how to customize a model car

There are a variety of ways to customize a model car, but, outside of painting the model the color that you choose, the easiest way is to apply custom decals. A wide range of decal options are available: for example, you can adorn your model with racing sponsor decals to give it a professional racing feel, or make it a hot rod by adding some flames to the hood. Regardless of your choice, the following steps will help you to apply a set of custom decals flawlessly.

Difficulty:

 

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hobby knife
• Model spray paint
• Glossy spray lacquer
• Warm water

1. • 1
     Determine both the color of the car and the custom decals that you'll be applying. Before you paint your model and purchase the custom decal set, you'll need to plan ahead and make sure that they don't clash. For instance, red flame decals won't stand out on a car painted the same shade of red.
   • 2
     Paint the hood and body pieces. Apply the paint in light, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next.
   • 3
     Apply the decals. Using a hobby knife, cut each decal from the paper sheet (including the paper backing itself) as close to the ink as possible. Submerge each decal in warm water for about two or three minutes before applying it to your model. When the decal freely slides on its paper backing, it is ready to apply. Hold the decal and its backing next to the area that you want to decal, then gently use a moistened fingertip to slide it onto the model.
   • 4
     After the decals have dried you can begin to apply glossy spray lacquer to the body and hood. Like the painting process, you should apply the lacquer in even coats, letting each one dry before applying the next one.
   • 5
     Assemble the model car. Once all of the pieces have dried completely, carefully assemble the model. Model glue will immediately melt and deface any applied paint or lacquer, so make sure that no glue comes into contact with the exposed painted areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Hobby stores, especially those that focus on model building, will be the best place to find decal kits. In the event that your local hobby shop does not have the decal set that you want in stock, the shop can probably order it for you.
• Take caution when working with hobby knives, as they are extremely sharp and can cause serious injury.
• The fumes from spray paints and lacquers can be hazardous, so always use them in a well-ventilated, preferably outdoor, area.