Painting a Mini 4WD Body

Painting a Mini 4WD shell is straightforward, but humidity and impatience account for most poor finishes.

Prepare properly

Wash the shell to remove mould release, then key the surface lightly. Paint applied over release agent will lift later regardless of how carefully it went on.

Prime for ABS, backspray for polycarbonate

ABS shells take a primer and then colour on the outside. Polycarbonate shells are painted on the inside, lightest colour last, which protects the finish from track contact.

Thin coats

Several light coats beat one heavy one every time. Heavy coats run, take far longer to cure, and add meaningful weight to a car where weight matters.

Cure in the dry

Malaysian humidity extends curing time and can cause blooming. Paint in the driest part of the day and leave the shell longer than the tin suggests before handling or masking.