I’m thinking about painting my drone… is that a bad idea or is there a recommended way to do it?
I’ve painted every drone I’ve built, even hydro dipped a few. Just use good spray paint and definitely add clear coat. I usually sand the parts first, apply a couple of base layers, then dip or add designs before finishing with 2-3 coats of clear. Wet sanding between layers gives the best finish. If you’re dipping, add extra clear for protection. Don’t forget to block off screw threads and places where parts meet to avoid paint build-up.
@Hollis
That’s amazing! Definitely stealing this idea!
You can paint the frame, just strip everything off first — screws, standoffs, everything. Avoid painting TPU parts, they don’t hold paint well. Carbon fiber usually looks better with clear coat only, but it’s your drone!
It’ll add weight, though.
Mai said:
It’ll add weight, though.
Not unless you go crazy with the coats!
Mai said:
It’ll add weight, though.
Wouldn’t uneven paint mess with the drone’s balance?
Mai said:
It’ll add weight, though.
Wouldn’t uneven paint mess with the drone’s balance?
What? No, that’s not how it works. Motors adjust RPMs constantly — a little paint isn’t going to throw things off.
@Hollis
Got it! Thanks for the explanation!
Mai said:
It’ll add weight, though.
Wouldn’t uneven paint mess with the drone’s balance?
Balance comes from battery placement. You adjust that before every flight, so paint weight isn’t a big deal.
Are you talking DJI or FPV? FPV drones take such a beating that paint wouldn’t last long anyway. If it’s DJI, rough up the plastic shell and use paint made for plastic — should work fine.
Teagan said:
Are you talking DJI or FPV? FPV drones take such a beating that paint wouldn’t last long anyway. If it’s DJI, rough up the plastic shell and use paint made for plastic — should work fine.
That’s bs buy good frames and paint them it so much better I love custom drones and I fly the shi out of them and I have only broken 1 arm on my bqe botfx frames and I fly 4 of them if you paint them right and utilize tpu bumpers the last year’s.
@Hollis
That looks insane! Did you really paint that or is it a wrap?
Teagan said:
@Hollis
That looks insane! Did you really paint that or is it a wrap?
It’s hydro dipped with about six coats of clear. It’s four years old and still holding up great!
Honestly, it’s not worth the effort. Drones are for flying, not for looks. If you want style, get a skin for your controller.
Kiran said:
Honestly, it’s not worth the effort. Drones are for flying, not for looks. If you want style, get a skin for your controller.
Don’t listen to that — custom paint jobs can last for years if done right! I’ve got nine custom drones and most of them still look great, even with a few battle scars.