Repainting wheels on a diecast model car
Discussion
I've bought a model car as a gift for someone, but want to repaint the wheels black (so it matches their car). It's not something I've tried before so was hoping for some tips/advice from anyone on here. Specifically...
- How easy is it to remove the wheels?
- I assume to get a better finish I'll need to strip the existing paint off the wheels first. How easy is this (or can I also remove the tires)?
- Any suggestions for paint?
It's not an expensive model, so if it all goes wrong it's not the end of the world, but wanted to give it a try. Any suggestions?
- How easy is it to remove the wheels?
- I assume to get a better finish I'll need to strip the existing paint off the wheels first. How easy is this (or can I also remove the tires)?
- Any suggestions for paint?
It's not an expensive model, so if it all goes wrong it's not the end of the world, but wanted to give it a try. Any suggestions?
Those wheels look like they just “clip” onto the end of the axles – so should be possible to gently lever them off.
If not, take the car apart (assuming it is screwed together) and remove them that way.
It should be easy to slide the tyres of the rims (you may have warm them in hot water to soften them).
If they are painted - just rub the paint finish down with a scouring pad (to give a good “key” for the new paint) from the kitchen and spray them.
If they are unpainted (often the case) they will need a coat of primer before the top coat.
Refitting is the reverse of removal (as Haynes manuals would say).
Have fun!
If not, take the car apart (assuming it is screwed together) and remove them that way.
It should be easy to slide the tyres of the rims (you may have warm them in hot water to soften them).
If they are painted - just rub the paint finish down with a scouring pad (to give a good “key” for the new paint) from the kitchen and spray them.
If they are unpainted (often the case) they will need a coat of primer before the top coat.
Refitting is the reverse of removal (as Haynes manuals would say).
Have fun!
Have a look underneath and see if there are any screws. If so, you can just start dismantling and keep going until you have only wheels left. Tyres normally just pull off.
For paint, if it were me I'd use Tamiya spray cans, gives a good enough finish, quick drying and easy to use although they stink. Readily available on eBay. Be sure to mask off any areas you dont want paint. Good luck
For paint, if it were me I'd use Tamiya spray cans, gives a good enough finish, quick drying and easy to use although they stink. Readily available on eBay. Be sure to mask off any areas you dont want paint. Good luck
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