If you’ve never painted an RC body before, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. The good news? It’s actually a simple process once you understand the basics—and with the right technique, you can get professional-looking results right at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to paint your RC body the right way using Traxxas ProGraphix® paints.
- Your choice of ProGraphix paint
- Microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Compressed air
- Hobby knife [3437] (optional)
- Masking tape (optional for creating unique designs)
RC Painting Basics (What You Need to Know First)
Before you even pick up a spray can, there are a few key things that make RC painting different from anything else:
- You paint on the inside of the body, not the outside. This protects your paint from scratches and gives it that deep, glossy finish.
- You must use polycarbonate-specific paint. Regular spray paint won’t stick. Paints like Traxxas ProGraphix are designed to bond properly and last.
- Always spray dark colors first, followed by lighter colors to prevent bleed-through.
The yellow section was painted first, followed by the red and blue areas. You can see how the red and blue shows through the yellow.
The yellow area was painted last, resulting in crisp color separations with no show-through.
Safety First
Spray painting is simple—but safety matters.
- Always paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
- Position yourself so overspray blows away from you
- Wear a mask and eye protection when spraying
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Body
A clean surface is the difference between an average and a professional finish.
- Wipe the inside of the body with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- Use a lint-free cloth
- Remove all dust, oils, and fingerprints
Anything left behind will get sealed under your paint—so don’t skip this step.
Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth is all you need to prepare the body for paint. If your lint-free cloth wasn’t quite as lint-free as you hoped, use canned air to spray away any bits.
Step 2: Shake and Test Your Paint
- Shake your paint can for at least 2 minutes
- Test spray on cardboard first
- Find your ideal distance (typically 8–10 inches)
Pro Tip: Cut a soda bottle in half to create a “test body” for trying color combos before committing.
Step 3: Apply Color Coats
- Use smooth, overlapping strokes
- Don’t try to cover everything in one pass
- Spray at a distance of 6-8 inches using a back and forth motion
- Let dry at least 5 minutes, then apply a second coat
If you miss spots—don’t panic. Fix them on the next coat instead of overloading paint.
Use long, smooth strokes to coat the body.
Holding the body up to the light will help reveal thin areas.
Step 4: Apply a Backing Color
Backing colors enhance your final look:
- White backing → brighter, more vibrant colors
- Silver backing → darker tone with more metallic effect
This step is especially important for light, fluorescent, or metallic paints.
We’re backing Maxx Orange with white for maximum brightness, Silver backing will result in a darker but more metallic look.
Step 5: Clean the Nozzle
After you’re done spraying:
- Turn the can upside down
- Spray for 2 seconds to clear the nozzle
- Wipe and store in a cool, dry place
This keeps your paint usable for future projects.
Step 6: Remove the Overspray Film
This is the best part.
Once everything is fully dry:
- Peel off the overspray film
- Watch the gloss and color come to life
- Apply your decals
Slowly pull away the overspray film, After removing the film, apply your decals to the finished body.
Now you’ve got a custom-painted RC body ready to run.
Painting your own RC body is one of the easiest ways to make your rig stand out. With the right prep, proper paint, and a little patience, you can get results that look like they came straight off a pro bench.
