How to Decorate for the Pinewood Derby

Consult the Pinewood Derby rules for your Cub Scout chapter . Make notes about what you can and cannot do to your car regarding decorating.

Sketch several rough drafts of your car with differing decorations on each sketch. Consider your personal taste and pick decorations that will represent you as a person. For example, if you like sports, draw some sports equipment such as a baseball or football. If you like science, draw planets. Putting your name somewhere on the car, as well as your favorite number, will also add to the personality of the car. Choose your favorite design from the ones you sketch.

Consider what type of items you can use to decorate your car, from paint to decals. Decals can be used not only on the car itself but the wheels (if your chapter allows it). Try to find decals that will match the design you have chosen. Decide what you think will work best with your design but realize you can adjust your design at any point. You may discover a decal you like better than what you sketched.

Sand the car and prep for paint primer. Use several coats of primer on your car, making sure each coat is dry before you adhere the next coat. Apply the paint color you have chosen, also using several coats. Allow the final coat of paint to dry completely before taking any other decorating steps.

Use a permanent marker to write on your car. You can use this to draw a specific design or sign your name.

Arrange the decals you have chosen on a table in the pattern you would like them to appear on your car. Apply the decals one-by-one to your car. Smooth out any air bubbles that pop up when you apply the decals.

Spray a coating of lacquer over the body of the car. This will help protect your Pinewood Derby car decorations.