Short answer: the basic RC body painting supplies are polycarbonate-safe spray paint, masking tape, curved body scissors, a body reamer, dish soap for washing the inside of the shell, paper towels, and a clear body that actually fits your vehicle. The biggest mistake is buying the wrong paint type or a clear body with the wrong wheelbase, width, or body-post layout.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. RC Tech Tips may receive a commission if you use Amazon links on this page. Verify paint type, body material, vehicle scale, wheelbase, width, and body-post fit before buying supplies.
RC Body Painting Supplies To Compare
| Supply | Best for | Verify first | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate spray paint | Clear Lexan RC bodies | PS/polycarbonate type, color, backing needs | It is hard-plastic or general craft paint |
| RC body paint alternative | Choosing another polycarbonate-safe paint line | Paint type and actual can contents | The listing is cleaner, reducer, or accessory only |
| Body scissors and reamer | Trimming wheel wells and body-post holes | Curved scissors, reamer range, tool quality | You are not fitting a new shell |
| Masking tape | Windows, stripes, and clean paint breaks | Width, low residue, curve handling | You need liquid mask or complex graphics |
| Clear body shell | Replacing or customizing a body | Scale, wheelbase, width, body posts, vehicle fit | You have not measured your chassis |
RC body paint and prep supplies
Tamiya PS polycarbonate paint
Tamiya America, Inc Polycarbonate PS-30 Brilliant Blue, Spray 100 ml, TAM86030
Best for: clear Lexan/polycarbonate RC bodies
Avoid if: hard plastic models or readers who need a different color
Verify PS/polycarbonate paint type and color before buying.
Buy on Amazon
Pro-Line RC body paint
Pro-line Racing Pro-Line RC Body Spray Paint - Candy Blood Red PRO644000
Best for: drivers who want another RC body paint option
Avoid if: readers buying reducer cleaner or non-body paint
Verify exact paint type and color before buying.
Buy on Amazon
RC body scissors and reamer kit
RC Car Body Reamer 0-14mm Hole Puncher Tool Kit with Curved & Straight Lexan Scissors, Hobby Knife, RC Accessories, RC Shell Mounting &Trimming Tools for Trucks & Plastic Model Building (Black)
Best for: new body painters trimming a clear shell
Avoid if: readers who already have curved scissors and a body reamer
Verify tool contents and quality before buying.
Buy on Amazon
Tamiya masking tape
TAMIYA 10mm Masking Tape with 2pcs Refill
Best for: window masks, stripes, and clean paint lines
Avoid if: large curved designs that need wider or flexible masking
Verify tape width and whether extra masking is needed.
Buy on Amazon
Clear short-course body shell
SummitLink Custom Body Clear Unpainted with Stickers Clear Body Compatible for 1/10 Scale RC Car or Truck (Truck not Included) R-C-01
Best for: readers painting a compatible 1/10 short-course truck body
Avoid if: readers who have not checked wheelbase width and body-post fit
Verify wheelbase width mount locations and vehicle fit before buying.
Buy on AmazonUse Polycarbonate Paint For Clear RC Bodies
Most clear RC car bodies are painted from the inside. That means the paint has to bond to polycarbonate and flex with the shell. Do not grab general spray paint, hard-plastic model paint, or craft paint unless the body and paint manufacturer say it is suitable for the material.
For the full process, read how to paint an RC car body. This checklist is for choosing supplies before the first coat.
Measure The Body Before Buying A Clear Shell
A 1/10 short-course body is not automatically right for every 1/10 vehicle. Check wheelbase, width, tire clearance, body-post location, bumper fit, and whether the shell is made for your type of chassis. A body that almost fits can still rub tires or sit wrong on the mounts.
If you are painting a Slash-style body, pair this checklist with Traxxas Slash upgrades so body choice does not conflict with tires, bumpers, or suspension setup.
Masking Is Where The Finish Is Won Or Lost
Paint mistakes often start before spraying. Wash the inside of the body, dry it fully, keep fingerprints off the paint area, and press masking tape down at the edges. Spray light coats instead of trying to cover the color in one heavy pass.
Use scissors and a reamer carefully. Trim a little at a time, then test fit. It is easier to remove more material than to fix an oversized wheel opening or crooked body-post hole.
What Not To Buy First
Do not start with exotic graphics, a complicated multi-color scheme, or a body that barely fits your chassis. A clean single-color or two-color body teaches the process without wasting an expensive shell.
If this is your first hobby RC project, the beginner guide to RC cars can help separate actual maintenance needs from cosmetic upgrades.
FAQ
What paint should I use on a clear RC body?
Use paint made for polycarbonate RC bodies. Do not use standard hard-plastic model paint unless it is clearly suitable for the body material.
Do I need a body reamer?
A body reamer is useful when fitting body-post holes in a clear shell. It is cleaner than forcing holes with a random drill bit or hobby knife.
Can I paint the outside of an RC body?
Most clear polycarbonate bodies are painted from the inside so the shell protects the paint. Outside details can be added carefully, but the main color usually belongs inside.
