How to Make Realistic Carpet in Model Cars

Ever built a model car and thought, “This interior looks way too plastic!”? While model kits do a great job replicating exterior details, they often leave the interior flat and lifeless—especially when it comes to flooring.

But don’t worry! With just a few easy-to-find materials, you can add realistic carpet or rubber flooring to your model kits, making them look just like the real thing.

Whether you’re building a classic muscle car, a vintage police cruiser, or a modern super car, this guide will walk you through the best techniques to upgrade your model’s interior.

What Can You Use to Make Carpet in a Model Car?

There are several ways to create the appearance of carpet in model kits. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

Material	Pros	Cons	Best For
Embossing Powder	Realistic low-pile texture, easy to apply, many colors available	Can look too uniform if applied too thick	Modern cars, factory-fresh interiors
Flocking Powder	Creates plush, shag-like carpet	Harder to control, may be too thick for 1/25 scale	Classic cars, luxury vehicles, hot rods
Fine-Grit Sandpaper	Pre-textured, easy to cut	Difficult to shape over curves, limited color choices	Vintage truck rubber mats, rugged interiors
Dollhouse Carpet/Fabric	Most realistic fabric texture	Often too thick for small-scale models	Larger 1/16-scale models, plush interiors
Textured Paint	Quick and easy to apply	Lacks depth, can look unnatural	Custom interiors, budget-friendly builds

Best Overall Choice: Embossing Powder + White Glue

After researching various techniques, I found that embossing powder combined with Elmer’s white glue creates the best-looking, most factory-accurate carpet. Flocking powder works well for thicker, plush carpets but can be too tall for smaller scales.

Ranger Embossing Powder in black

How to Apply Embossing Powder for Realistic Carpet

This method gives your model a realistic low-pile carpet look with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need:

✔️ Embossing powder (in your desired carpet color)
✔️ Elmer’s white glue (or any slow-drying PVA glue)
✔️ Small paintbrush
✔️ Paper towel or scrap paper
✔️ Tweezers (optional)

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Lightly sand the model’s floorboard with 800–1000 grit sandpaper to help the glue adhere better.
Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.

Step 2: Apply the Glue

Brush on a thin, even coat of Elmer’s white glue only where you want the carpet to be.
Avoid using too much glue—it should be slightly wet but not dripping.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Embossing Powder

Hold your model over a scrap paper or tray to catch excess powder.
Gently sprinkle a generous amount of embossing powder over the glued areas, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Press and Let Dry

Lightly press the powder into the glue using a clean, dry brush or fingertip.
Let it dry for at least 30 minutes before handling.

Step 5: Shake Off the Excess

Turn the model upside down and tap gently to remove extra powder.
Use tweezers or a dry brush to even out any uneven spots.

🔹 Pro Tip: Want a more textured look? Apply a second thin coat of glue after the first layer dries, then repeat the process for added depth.

Using Flocking Powder for a Plush Carpet Look

If you’re going for a shag-style carpet, flocking powder is a great alternative. It’s applied just like embossing powder but creates a thicker, deeper texture.

Best Uses for Flocking Powder:

✔️ Luxury classic cars (Cadillacs, Lincolns)
✔️ 1970s shag interiors
✔️ Custom hot rod builds

How to Apply Flocking Powder:
1️⃣ Follow the same steps as embossing powder—apply glue, sprinkle the flocking, and let it dry.
2️⃣ Use a second coat for an even thicker, deeper pile.
3️⃣ Brush off any loose fibers after drying to clean up the look.

Can You Use Sandpaper for Model Car Carpet?

Fine-grit sandpaper (1000+ grit, in black or gray) can work for a textured look, but it’s best used for:

Rubber flooring in trucks, police cars, and work vehicles
Bedliners in pickup truck models

However, it doesn’t mold easily over curves, making it trickier for standard carpeting.

How to Make a Realistic Rubber Floor Mat for Model Cars

Not all cars had carpet! Many trucks, police cruisers, and work vehicles used rubber flooring instead. Here’s how to replicate it:

Option 1: Paint Stippling Method

✔️ Mix 50% black paint with 50% rubber-colored paint.
✔️ Use a stiff-bristled brush to dab the mixture on—this creates a bumpy texture similar to real rubber.
✔️ Let dry for at least an hour before handling.

Option 2: Flex Seal Liquid Rubber

✔️ Pour a small amount of Flex Seal into a disposable cup.
✔️ Use a small brush to apply it in thin, even coats.
✔️ Let dry for 24 hours before painting.

Option 3: Sandpaper Method

✔️ Cut fine-grit black sandpaper to fit the floorboard.
✔️ Glue it down using spray adhesive or Elmer’s glue.
✔️ Press it down with a rolling pin to ensure a flat, even surface.

🚗 Best Use Case: Rubber floors are perfect for police cars, work trucks, and vintage vehicles where carpet wasn’t standard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚨 Don’t Use Too Much Glue – This can make the carpet lumpy and uneven. A thin coat is all you need.
🚨 Don’t Skip Shaking Off Excess Powder – If you don’t remove the extra, it can clump up and create an unnatural look.
🚨 Don’t Forget to Test First – Try a test piece (like plastic from a milk jug) before applying anything to your model.

Final Thoughts: Bring Your Model Car’s Interior to Life!

Adding realistic carpet or rubber flooring is one of the easiest ways to elevate your model car’s interior. Whether you use embossing powder, flocking, or even sandpaper, these techniques will give your build a true-to-life finish.

I’m about to try the embossing powder method on my ’68 Roadrunner model, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Have you tried adding carpet to your model kits? 🚗💨