By Robert Schleicher
Photographs by W. Garth Dowling
SAFETY FIRST: Ask an adult to help with tools you haven't used before.
Sandpaper and paint can turn a block of wood into a sleek Pinewood Derby racer that looks as smooth as steel. The trick is using the right materials and allowing plenty of time.
Don’t wait until the last minute! For best results, you’ll need to start at least a week or two before the race. You’ll also need help from a trusted adult.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO PAINT A PINEWOOD DERBY CAR
- Coarse, medium and fine-grit sandpaper
- Liquid sanding sealer (sold at hobby shops)
- Enamel paint
- Decals or self-stick numbers (sold at stationery stores or hobby shops)
- Clear gloss paint
- Floor wax paste
WHAT YOU’LL DO TO PAINT A PINEWOOD DERBY CAR
Step 1: Begin by wrapping sandpaper around a block of wood 1 inch by 3 inches. Without a block of wood for support, sandpaper can leave dips and gullies in the Pinewood Derby car’s body.
Round the corners of the pinewood block with coarse sandpaper. Change to medium-grit paper for smoothing rough edges. Finish with fine sandpaper to remove any sanding marks.
Step 2: Just painting the pinewood won’t hide the wood’s grain. Apply two coats of liquid sanding sealer. Let the sealer dry overnight before sanding it lightly with fine-grit paper.
If the grain still shows, apply two more coats of sealer. Let it dry overnight and sand again. Repeat the process until the grain disappears.
Step 3: Choose a color for your Pinewood Derby car. Then apply two to three coats of enamel paint to the car’s body. Spraying the model with paint from an aerosol can is easier than using a brush.
If you use a brush, dip only the lower third of the brush into the paint. Use single, smooth strokes instead of dabbing the paint on the car. Blend the strokes so they can’t be seen.
Step 4: Place a race number on the Pinewood Derby car. Seal and protect it by spraying the entire car with clear gloss paint. Some clear paints might make the numbers curl. To make sure yours works, test it on a decal or number stuck to scrap plastic before spraying your car.
Step 5: Let the clear paint dry for at least a week. Then cover the Pinewood Derby car with floor wax paste and polish to a high gloss. The wax will protect the car and help give your racer the look of shining steel.
JUST DO YOUR BEST
This project requires help from an adult and lots of time and patience.
Instead, you can always just paint your Pinewood Derby car with one layer of paint from your local hobby store. It takes only a few minutes, and it still looks great.
The important thing is to have fun and do your best.
Check This Out!
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FAQs
Apply additional coats of paint waiting at least one hour between coats. The paint will have more gloss with each coat. Stop adding coats when you are satisfied with the results. Usually 3 or 4 coats are enough.
How to make a Pinewood Derby car shiny? ›
Use a final gloss clear paint coat to give your car an extra shine. Some people use car wax but clear paint gives better results. You will get better results if you give your car several light coats of paint rather than one or two thick coats. Sand your car lightly after the first coat of paint dries.
How many coats of paint on Pinewood Derby car? ›
Step 3: Choose a color for your Pinewood Derby car. Then apply two to three coats of enamel paint to the car's body. Spraying the model with paint from an aerosol can is easier than using a brush. If you use a brush, dip only the lower third of the brush into the paint.
How much weight does paint add to a Pinewood Derby car? ›
Be sure to include wheels, axles and any accessories. Add enough of the wire weight to bring the weight up to 4.9 oz. The remaining . 1 oz is reserved for paint and decals.
Does baking a Pinewood Derby car help? ›
Baking your Pinewood Derby wooden block helps to remove the moisture so that you have more wiggle room to add extra weight at the end. Remember, every little bit of weight in the right place makes a difference! Bake it in the oven at 250° for about 2 hours.
What does graphite do to a Pinewood Derby car? ›
Pure Graphite
A special blend of micron size graphite particles are formulated to reduce the coefficient of friction and give your car the winning edge.
Can you use acrylic paint on a Pinewood Derby car? ›
Paint your own design onto your pinewood derby car and win for creativity. Design racing stripes, add numbers, paint your favorite colors. Make it your own! Once your car has been constructed, shake the Testors acrylic paints before use.
Should I sand the wheels on a Pinewood Derby car? ›
Starting with about 300 grit sandpaper sand the wheels. Work up to as fine of grit as you can find. Only sand enough to remove imperfections and make the wheel round as possible.
Should you prime a Pinewood Derby car? ›
Try to make the wood as smooth as possible for best results. Do not pre-coat with primer or wood sealer.
What is the most important thing to make Pinewood Derby car faster? ›
Lubricate the Wheels with Graphite
To reduce friction and ensure an ultra-fast car, lubricate the metal axles. However, ensure you follow the rules so your Scout isn't disqualified! Although regulations may vary by Troop, rule 6 of the BSA's Pinewood Derby Car Building Rules states, "No lubricating oil may be used.
The Pinewood Derby rules limit the weight of each car to 5 ounces. So where should you place weights to make the car heavier (faster)? Most PWD experts believe a car is faster when the weight is predominately placed towards the rear of the car.
Do you glue Pinewood Derby axles? ›
Slide the axles and wheels onto the car and glue into place. Use an epoxy or nonresin glue, and make sure you don't get any on the surface of the axle where the wheel rides.
How to paint stripes on Pinewood Derby car? ›
How to add Racing Stripes
- Make small marks on the car where the stripes will go.
- Select the stripe that you want to use and lift one end off of the backing paper.
- Position one end of the stripe on the car and hold it down with a finger.
- Keep the stripe tight and place the other end on the car.
No wet lubricant is allowed. (Ex: NyOil, NyOil II, WD-40) Only one lubrication is allowed before the beginning of the first race, and then once again before the beginning of the first race of the semi-finals and finals.
What is the fastest Pinewood Derby shape? ›
To go fast, it's all about aerodynamics, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
What is the best angle for a Pinewood Derby car? ›
The rear wheels should be set at a 3-degree angle (camber). This angle reduces friction as only a tiny portion of the wheel makes contact with the track.
How do you polish Pinewood Derby wheels? ›
Apply polish to the swab stalk or polishing implement from the kit. Spin the drill as slow as it will go. Insert into the wheel from the front and move the wheel forward and back slowly for 15-20 seconds. Remove the wheel, add more polish, flip the wheel and polish the bore for another 15-20 seconds.
Should I use sandpaper on my Pinewood Derby nails? ›
Use a small file to remove the nail head crimp marks Starting with about 300 grit sandpaper sand the nails. Work up to as fine of grit as you can find. Chuck the pointed end into a drill or dremel.
