How Do You Patina Paint an RC Car?

Patina finishing is a classic look that many RC car owners wish to achieve. Patina paint literally means the natural aging of paint over time, and when done correctly, can give an RC car a unique, vintage look.

The patina look is created by applying different layers of paint to the RC car body, allowing it to slowly oxidize and create a weathered appearance.

To start the patina process, you will need to gather the following materials:

  • RC Car body
  • Primer
  • Base coat of color
  • Clear coat
  • Polishing compound or wax

Step 1: Prepare the Body for Painting

Before you begin painting your RC car body, it is important to properly prepare it for painting. Start by cleaning the body with dish soap and water and then use a degreaser if necessary.

Once clean, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections in the surface. Wipe off any dust from sanding before moving on to painting.

Step 2: Prime and Paint the Body

Now that your RC car body is prepped and ready for painting, it’s time to start applying primer. Primer acts as a base coat that helps protect your paint job from scratches and also promotes adhesion of your base color coats.

Once primed let it dry overnight before beginning your patina finish process. After primer has dried you can begin laying down your base color coats using an airbrush or spray gun in thin coats until you are satisfied with the coverage. Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before moving onto the next one or else you will risk ruining your work with runs or drips in your finish!

Step 3: Apply Clear Coat and Let Oxidize

Once all of your base layers of color are applied, let them dry completely before applying a clear coat on top. Once again use thin coats when spraying clear coat so that there are no runs or drips in the finish. When finished leave your RC car out in the sun for several days so that oxidation can take place naturally – this is what will give it its vintage patina look!

Step 4: Polish & Wax

Lastly, when you are happy with how much oxidation has taken place on your RC car’s body (usually anywhere between 1-2 weeks), use polishing compound or wax to give it an extra shine! This will help protect against further wear and tear while also enhancing its vintage patina look even more.

Conclusion

Patina finishing an RC car can be quite a long process but when done correctly can provide a unique vintage look unlike any other! Using primer, multiple layers of paint colors followed by clear coats, oxidation from sun exposure and finally polishing/waxing will ensure that you get great results every time.

Photo of author

Susan Delgado