Preparing, cutting, and painting polycarbonate shells.

[Rude-boy]

So for many years I have happily been dodging painting the shells on my rc cars other than one simple colour and as for trimming have just grabbed the kitchen scissors and occasionally nail scissors...

Now whilst this might have some reeling in in horror it's been fine for bash and tumble fun. Until now.

The good lady bought me a Würth gr.5 Capri 1/10 rc for Christmas and the running gear was assembled in quick time, but I have been holding off on the body. I really want to make an effort in this instance so please let me know any hints and tips you may have. Especially on the following:-

1. What type of scissors or other cutting tool do you find best?
2. Do you trim in sections or in one long run?
3. Sand or file to finish and get into the corners?
4. Is diy masking tap okay to use or will I regret not buying a branded modeling type?

It has been many years since I built and painted any display model but this time I have the inclination to make a proper job of it. I will still use the car once it is finished but only on dry tarmac and am saving my pennies for something rally spec on the tt-02 chassis to bash about with alongside my Neo Scorcher!

[pmessling]

i found a one of these best for cutting wheel arches

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUT-PERFECT-WHEEL-ARCHES...

[sgrimshaw]

Get some curved lexan scissors - ebay/modelshop

The paper DIY masking tape doesn't give nice clean lines - I'd always spring for a the Tamiya masking tape, it's designed for use with Lexan.

If you need to make holes for the body posts, then a body shell reamer makes life much easier.

Tip - make window masks using the Tamiya Masking Tape laid up in overlapping strips on the outside of the shell - then cut them out carefully with a scapel and peel them off then stick them on the inside, flipping the side windows over.
It's much easier to cut them out on the outside of the shell - don't press too hard with the knife.

Edited by sgrimshaw on Monday 9th February 17:39

[Bungleaio]

It's been a while but I used to use a scalpel to score the line then it will snap off when you bend it. For masking liquid mask is good but not cheap.

I'm crap at all this though so I used to send mine off to a pro to be done. http://www.rcsgraphicworx.co.uk/services.php

[Rude-boy]

Thanks for the ideas all.

Will get going on sourcing things now. Love the idea of the liquid mask. Given I'm looking at the thick end of £50 on paint skipping on that would be nuts. Like the windows idea as well.