How to Paint Over a Diecast Car

Do you have a die cast car that you'd like to paint? Keep reading to find out how.

Steps

  1. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 1
    1
    Take the car apart and remove all the parts until all you have left is the metal shell.
  2. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 2
    2
    Put all of the trim, interior etc in a sealed sandwich bag for safekeeping during this operation.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 3
    3
    You could just spray over the existing paint but you'll have much better results if you strip the existing paint. This is because factory paint is thick and uneven. Spraying over may result in loss of details or uneven gaps or thicknesses. It's easier than it sounds. Put some brake fluid in a bucket and then put the car body in it. It make take a day or two but the brake fluid will remove the paint. (You may need to hit some areas with an old toothbrush or other brush just don't use anything that will scratch the metal.)[1]
  4. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 4
    4
    Once all of the paint is removed, wash and dry the body to get the brake fluid off of it. (You may want to use the brush again for the out of the way places.)[2]
  5. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 5
    5
    Try not to handle the body before painting and between coats of paint because the oils on your skin can affect the paint. (Use a coat hanger bent to hold the body so you don't have to touch it.)
  6. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 6
    6
    You can use any kind of spray paint to repaint the car but you should prime it with a primer. Most are a light gray. Just about any kind of spray paint will work, but make sure that your primer and final color are compatible! (For example you want to use enamels for both the primer and final coat etc.)[3]
  7. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 7
    7
    When you paint keep the can about 12 inches or 30 cm away.[4]
  8. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 8
    8
    Start by spraying ahead of the body. Then move in a gentle sweeping motion sideways. Note: Move in 1 sideway direction.[5]
  9. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 9
    9
    Don't concentrate the paint as this will lead to runs, and will result in too thick paint and spoil the details on the body. That's why you hold the spray paint 30 cm away.
  10. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 10
    10
    Pointing a can at the body and spraying will lead to splattered paint and will not make for a good paint job. That's why you should start ahead of the body and move past it in a gentle sweeping motion sideways).
  11. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 11
    11
    You will not cover the entire body in the first try.
  12. Image titled Paint Over a Diecast Car Step 12
    12
    Wait for a least 12 hours between coats. (Warning: Try not to handle the body between coats of paint because the oils on your skin can affect the paint). Use a coat hanger bent to hold the body so you don't have to touch it.). However, if you really mess something up you can always get more brake fluid and start over.
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What did I do wrong if the paint started to crack and blister after I followed the instructions and let it dry for two days?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You might need to wipe your car down with mineral spirits. Maybe you had leftover stripper or brake cleaner on it that caused a chemical reaction with the paint.
  • Question
    How can I prevent the black paint turning gray and matte instead of glossy black when I am using glossy paint?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That's caused by moisture in the air, or painting in an area that's too cold.
  • Question
    Can I paint directly without primer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the paint might not stick very well. The primer is basically the preparation for the paint.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Paint Concrete Statues
How to
Paint Concrete Statues
Diamond Paint
How to
Diamond Paint
How to
Do Simple Glass Painting
Finish Diamond Art3 Ways to Finish and Protect Diamond Art
How to
Paint Mugs
How to
Paint Glass
Paint Fiberglass
How to
Paint Fiberglass
How to
Splatter Paint
How to
Paint Plastic Models
How to
Paint with Coffee
How to Paint a Vinyl Record (Acrylic Paint, Spray Paint, Effects and Sealing)
Paint Ceramic
How to
Paint Ceramic
How to
Create a Reverse Painting on Glass
Paint Glass Lamp Shades
How to
Paint Glass Lamp Shades
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1XYERCaSRE
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1XYERCaSRE
  3. ↑ https://geekandsundry.com/5-things-beginner-miniature-painters-need-to-know/
  4. ↑ http://www.finescale.com/how-to/articles/2014/02/build-great-scale-models-part-4
  5. ↑ http://www.modelcartips.com/painting.html

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 110,035 times.
154 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: February 9, 2023
Views: 110,035
Categories: Craft Painting
Advertisement