Paint white. Especially because the plastic used for many white kits is translucent, and sometimes not really white but a milky off-white.

 

I paint irrespective.

 

Some guys who like to keep the weight as low as possible use the kits with the plastic color that they intend to race, but it’s just for pure racing specs and in some cases it’s not allowed (depending on the rules). In the clubs I race at, it’s not allowed to race cars without paint or with just decals over the plastic body, also it’s not allowed to lighten the body (as in Dremel job).

 

Rarely does colored plastic look anywhere near as nice as paint. Colored plastic just looks like cheep toy to me.

 

Paint also protects plastic from ultra violet.

 

Two bodies; one is painted, the other is not. Which looks best?

 

I always thought that first MB GP cars and prototypes were just polished metal. Nowdays with the carbon fiber and polished aluminum cars can look really pretty without paint, but I prefer just some accents instead of pure carbon fiber.

 

Sunlight can look rather nice, but doesn't do many favours for plastic.

 

Paint can help against water damage, too. Against stupidity though needs a new thread.

 

View attachment 367334

Enough to make you dry, that's a DS19 isn't it?

 

Yep, point taken, Daniel. Unpainted carbon composites can look most attractive in the right context.

 

My suggestion is yes, paint it even if it is just white.

 

Not painted, but clear-coate:

 

I suppose it would depend on what colour white it is that you are trying to match for the car and decals you are building!
Not very often white plastic is a good match a racecars paint scheme!
John.

 

Paint I would say, always. Maybe some kits have a nice finish already but most kits usually look very plastic and sometimes a bit transparent. Painting will give them a more realistic and solid finish, also if you paint it white.

 

Four colours. Do need more.

 

Paint always looks better than bare plastic. Plus you can choose a different shade. Tamiya makes pure white and racing white.

 

Yes, Kit, and this would have been one of several that got smashed up, of course.