RC Paint Ideas
Many people enjoy hobbies involving radio control (RC) cars, planes, helicopters and boats. Among the many fun activities involved in this hobby is designing and decorating the vehicle bodies. Some RC vehicles are painted in simple solid colors, but many hobbyists choose intricate designs to paint on their vehicles. There are few limits on RC paint ideas.
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Fading
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Fading is a spray painting technique that allows one color to fade into another without a definite line between the two colors. Fading is best performed with an airbrush, which allows for greater control of the spray pattern than a brush. Fading is done by moving the airbrush away from the painting surface and cutting down on the amount of air moving through the airbrush. It takes practice, but fading adds a professional look to RC vehicles..
Flames
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Painting flames on RC vehicles is a time-honored tradition. This is usually done in steps, with the main color of the RC vehicle body being painted first. Flame designs can be purchased in what are called masks; they are made in flame shapes and are placed on the RC vehicles prior to painting. Flames are best painted with an airbrush using the fade technique, and the colors can begin with yellow in the body of the flame and orange at the tips of the flames.
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Lightning
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Lightning adds a strong effect on RC vehicles, giving the illusion of speed. Using a paint marker and an airbrush, lightning is relatively easy to apply to an RC vehicle and becomes easier with practice. Use an opaque paint marker, which are available at craft stores, to draw the lightning on the vehicle body. Then use an airbrush to apply white, silver, purple or dark blue paint to give the illusion of fog or haze on the edges of the bolts of lightning.
Sponge Technique
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The sponge technique is an inexpensive way to add a swirl effect to RC vehicles. After the first coat of the primary color has been applied to the vehicle body -- and before it dries -- use a sponge, paper towel or paper bag to blot the damp paint. It's important to dab at the paint and not attempt to swirl the colors by twisting the blotter from side to side. Dabbing removes random paint sections, and you should repeat this with each coat of paint that follows. Done properly, the end result will be a vehicle body with sections that will appear darker than others.
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References
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