Six easy steps to a flawless finish
By David Meade and Try Thorne
If you have designed, cut, and sanded a toy car, now it’s time to paint and decorate it. Spray paint creates a smooth even color and can be the final finish or a base for decals or stickers. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to start with a well-prepared car. Before painting, sand the car with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until all surfaces are smooth. After reviewing, try out this finishing method on some simple toy cars.
Step 1Cover the wheel wells. Cut painter’s tape to fit over the car’s axle areas. You don’t want paint clogging the holes and causing friction. |
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Step 2Prime the car. Set up a paint area using a cardboard box and two pencils. Place the car inside of the box, on top of the pencils. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, spray the car with a thin even coat of primer and let it dry. |
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Step 3Sand the primer. Using 0000-grade steel wool or 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper, lightly sand the primer coat. Wipe the car with a soft cloth to remove the dust and grit. |
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Step 4Apply the paint. Spray the car with a thin even coat of paint. Begin spraying to the side of the car and then sweep the paint past it about 6″ to 8″ from the surface, releasing the nozzle when you are past the car. Let the paint dry for thirty minutes. |
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Step 5Sand the paint. Lightly sand the car with 0000-grade steel wool or 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Then wipe the car with a soft cloth. |
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Step 6Finishing painting. Apply a second and third coat of paint, lightly sanding between coats. After the third coat, let the car dry for at least two hours. If you are done decorating the car, apply clear coat to seal the car. However, if you plan to add decals or stickers, apply clear coat after you affix them. |
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Materials• Cardboard box • Spray paint: primer, main color, and clear finish • Painter’s tape • Steel wool: 0000-grade • Sandpaper, wet/dry: 400-grit (optional) • Two pencils • Soft cloth |
Tools• Scissors
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| About the Authors |
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The author of the best-selling book Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets, David Meade got his start in the Pinewood Derby as a boy, when his family was well known for building unbeatable Pinewood Derby cars. His sons carried on the winning tradition by garnering 13 first-place championships over seven consecutive years. His background in research and experimental design enabled him to develop a unique and powerful approach to Pinewood Derby racing. Troy Thorne has drawn on his artistic roots and personal experience to write books for both first-time Pinewood Derby participants and experienced racers. For many years he participated in Scouting activities with his son. Troy has built furniture, canoes, and even a street-legal AC Cobra replica in his spare time. |
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