How to Paint Over a Diecast Car

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Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: October 17, 2024

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

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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]
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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]
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(Use a coat hanger bent to hold the body so you don't have to touch it.)
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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.)
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Then move in a gentle sweeping motion sideways. Note: Move in 1 sideway direction. ^{[4]
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That's why you hold the spray paint 30 cm away.
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That's why you should start ahead of the body and move past it in a gentle sweeping motion sideways).
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(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.

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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

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.

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How can I prevent the black paint turning gray and matte instead of glossy black when I am using glossy paint?

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That's caused by moisture in the air, or painting in an area that's too cold.

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Can I paint directly without primer?

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Yes, but the paint might not stick very well. The primer is basically the preparation for the paint.

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