What I Do Wrong?

[pfoytho]

Hello,

I attempted a custom paint job (first time) for my Redcat Gen8 Scout II and did not get great results. The overall finish is very discolored and uneven. I'm guessing I missed an important step in washing/degreasing the body prior to paint. I'm also curious if paint should be applied inside (which I did) or on the outside.

I was also looking at the paint again, Tamiya PS-49, and it says to paint black over the top but don't think that will solve things...

 

[Chubaka]

Did you shake the paint well? Is it cold outside? Was the body washed with dishsoap and warm soapy water?

On these its polycarbonate paint like ps and on the inside. Hard bodies are the ts paint and on the outside.

 

[Tunedfrog]

Did you pull the protective outer plastic skin off of it?
If you didn't then you need to and you will see a beautiful paint job.
Yes, you paint the inside.

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

Judging by the look of the side windows, either the body wasn't cleaned adequately prior to painting, or the mask is still on.

On the discoloration, the metallic paints like the PS-49 have to be applied in extremely light coats or else any run or puddle will be very noticeable.

Honestly, I think it looks pretty cool!

 

[CertifiedMike]

I might try backing that with silver, prob not black but up to you. Black might make the spots stand out more. It might look cool.
Silver would prob hide them better.

I recall GM silver blue paint and clear flaking off my old Suburban.
Your 'fail' actually looks more like SCALE to me!

A good paint job is all about the prep work involved!

 

[pfoytho]

Did you shake the paint well? Is it cold outside? Was the body washed with dishsoap and warm soapy water?

On these its polycarbonate paint like ps and on the inside. Hard bodies are the ts paint and on the outside.

I did not wash the body first...
I did paint this outside and it was probably in the high 40s low 50s. I do belive I shook it well but the first can I used did seem a little off when I was spraying and both cans were brand new, at least to me.

 

[pfoytho]

Did you pull the protective outer plastic skin off of it?
If you didn't then you need to and you will see a beautiful paint job.
Yes, you paint the inside.

I wish! Unfortunately this is with the protection off

 

[pfoytho]

Judging by the look of the side windows, either the body wasn't cleaned adequately prior to painting, or the mask is still on.

On the discoloration, the metallic paints like the PS-49 have to be applied in extremely light coats or else any run or puddle will be very noticeable.

Honestly, I think it looks pretty cool!

Hey, maybe I can make the best of it...

Unfortunately, I did not know to clear it prior to paint and seems to be the main issue. And, thanks for the tips on metallics. I have a feeling I'm going to try this again...

 

[pfoytho]

I might try backing that with silver, prob not black but up to you. Black might make the spots stand out more. It might look cool.
Silver would prob hide them better.

I recall GM silver blue paint and clear flaking off my old Suburban.
Your 'fail' actually looks more like SCALE to me!

A good paint job is all about the prep work involved!

Definitely a leaner for me...

I like that thought about looking more scale. Maybe I should run with it and see what a silver backing does.

 

[Chubaka]

I did not wash the body first...
I did paint this outside and it was probably in the high 40s low 50s. I do belive I shook it well but the first can I used did seem a little off when I was spraying and both cans were brand new, at least to me.

I usually put tge paint in warm water when that cold.

 

[CertifiedMike]

You have little to lose, experience to gain. For a forst time, ypu did great!

Practice on soda bottles and plastic food containers.

A lot of ppl warm the cans of paint in a warm water bath before spraying.

A light scuff inside and then a soapy wash will def help.

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

You can ask 10 guys and get 10 different answers on prepping a body, but I like simple green and then wiping it down with a microfiber towel.

For your first body, I would say you did a great job. Especially with having a white top. I didn't start doing dual colors with hard lines until after 2 years of painting bodies. Those metallic paints take a lot of experience and patience, even i dont want to mess with them

Ultimately, dont be upset that it didn't turn out well, because thats definitely not the case. Its going to fit in very well on the trail with everyone else's rigs. Like Mike said, that worn down/imperfect body look is actually very popular right now.

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

I want to see it finished and mounted up!

 

[pfoytho]

I want to see it finished and mounted up!

You've all helped me see the best of the situation. I'll keep this one going and let you know how it's coming along, Appreciate the help.

 

[ferrebee88]

You've all helped me see the best of the situation. I'll keep this one going and let you know how it's coming along, Appreciate the help.

I think the way it looks will add to the "offroad" truck look in the end. Rub a little bit of dirt on it and it may just look natural.

 

[ahr43]

You did o.k. for a first time paint job. Guys above covered pre-paint prep with useful and good comments.

Haven't sprayed the PS-49 but have done a body in PS-59, Metallic Blue. Tamiya specialty paints, like the -49 and -59 are quite thin and require multiple coats to obtain even and complete coating. What I'll do between coats is hold the body up to sunlight and looking into the body from the underside it's easier to see where to spray the next coat and go a bit heavier on the light areas.

Wash and scuff are vital first steps in body painting. My process is a warm soapy water wash and scuff lightly with a 3M green pad cut to a 1" square. Careful not to scuff the window area. Follow that up with a clear water rinse. RC body painting is an acquired skill. You'll work up your own process as you do more. Hope this helps.

A bit off topic but see a CC Pocket radio on your shelf. Had mine for two years and it's the best portable I've ever owned. Good seeing someone else using one. Cheers and welcome to the forum. -AC

 

[pfoytho]

You did o.k. for a first time paint job. Guys above covered pre-paint prep with useful and good comments.

Haven't sprayed the PS-49 but have done a body in PS-59, Metallic Blue. Tamiya specialty paints, like the -49 and -59 are quite thin and require multiple coats to obtain even and complete coating. What I'll do between coats is hold the body up to sunlight and looking into the body from the underside it's easier to see where to spray the next coat and go a bit heavier on the light areas.

Wash and scuff are vital first steps in body painting. My process is a warm soapy water wash and scuff lightly with a 3M green pad cut to a 1" square. Careful not to scuff the window area. Follow that up with a clear water rinse. RC body painting is an acquired skill. You'll work up your own process as you do more. Hope this helps.

A bit off topic but see a CC Pocket radio on your shelf. Had mine for two years and it's the best portable I've ever owned. Good seeing someone else using one. Cheers and welcome to the forum. -AC

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Hey AC,

I appreciate the response and pro tips. I definitely plan on attempting this again as soon as I can find another body and wait for warmer temps. For now, I'm going to make the most of what I have and finish of this body as planned.

And yes, love that little radio and especially love the sound of baseball on it!

 

[gragner66]

I kinda like it. It looks like a bare metal pantina look. However it does look like steps were over looked. Metallics are hard to paint compared to regular paints. Most first body’s are more about learning than great results. Keep trying!

 

[pfoytho]

I kinda like it. It looks like a bare metal pantina look. However it does look like steps were over looked. Metallics are hard to paint compared to regular paints. Most first body’s are more about learning than great results. Keep trying!

I appreciate the comment and will keep this one going to see how it turns out!