metallic and pearlescent paints for Radio-controlled models on lexan HIKARI RC

Hikari® RC model paints include a series of water-based pearlescent and metallic colors for decorating radio-controlled vehicles.

These RC paints are specially tested and designed for application over Lexan® hulls, the polycarbonate commonly used in RC model making.

They provide excellent adhesion and flexibility, so there is no risk of delamination when racing, or even when applying the paints and removing the adhesive masks.

Pearlescent or metallic ?

These names are commonly used to describe paints containing mica or aluminum.

Characteristics of Hikari RC metallic paints

Different from the opaque series, the metallic paints are composed of pearl or aluminum based pigments. They produce very attractive and finely pigmented reflective effects.

The pearlescent and metallized ranges for RC models are composed of colors specially chosen for their bright and dynamic tones inspired by the colors of the famous "bull brand".

And being intended for models, the pigmentation of Hikari RC Metal paints is ultra fine: the paints create metallic surfaces without creating a glittery or sparkling effect.

Chrome paint for model radio
Chrome paint is an alcohol-based liquid paint, which evaporates at 99.9%, leaving a thin layer of mirror metal on the surface.
This chrome paint produces a mirror chrome effect only when applied to a hard, shiny background.
In radio modeling, we recommend applying it directly to the inside of the Gloss Lexan and not sanded.
Otherwise, it must be applied over Hikari RC gloss varnish that has been dry for at least 2 hours.
Liquid chrome paint should be applied in several ultra-thin coats. It can be covered after 2 hours with a black water-based paint, by first applying a few “flash” layers (micro fixing layers).

Covering and transparency

Their covering power is pushed to the maximum thanks to a high pigment load.

According to their composition, and also according to the colors, the metallic paints allow more or less opacity :

Depending on whether the background is white or black, we can observe slightly different colors : The covering power of our HIKARI RC METAL paints is excellent, and therefore the difference is not very noticeable : we can say that on a white background, the colors are flashier, and on a black background the colors are deeper.

> It is therefore important to evaluate and appreciate the final color only after the background has been applied.

In the field of painting RC vehicles, the coats of paint and the steps follow one another in a reversed mode : The transparent Lexan hull is used as a « protective topcoat ». The pearlescent/metallic paint is applied directly to this hull.

Application

The use of pearlescent or metallic paints is mainly done with an airbrush or a spray gun.
The paints are ready to use, i.e. already diluted.

The application is done by several thin coats rather than by one or two thick ones, as it is done with the classic opaque paints. If you want to guarantee a very good adhesion between the coats, then you must quickly follow the application of the black or white opaque primer.

It is important to allow sufficient time between each coat to allow for partial evaporation and better pigment placement.

Specifically for the application of metallic and pearlescent paints, after evaporation of the paint, the pigments can be placed in different ways :

They are placed « flat » if thin coats are applied, or « in all directions » if thick coats are.

To apply a pearlescent or metallic paint in an optimal way, it is necessary to apply one or two thin veils to 10 or 15 cm of the substrate, then wait one or two minutes and repeat the operation as many times as necessary until obtaining the « covering ».

Adhesion to Polycarbonate

If the RC model is to be used in extreme conditions, then we recommend the prior use of Lexan clear primer between the plastic and the metalized coat.

Drying

Approximately 30 minutes to the touch and 2h thoroughly at 20°C

For the application of the final coat (the white opaque coat for light colors and black for deep colors) it is important, if you want to apply without sanding, to respect a maximum delay of 1 to 2 hours for the covering. Beyond this time, the paint "closes" on the surface during drying and the adhesion of the next coat is no longer assured or guaranteed.

> Download the pdf color chart at the bottom of the page

Cleaning 

The cleaning of the paint and tools is done with soapy water or better the thinner HKR101

Protection and Backing

To protect the RC vehicle from engine heat and petrol splashes, there is a petrol protection coating, available in black or white (see bottom of page). This product can be perfectly used as a final background color