I have a simple trick I use to paint designs on my shells, get some A4 Sticker paper, using an inkjet print a design on the sticker paper, keeping in mind if you use words or numbers they need to be a mirror image of what will appear on the finished RC Car. Cut there out and stick them to the inside of the shell. we always paint the inside of the shell.

What works better is if you can find A4 wax paper then cover it with hobby marking tape, the sticker paper tends to leave glue behind when you peel it off. Best way I've found to remove paint is to use brake fluid, you have to scrub for ages, but eventually it'll come off and not make your lexan go milky white.

Above is a Toyota Supra that I did up using the above method. Click for a larger image.

Masking you Lexan Shell

I've tried several different types of materials to mask, I normally use a combination of large tape and very thin tape, the thin masking tape can be manipulated into curves, I use this to create an outline, then use the large area tape to fill in the gaps. The hobby masking tape works the best, I have used standard painters masking tape, but because the paint we use is so fine small specs get though and while no one will ever notice, you'll know.

Layering the paint

When you paint you need to do it in layers, the layer should cover the entire of the inside of the shell, if you only paint one area then the other colours won't be consistent, while this seems like a bit of a waste of paint it will give you the best results.

Because you layer the paint you need to decide before hand which colours you want and how you will mask the car, keep in mind that the light colours must go first, then the dark colours, this will affect your masking so try to visualize how the car will look with the layers, for example if 90% of your RC car will be silver, which is also your backing colour then you need to mask the entire area that will be silver, apply you other colours, then remove the masking and apply the silver. Sometimes you colour selection can make a lot of extra work for you.

Applying the paint

Once you have your shell masked it's time to apply the first layer, in actual fact the first layer is really several layers of the same colour, this is how get it perfect. The first layer shouldn't be more than a very fine mist, you should still be able to see through the shell, if you apply it too think it will pool and run, this makes it look terrible, apply first layer in seven to ten applications. This should really be a 2 - 3 second spray at a distance of about 30cm, then leave the shell to dry for at least 5 minutes, then apply the same colour again. It won't feel like your making an impact on the car, but using this method is the only way, don't rush it. To do it right you need to spend several hours doing this, spraying a thin layer and leaving it to dry. Your finished with one colour when your spray can is finished, this obviously depends on the amount of paint.

Applying the decals

Personally I try to apply as little decals / stickers as possible, the art of my cars is in the paint job, not some cheap sticker that will peel off eventually, I normally just add the essentials, like the window frames ( I always leave my windows clear, like real cars), the lights, door handles and vents. I'll see if there is anything else that fits nicely with my custom paint job, if not they go in the decal box.

Remove the Over Spray Film

This is my favorite step, after you have done all the work it's time to remove the film from the outside of the shell, this is to prevent over spray, which will happen if you follow my advice and cut the shell first. Seconds after you remove the film fit it to your shell and take a picture (Apply decals first), it will never look this perfect and shiny again.

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