Have you ever thought about trying your hand at vinyl wrapping but didn’t want to start with a full-sized car? Why not begin with something smaller and just as exciting—like an RC car? Inspired by a post on r/CarWraps by u/SmallCarsBigFun, we’re diving into the process of wrapping RC cars and sharing insights, tips, and inspiration for enthusiasts looking to customize their mini rides.
From RC truck body wraps to RC sprint car wraps, the possibilities for creative expression with an RC car vinyl wrap are endless. Whether you’re wrapping a mini version of your dream car or experimenting with patterns and textures, this hobby is both rewarding and educational.
Before we jump in, let's take a look at the original post here:
I know it isn't a real car so the level of difficulty is probably a lot different, but i have been inspired by this subreddit and wanted to try my hand at wrapping something and my car didn't need one. So i wrapped my RC Car, the car is a WPL D12, a mini 1:10 version of the Suzuki Carry.
I have been reading here how hard some bumpers can be because of their small detals and curves etc so i went into this project with the expectation that this would be a nightmare and wouldn't be anything that would yield any result worth keeping, but i'm surprised about the result and also how much fun it was to do. Since the vinyl is cheap it isn't sticking very well so the lines on the roof get more pronounced since it doesn't want to stick to them, but with some heat it is fairly okay. I used a normal hairdryer on highest heat and lowest fan setting which seems to worked fine for the most part.
I spent an hour or so every evening for about two weeks to get this done and its fair to say that i enjoyed almost ever minute of it, so i will definitely be attempting something similair again, however, i did learn a couple of things during the process.
Learnings:
Buy a proper vinyl, they are more flexible. This one was the cheapest one i could find anywhere since i was so sure that i would just try this out for fun and have to rip it off i just wanted to try with something cheap. I have since got a few test pieces of better real car vinyls and they work A LOT better on the small pieces i have trid.
The knife is your best friend! Always keep your knife sharp and steady and the results can be amazing, in this scale and with this cheap vinyl it seems that stretching doesn't do a whole lot so being very good at cutting along lines makes the result so much better.
Patience is key. It takes a while and is very fiddly.
Remove anything from the body that can be removed.
Use large chunks where possible and patch with smaller pieces when necessary.
This is at least how i did it, first try with anything like this so next time will probably get better.
Would i recommend this for making a sweet looking little rc car? Nope! Painting is a lot easier, faster and costs probably a third and yields a much better result. But the process is fun and i am not afraid of doing wraps on other stuff after this!
Any of you more experienced people who can give some more tips and tricks on doing these small things?
The Journey: Wrapping a WPL D12 RC Car
u/SmallCarsBigFun recently showcased their wrapped WPL D12, a 1:10-scale version of the Suzuki Carry. Their project started as an experiment inspired by the challenges and techniques shared in the car wrap community.
Key Takeaways from the Experience:
-
Prepare for Challenges
- Small details like bumpers and curves can be tricky. While the scale makes the project unique, it also demands patience and precision.
-
Use the Right Tools
- A sharp knife is crucial for clean cuts, especially for tight lines and intricate designs. Keeping your tools in top shape will help elevate your results.
-
Vinyl Selection Matters
- The type of vinyl makes a big difference. Cheap vinyl may not adhere well or be as flexible, making the process more difficult. Higher-quality vinyl, like those used for real cars, can yield significantly better results.
-
Take Your Time
- Wrapping is a meticulous process. Spending an hour a day over two weeks allowed for thoughtful adjustments and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Tips for Wrapping RC Cars
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to perfect your technique, these tips can make your RC vinyl wrap project smoother:
- Heat is Your Ally: Use a hairdryer or heat gun on low settings to soften the vinyl and help it conform to curves.
- Work in Sections: Large chunks of vinyl can cover broad surfaces, while smaller pieces are better for patching intricate areas.
- Remove Accessories: Detach any removable parts to make wrapping easier and cleaner.
- Practice Patience: Take breaks and enjoy the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes that are difficult to fix.
Why Wrap an RC Car?
Unlike painting, wrapping offers unique benefits for your RC car:
- Customization: Experiment with colors, patterns, and finishes.
- Removability: Easily switch up the design without permanently altering your RC car.
- Skill Building: Wrapping an RC car is a low-risk way to practice for larger-scale projects.
While wrapping an RC car may not always yield a professional-grade finish compared to painting, it’s an enjoyable way to explore creativity and refine your skills.
Ready to Wrap?
If this inspires you to try your hand at wrapping, check out the selection of RC truck body wraps, RC sprint car wraps, and more at Rvinyl. From beginner-friendly materials to high-performance vinyl, you’ll find everything you need to get started.
Let us know your tips and tricks for wrapping RC cars! Share your creations and lessons learned in the comments below or tag us to showcase your work. Remember, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination!
Special Thanks
A big shoutout to u/SmallCarsBigFun for sharing their story and inspiring this post. Your creative approach and insights make wrapping even the smallest vehicles a blast!
What’s your next wrapping project? Will it be an RC car, a laptop, or maybe even a fridge? Let your imagination run wild!