5 Ways to Create Custom Graphics for your RC Plane

5 Ways to Create Custom Graphics for your RC Plane

There are many ways to kit out your RC Plane, including painting, stickers, lights, and vinyl wraps. Some methods are more comfortable than others and will yield different results. If you’re looking for a quick solution, then tape, decals, or LED lights might be your best bet. More advanced customization will require a paint job or vinyl wraps. Here are five ways to create custom graphics for your RC plane.

1. Painting

A lot of people are apprehensive about painting their RC plane because they’re afraid they’ll mess it up. Even worse, using the wrong kind of paint could damage the foam. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid both scenarios. While enamel paint can damage the foam; there are ways to get around it. Lacquer paint, on the other hand, will ruin your RC plane. Here’s what you’ll need to create custom painted graphics for your RC plane:

• Foam filler

• Hobby knife

• Old newspapers

• Painter’s tape

• Paint mask

• Paint thinner

• Primer

• Sandpaper

• Water-based polyurethane

Prepare your model by using the foam filler to even out any dents. Sand down the filler once it’s dry, and then wipe down the plane to remove all dust specks. Use the newspaper and tape to mask off areas you don’t want to paint. Put on the paint mask and apply the primer. Once the primer has dried, you can spray paint the plane by applying light and even coating. Let it dry for 24 hours before cleaning it up and adding any additional details.

2. Decals

Decals are a great way to decorate your RC plane, and you will find plenty available on eBay. Custom decals are much more impressive, however. You can make these at home, as long as you the right paper and printer, as well as a graphic design app. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to create decals in Photoshop if you don’t have a lot of experience. Make sure to print your custom graphic design on high-quality paper. Inkjet printers will not produce a lasting result (they can easily smudge), but laser prints will. Alternatively, you can print the decal using an inkjet printer and then seal it with enamel spray for the same result. Finally, you can enlist a print shop to help you out with producing high-quality decals that last.

3. Tape

Tape has many uses, and one of those is to help design your RC plane. It’s also a great alternative if you’re still apprehensive of painting on foam board and creating a custom graphic design in Photoshop is too daunting. Many RC planes have been customized using simple packing tape in different colors -- and with great results! You should be aware, however, that packing take will not waterproof your model, and can crease when misplaced. As with inkjet printed decals, you can use enamel spray to make sure the tape stays in place. Another method is to apply laminate with a hobby iron on top of the tape. The laminate will help keep the RC plane looking pristine and scratch-free. 

4. LED lights

LED lights are a perfect way to customize your RC plane if you like flying after dark. Brands like Freewing, Ready2Fly, and RocHobby sell ready-made LED accessories made explicitly for most models. You’ll also be able to find LED strips for RC planes ready to clip on. These can be found in waterproof versions as well. But if you want more custom graphics, then you’ll need to do some Googling. Going the DIY route can also save you some cash, as LED customization of your plane won’t cost more than $20. A word of advice regardless of which option you go for: make your design asymmetrical. Not crooked, just skewed, so you know which side of the plane is the front and which is the back. 

5. Vinyl wraps

Finally, there is the option to vinyl wrap your RC plane. This method takes slightly more effort, but will also yield the best results. While you’ll get far with the above techniques, vinyl wrapping your plane gives you the most options for customization. You can apply any custom design you can imagine to your RC plane with vinyl wraps. You’ll need Photoshop (or similar) to create the design, as well as the following:

• Cotton gloves

• Heat gun 

• Masking tape 

• Tape measure

• Utility knife

• Vinyl printer/cutter

• Vinyl wrap

Applying the vinyl wrap will require some patience, as vinyl wraps can easily crease. You can see how it’s done in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5q6WKRxVWg

Brandon Stapper 

Brandon Stapper is a self-made entrepreneur and investor residing in San Diego, California. He is currently the CEO of Nonstop Signs which specializes in custom vinyl wraps and decals.