Overview
The Tamiya Lexan Spray Paint PS-16 Metallic Blue is a premium polycarbonate spray paint specifically formulated for decorating transparent polycarbonate bodies used in RC car modelling. This specialist paint has been developed especially for the unique demands of painting Lexan and polycarbonate R/C bodies, making it an essential product for anyone serious about customising their RC car shells. Whether you're building a competitive RC buggy, truggy, monster truck, or any other R/C vehicle that uses a clear polycarbonate body shell, this Tamiya PS-16 metallic blue spray paint delivers professional-quality results that simply cannot be achieved with standard acrylic or enamel spray paints.
Unlike standard Tamiya TS series acrylic spray paints that are designed for plastic models and will flake off polycarbonate shells, the PS series has been engineered to bond properly with Lexan material, ensuring your painted bodywork remains durable and vibrant even under the rigorous demands of RC racing and bashing. The beautiful metallic blue finish adds a stunning visual appeal to your RC car body, creating that professional racing look that catches the eye on the track or at the bash spot. Each 100ml can contains the precise amount of paint needed to complete one full polycarbonate body shell, making it convenient and cost-effective for RC enthusiasts in the UK who want factory-quality results without the factory price tag.
RC Model Shop stocks the full range of Tamiya PS polycarbonate spray paints for RC bodies, and this PS-16 Metallic Blue is a popular choice amongst RC competitors and weekend bashers alike. The paint is impervious to oil and fuels, making it safe for use on gas-powered R/C bodies as well as electric models, giving you complete flexibility in your RC car setup.
Key Features
- Specifically formulated for polycarbonate bodies — Unlike standard acrylic spray paints that flake and peel off Lexan shells, this PS series paint has been specially developed to bond permanently to transparent polycarbonate, ensuring professional durability on R/C car bodies.
- 100ml spray can size — Each can contains exactly the right amount of paint to complete one full polycarbonate R/C body shell, eliminating waste and making it convenient to purchase and store multiple colours without excess.
- Metallic blue colour finish — The rich metallic blue provides a stunning, premium appearance to any polycarbonate R/C body, creating that competitive racing aesthetic that stands out whether you're competing or bashing on the weekends.
- Oil and fuel resistant formula — The paint is completely impervious to oils and fuels, meaning it can be safely applied to both gas-powered nitro R/C bodies and electric-powered R/C models without fear of degradation or colour loss.
- Applied from inside the body shell — Unlike traditional model painting done on the outside of plastic models, polycarbonate bodies are painted from the inside, which this paint is specifically engineered to handle, allowing you to achieve professional results with proper technique.
- Compatible with acrylic and enamel detail paints — Once the polycarbonate body has been painted with this Tamiya PS spray paint, you can safely add details, pick out graphics, or apply additional decoration using standard acrylic or enamel paints without compatibility issues.
- Quick curing time — The synthetic lacquer-based formula cures rapidly, allowing you to apply multiple coats as necessary and get your R/C body shell ready for use in minimal time.
Technical Performance
The Tamiya PS-16 Metallic Blue spray paint represents the pinnacle of polycarbonate spray paint engineering for RC car bodies. This synthetic lacquer formulation has been extensively tested to ensure perfect adhesion to transparent polycarbonate (Lexan) materials, creating a permanent bond that resists flaking, peeling, and colour fading even under extreme racing conditions. The metallic blue pigmentation provides excellent colour saturation and depth, delivering a professional factory-quality finish that enhances the visual appeal of any R/C car body. With its 100ml capacity, this single can provides sufficient coverage for one complete polycarbonate body shell when applied correctly from the inside of the shell at a distance of approximately 30cm. The paint's resistance to oils and fuels makes it ideal for both electric RC cars and nitro-powered RC vehicles, offering complete flexibility for the modern RC enthusiast. Multiple coats can be applied as necessary to achieve the desired colour intensity and coverage. The quick-curing synthetic lacquer base means you can apply additional coats without lengthy waiting periods, and the finished paint job will be ready for mounting and use in a minimal timeframe. The paint is engineered to work independently from other paint types, meaning you won't have compatibility issues if you choose to add acrylic or enamel details or graphics after the base colour has been applied.
What's in the Box
- One 100ml spray can of Tamiya PS-16 Metallic Blue polycarbonate spray paint
What You Need to Complete
- A polycarbonate (Lexan) R/C car body shell
- Newspaper or masking tape to protect work surfaces
- A well-ventilated area or spray booth for safe application
- Additional spray cans if you plan to paint multiple body shells or apply thick colour coats
- Acrylic or enamel paints (optional) for adding details or graphics to the finished body
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Tamiya PS-16 on plastic model bodies instead of polycarbonate R/C bodies? — No, absolutely not. These Tamiya PS paints are specifically formulated only for transparent polycarbonate and Lexan R/C bodies. Never use them on traditional plastic model kits as the paint formulation is incompatible with standard plastics. For plastic models, you must use the Tamiya TS series acrylic spray paints instead.
- Why does standard Tamiya TS spray paint flake off my polycarbonate body shell? — Tamiya TS series acrylic spray paints were never designed for polycarbonate materials and are formulated to bond with different types of plastic used in static model kits. When applied to Lexan or polycarbonate R/C bodies, the paint simply does not adhere properly and will flake off during use. Always use the PS series for polycarbonate bodies.
- How much paint do I need for my R/C car body? — One 100ml can of Tamiya PS spray paint contains exactly the right amount to fully paint one complete polycarbonate R/C body shell. If you want to paint multiple shells or apply particularly thick colour coats, you may need to purchase additional cans.
- Can I paint the outside of my polycarbonate body shell instead of the inside? — Whilst it is technically possible to paint from the outside, the proper and recommended technique for polycarbonate bodies is to paint from the inside of the shell. This protects the painted surface and ensures longevity during RC car use and handling.
- Is this paint safe for nitro-powered RC cars? — Yes, completely. The Tamiya PS-16 paint is impervious to oils and fuels, making it perfectly safe for use on gas-powered and nitro-powered RC vehicles. You can use it with confidence on any type of powered R/C car.
- Can I add decals or paint details over this metallic blue base coat? — Yes, the paint is fully compatible with both acrylic and enamel paints, so you can safely add graphics, decals, or detail work using standard model paints after the base metallic blue has dried and cured.
- What distance should I hold the spray can from the body shell? — When spraying from the inside of the polycarbonate body, keep the spray can approximately 30cm from the surface for optimal paint application and finish quality.
- How long does the paint take to cure before I can use my body shell? — Tamiya PS paint uses a synthetic lacquer base that cures relatively quickly, though you should allow adequate time for a full cure before mounting your body shell onto your R/C car chassis to ensure the best possible finish.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Tamiya Lexan Spray Paint - PS-16 Metallic Blue TAM86016 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Product Type: Polycarbonate (Lexan) Spray Paint
- Brand: Tamiya
- Model Number: PS-16 / TAM86016
- Colour: Metallic Blue
- Paint Series: PS (Polycarbonate)
- Container Size: 100ml spray can
- Paint Type: Synthetic Lacquer
- Application Method: Spray
- Coverage: One complete polycarbonate R/C body shell per can
- Recommended Spray Distance: 30cm from surface
- Curing: Quick-curing synthetic lacquer formula
- Polycarbonate Compatibility: Specifically formulated for transparent polycarbonate and Lexan R/C bodies
- Plastic Model Compatibility: Not suitable for plastic models
- Chemical Resistance: Impervious to oils and fuels
- Multi-Coat Application: Additional coats can be applied as necessary
- Paint Compatibility: Compatible with acrylic and enamel paints for detail work
- Application Location: Designed to be applied from inside the polycarbonate body shell
- Suitable For: Gas-powered (nitro) R/C bodies and electric R/C bodies
- Age Restriction: Not applicable to this paint product
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- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
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