Paint protection
 

Having finished my first shell I obviously want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Should I be spraying anything on top of the paint to protect it?

I've given it a few coats of white, is there anything else I need to use?

I use Plastikote Clear Lacquer on mine, but to be honest, if I allow the shell to dry out enough, it don't need it.... If you do spray lacquer, leave the shell to dry out for a day first if using water based paint.

can use clear tape of some kind in areas prone to scratching.

The guys who race nitro RX usually use a silver plumbers tape on the back of their shells, I think you can get it from B&Q. I'll see if I can find out the name later on ???

Other than what you did, all else I've ever done was to put some electrical tape on areas that would be prone to rubbing. Otherwise, don't be too obsessed as they all get messed up eventually - just get another body and start on your next paint job.... keep the new one as a spare and/or for storage, and keep the other as your beater/daily runner

+1 on the plastikote clear, I also agree that if you leave the body a week or so to fully cure then backing may not be necessary.

Theres plenty of backers though, tamiya white cans are good for backing also you can get createx backing paint among others.

If your really worried about rubbing etc and aren't afraid of a bit of extra weight then I'd say get some fender mender or shu goo, it leaves a rubbery coat and is really hard wearing.