Overview
The Tamiya PS-15 Metallic Red Polycarbonate Spray Paint is a specialist finishing solution developed exclusively for decorating transparent polycarbonate bodies used in R/C car modelling across the UK and beyond. If you're building a high-performance RC buggy, touring car, or any polycarbonate-bodied RC model, this spray paint delivers a stunning metallic red finish that brings your build to life. This product represents decades of Tamiya's expertise in RC paint formulation, engineered specifically to work with the unique properties of polycarbonate materials rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Each 100ml can contains precisely the right amount of paint to finish a single RC model body, making it an economical choice for hobbyists and serious competitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast running competitive 1/10 touring cars or someone new to the RC hobby in the UK, this paint is designed to give professional results when applied correctly. The metallic red colour provides an eye-catching finish that stands out on the track or at the bash spot, and the paint's proven durability means your investment in this premium product will last through countless races and driving sessions.
What sets this paint apart from generic spray paints is its formulation specifically for polycarbonate bodies. Many RC drivers in the UK make the mistake of using standard automotive or hobby paints on their polycarbonate bodies, only to watch the paint crack, peel, or fail to adhere properly. Tamiya's PS-15 eliminates this problem entirely through careful chemical engineering that ensures perfect adhesion and flexibility on polycarbonate surfaces.
Key Features
- Specially Formulated for Polycarbonate Bodies — This paint has been engineered specifically to bond with transparent polycarbonate, ensuring superior adhesion and durability compared to standard spray paints, which is crucial because polycarbonate's flexibility means the paint must flex with it without cracking or peeling during use.
- 100ml Can Size — Each aerosol contains exactly 100ml of paint, which is the manufacturer-calculated amount needed to properly finish a typical RC model body, eliminating waste and ensuring you have the right quantity for your project without running short or having excess material.
- Oil and Fuel Impervious — These paints are completely impervious to oils and fuels, making them safe to use on gas-powered and glow engine R/C car bodies without degradation, which is essential if you're running nitro-powered vehicles or models that come into contact with fuel during regular operation.
- Interior Application Method — The paint is applied from inside the polycarbonate body, keeping the outer painted surface protected from chips and scratches during handling and racing, which preserves the quality of your finish far longer than painting the outside would.
- Professional Metallic Finish — The PS-15 delivers a rich, authentic metallic red colour that catches the light beautifully, giving your RC body a factory-quality appearance that enhances the overall presentation of your build and makes it stand out in any collection.
- Simple Application Process — Tamiya has engineered this paint for straightforward spray application; simply hold the can approximately 30cm from the surface and apply in light, even coats, making it accessible even for beginners whilst still capable of professional results in experienced hands.
- Compatible with Tamiya Bottle Paints — Small details can be hand-painted using Tamiya's dedicated bottle paints for polycarbonate, allowing you to create complex colour schemes and detailed designs whilst maintaining consistency across your finish.
Technical Performance
The Tamiya PS-15 Metallic Red represents the pinnacle of polycarbonate paint engineering, developed through rigorous testing to ensure it performs flawlessly on R/C model bodies. The paint's formulation has been specifically balanced to provide several critical properties simultaneously: it must adhere perfectly to polycarbonate's smooth surface, it must remain flexible enough to move with the body without cracking, and it must resist the harsh environmental conditions RC models face. The 100ml volume has been calculated through extensive testing to be the optimal amount for finishing a standard RC body with proper coverage and finish quality. The paint's resistance to oils and fuels is a critical feature for any serious RC driver, particularly those operating nitro-powered vehicles or glow engine models where fuel contact with the body is inevitable. When applied correctly from the inside of the body at the recommended 30cm distance, the paint creates an even, professional finish that protects the polycarbonate whilst adding visual impact. Multiple coats are recommended after curing time to build up colour depth and ensure complete opacity, particularly if you're painting over unpainted or translucent polycarbonate. The metallic pigmentation in this formulation provides superior light reflection and visual appeal compared to standard solid colour paints, making your RC car catch attention whether it's on the track, at the bash spot, or on display at home.
What's in the Box
- One 100ml aerosol can of Tamiya PS-15 Metallic Red Polycarbonate Spray Paint
What You Need to Complete
- A transparent polycarbonate RC body (R/C car body, R/C buggy body, or compatible polycarbonate shell)
- Masking tape if you need to protect specific areas during spraying
- A well-ventilated space or spray booth for safe application
- Tamiya bottle paints for polycarbonate (recommended for detailed touch-ups and small areas that are difficult to reach with spray)
- A polycarbonate body stand or support to hold the body whilst spraying from the inside
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use this paint on standard plastic model kits or plastic RC bodies? — No, absolutely not. This paint is formulated exclusively for transparent polycarbonate bodies used in R/C car modelling. Using it on standard plastic models will result in poor adhesion, cracking, and paint failure. Always check that you have a polycarbonate body before purchasing this paint, as using it on incompatible materials will waste the product and ruin your model.
- Why do I need to paint from the inside of the polycarbonate body rather than the outside? — Painting from the inside protects the painted finish from damage during assembly, handling, and racing. The polycarbonate body itself becomes a protective shell for the paint, keeping it safe from chips, scratches, and UV exposure that would degrade outside paint. This method also creates a more durable, longer-lasting finish that maintains its appearance through countless driving sessions without visible wear.
- How many coats of paint do I need for proper coverage? — Tamiya recommends applying multiple coats after the initial coat has cured to achieve proper colour depth and complete opacity. Most hobbyists find that two to three coats are necessary for a professional, fully opaque metallic red finish, particularly if painting over clear or lightly tinted polycarbonate. Allow adequate curing time between coats as specified in the product instructions.
- Is this paint suitable for use on gas-powered and nitro-powered RC cars? — Yes, these paints are specifically engineered to be impervious to oils and fuels, making them completely safe for use on glow engine and gas-powered R/C car bodies. This fuel resistance is one of the key advantages of using Tamiya's specialist polycarbonate paints rather than generic spray paints, as the paint will not degrade or dissolve when it contacts fuel during normal operation.
- How far should I hold the spray can from the polycarbonate body? — The manufacturer specifies approximately 30cm from the surface as the ideal spraying distance. This distance provides the optimal balance between paint atomisation and application speed, ensuring even coverage without drips, runs, or overspray. Holding the can too close may result in excessive paint buildup, whilst holding it too far away may produce a patchy, uneven finish.
- Can I mix this spray paint with other paint types or thin it with solvents? — It is not recommended to mix this specialised polycarbonate paint with other paint types or to thin it with standard solvents, as doing so may compromise the paint's adhesion properties and its resistance to oils and fuels. Use the paint exactly as supplied in the aerosol can for best results.
- What should I do for small details and intricate areas on my polycarbonate body? — For small details that are difficult to reach with spray, or for creating accent colours and intricate designs, Tamiya produces dedicated bottle paints formulated for polycarbonate. These can be applied with a brush to complement your spray-painted finish, allowing you to create complex colour schemes whilst maintaining complete compatibility across your paint system.
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 PS-15 Metallic Red Polycarbonate Spray Paint TAM86015 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.
- Brand: Tamiya
- Model Number: TAM86015
- Item Number: 86015
- EAN Code: 4950344074570
- Product Type: Spray Paint for Polycarbonate Bodies
- Paint Colour: Metallic Red
- Paint Type: Polycarbonate Spray Paint
- Container Size: 100ml
- Application Method: Spray (aerosol)
- Finish Type: Metallic
- Recommended Spray Distance: 30cm from surface
- Suitable for: R/C car bodies, transparent polycarbonate RC bodies
- Oil and Fuel Resistant: Yes
- Suitable for Glow Engine R/C Bodies: Yes
- Suitable for Gas-Powered R/C Bodies: Yes
- NOT suitable for: Plastic model kits, standard plastic bodies
- Application: Paint from inside of polycarbonate body
- Multiple Coats: Recommended after curing
- Compatible with: Tamiya bottle paints for polycarbonate
- Age Restriction: 16 years and over
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- 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.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.