If you’ve ever looked at a factory-painted RC body and thought it was out of reach, you’re not alone. Many hobbyists avoid painting simply because their past results didn’t match what they see on ready-to-run models. The difference isn’t necessarily talent—it’s using the right products. With the proper combination of Tamiya paints, tools, and accessories, you can consistently achieve clean, professional-looking finishes on your RC bodies. Whether you’re going for a simple two-tone scheme or a fully custom design, having the right gear makes all the difference.
Choose the Right Paint for Each Material
When painting an RC body, choosing the correct paint isn’t optional—it’s essential. Tamiya offers different paint systems designed for specific materials, and using the wrong one can lead to peeling, cracking, or poor results.
Spray Option: PS Paints for Clear Polycarbonate
For clear polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies, you’ll want to use Tamiya PS (Polycarbonate Spray) paints. These are specially formulated to bond to flexible RC bodies and resist cracking or flaking during use. Each can is clearly labeled with a “PS” prefix, making it easy to identify the correct paint. With over 60 colors available and 100ml per can, you’ll typically have enough to complete a full body. These paints are also resistant to fuel and oils, making them suitable for both electric and nitro vehicles.
For hard plastic parts—such as mirrors, wings, scale accessories, or interior pieces—Tamiya gives you two excellent options depending on how you want to paint:
Spray Option: TS Paints for Hard Plastics
Tamiya’s TS (Tamiya Spray) paints are ideal for ABS and styrene parts when you want a smooth, even finish straight from a spray can. Tamiya offers just over 100 different colors and these paints provide excellent coverage and a durable finish, making them perfect for larger detail parts or when you want a factory-style look without using an airbrush.
For smaller parts and fine details, Tamiya’s Acrylic Paints (X and XF series) are the go-to choice. These water-based paints are designed for brush or airbrush use and adhere well to ABS and other modeling plastics. Available in 10ml and 23ml bottles, they offer smooth coverage, easy cleanup, and a wide range of gloss and flat colors.
Paint Brush Options: Control Your Detail Work
For detail painting, brush quality matters more than most people expect.
A great starting point is the Tamiya Modeling Brush HF Standard Set (#87067). This set includes:
• Flat Brush No.0
• Flat Brush No.2
• Ultra Fine Pointed Brush
It covers everything from medium surfaces to fine detail work, making it ideal for beginners and experienced painters alike.
For higher precision, step up to the Tamiya Modeling Brush Pro series:
• #87072 (Pointed Brush Size 0)
• #87071 (Pointed Brush Size 1)
These brushes use Kolinsky sable hair, known for excellent paint retention, flexibility, and the ability to maintain a sharp point. They’re especially useful for ultra-fine details like driver figures, gauges, and trim accents. The ergonomic handles also make long painting sessions more comfortable and controlled.
Masking: Where Clean Paint Jobs Are Made
If you want crisp lines between colors, masking is non-negotiable. Tamiya masking products are known for their high-quality and reliability:
These tapes are thin yet strong, conform well to curves, and prevent paint bleed. The included dispensers (on select sizes) make them easy to use and reusable with refill rolls.
Designed specifically for curved designs, this tape bends smoothly without lifting or wrinkling—something standard tape struggles to do.
Masking Sheet & Large Area Coverage
• Masking Sticker Sheet (#87129) – Includes a printed grid for precise custom designs
• Masking Tape with Plastic Sheeting (#87164) – Combines tape with a large plastic sheet (up to ~550mm coverage) for protecting large areas quickly
• Masking Sticker Sheet (#87129)
• Masking Tape with Plastic Sheeting (#87164)
Essential Tamiya Tools That Improve Your Results
The difference between an average build and a clean, professional one often comes down to the tools you use. These Tamiya tools are designed specifically for RC and model work—and it shows.
Tamiya Finishing Abrasives Fine—#87010
This set includes multiple grit levels, perfect for smoothing mold lines and imperfections on ABS parts. Prepping parts before paint dramatically improves the final finish, especially on visible scale details.
Tamiya Modeler’s Knife Pro—#74098
A high-end hobby knife designed for precision and versatility. It includes:
• Straight blades
• Curved blades
• Chisel blades
The elastomer grip handle provides excellent control, while the metal chuck system securely holds blades in place. Ideal for trimming Lexan bodies, cutting masking tape, and fine detailing work.
Tamiya Curved Scissors—#74005
Purpose-built for polycarbonate RC body trimming, these scissors feature curved stainless-steel blades that follow body lines naturally. This allows for smoother, more accurate cuts compared to straight scissors—especially around wheel wells and tight curves.
Tamiya TRF Car Body Reamer—#42260
A must-have for clean body post holes. The stepped design allows you to create precise hole sizes from small diameters up to 12mm in 1mm increments.
Unlike using a knife (which often leads to jagged holes), this tool produces perfectly round, professional-looking openings every time.
Tamiya Decal Scissors—#74031
Designed with ultra-fine pointed blades, these scissors excel at cutting out small, intricate decals. While optimized for paper decals, they can also handle vinyl stickers—though they may wear faster with heavier materials.
Tamiya Tweezers
• Straight Tweezers—#74004
• Angled Tweezers—#74003
These stainless-steel tweezers feature a black cationic finish for durability and ultra-fine tips for handling small decals and parts. They make precise placement far easier, especially on detailed builds.
Final Thoughts
Getting a factory-quality RC body finish isn’t about guesswork—it’s about using products that are designed for the job. Tamiya has built a complete system of paints, tools, and accessories that work together to make the process easier and more consistent. When you combine the right paint, proper masking, and purpose-built tools, your results improve dramatically.
Stick with it, refine your technique, and before long you’ll be turning out custom-painted bodies that stand out from anything you can buy off the shelf.
For more information about Tamiya products, visit: TAMIYA
RC Driver The Best In RC Car & Truck News, Reviews & Video
For clear polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies, you’ll want to use Tamiya PS (Polycarbonate Spray) paints. These are specially formulated to bond to flexible RC bodies and resist cracking or flaking during use. Each can is clearly labeled with a “PS” prefix, making it easy to identify the correct paint. With over 60 colors available and 100ml per can, you’ll typically have enough to complete a full body. These paints are also resistant to fuel and oils, making them suitable for both electric and nitro vehicles.
Tamiya’s TS (Tamiya Spray) paints are ideal for ABS and styrene parts when you want a smooth, even finish straight from a spray can. Tamiya offers just over 100 different colors and these paints provide excellent coverage and a durable finish, making them perfect for larger detail parts or when you want a factory-style look without using an airbrush.
A great starting point is the Tamiya Modeling Brush HF Standard Set (#87067). This set includes:
These brushes use Kolinsky sable hair, known for excellent paint retention, flexibility, and the ability to maintain a sharp point. They’re especially useful for ultra-fine details like driver figures, gauges, and trim accents. The ergonomic handles also make long painting sessions more comfortable and controlled.
Standard Masking Tape
Masking Tape for Curves
Designed with ultra-fine pointed blades, these scissors excel at cutting out small, intricate decals. While optimized for paper decals, they can also handle vinyl stickers—though they may wear faster with heavier materials.
