical Tips for Everyday RC Use
Bashers don't necessarily need complicated paint schemes.
A simple two-colour design with proper backing often looks better after months of driving than an elaborate design that's constantly chipped.
Crawler bodies often benefit from:
- More detailed masking
- Scale decals
- Realistic accessories
Planning the entire colour layout before opening the first can of paint usually produces much better results.
It's also worth ordering everything you'll need before starting, including paint, masking materials and accessories, to avoid stopping halfway through the project.
Browse our full selection of bodyshop supplies here:
You'll also find a wide range of polycarbonate spray paints here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use normal spray paint on an RC shell?
No. Standard aerosol paints aren't designed to flex with polycarbonate and will usually crack, peel or flake. Always use paint specifically made for RC body shells.
Should I paint the inside or outside?
Clear polycarbonate shells are always painted on the inside. This protects the paint and gives the body its glossy finish.
Do I remove the protective film before painting?
No. Leave the outer protective film on until all painting has cured. Remove it just before applying decals.
How long should I wait before fitting the shell?
Leave the paint to cure fully according to the paint manufacturer's recommendations. Although it may feel dry after a short time, fully cured paint is far more resistant to scratches and marks.
Can I fix mistakes?
Minor mistakes can sometimes be hidden with backing colours or decals. Larger runs, paint reactions or masking errors are much harder to repair, so taking your time during preparation is always worthwhile.
Written by the RC Model Shop team – helping RC enthusiasts find quality models, upgrades, paints and accessories for every type of RC vehicle.