Setting up custom liveries in iRacing doesn't have to feel like a guessing game. If you're tired of running stock paint schemes and want your car to stand out on the grid, you need Trading Paints. This essential companion app syncs custom designs from the web straight to your simulator in real time.
Unlike the competitor article we analyzed—which mistakenly treats Trading Paints like a shady secondary marketplace full of legal gray areas—Trading Paints is actually the official, authorized third-party skin-sharing platform used by millions of sim racers worldwide, operating seamlessly with iRacing's blessing. Let's walk through how to set it up, run it correctly, and troubleshoot common issues so you can hit the track looking sharp.
Getting Started With Trading Paints
Before you can see custom liveries on track, you need to set up your account and install the background application that handles the file syncing.
- Head over to the Trading Paints Official Website and sign up using your iRacing account credentials. Linking your accounts confirms your active subscription and links your customer ID.
- Download the Trading Paints Downloader app from their website. This lightweight background application runs on Windows and downloads skin files automatically when you join an iRacing session.
- Install the app, sign in with your Trading Paints login, and leave it running in your system tray whenever you fire up iRacing.
How to Apply and Showcase Liveries
Once your account and downloader app are active, putting a custom skin on your car is straightforward. You have two main approaches: running someone else's design or uploading your own work.
Using Existing Designs from the Showroom
Browse the Trading Paints Showroom to find a livery you like. When you find a car design that catches your eye, click the green Race This button. The next time you load into an official practice, qualifying, or race session in iRacing, the downloader app will grab the texture files and apply them to your car automatically.
Uploading Your Own Custom Paint
If you create your own liveries using software like Photoshop or GIMP, you can upload them directly to your profile. Make sure your exported files match the exact .dds format required by iRacing's templates. Assign the paint to the correct car model and spec maps on your My Paints page so other drivers running the downloader can see your masterpiece on track.
Understanding Spec Maps and Custom Finishes
A standard paint job colors the bodywork, but advanced sim racers use spec maps to elevate their liveries. Spec maps dictate how light reflects off your car surface.
You can configure spec maps to create:
- Matte or Satin Finishes: Tone down standard gloss to give your car an aggressive, flat-black military look.
- Metallic Flake: Add sparkling metallic particle effects to sponsor logos or primary color blocks.
- Chrome and Specular Highlights: Make chrome numbers or polished metal trim pop under track lighting.
Uploading spec maps requires you to drop an accompanying .dds file into your custom paint slot alongside your primary color layer.
Troubleshooting Common Syncing Issues
Sometimes liveries don't load right away. If you load onto the grid and your car still looks stock, try these fixes:
- Check the Downloader Status: Ensure the Trading Paints Downloader app is actively running in your Windows taskbar and hasn't disconnected from the server.
- Verify iRacing AI and Test Sessions: Custom paints load instantly in solo test sessions and AI races if your downloader is active. In official multiplayer sessions, it may take a few moments for textures to stream in from other drivers.
- Clear Your Cache: If old liveries persist or textures glitch out, clear your iRacing cache folder located in your documents directory to force a clean file refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other drivers need Trading Paints to see my custom livery?
Yes. For other drivers to see the custom paint scheme you've chosen, they must also have the Trading Paints Downloader app running on their PC. If they don't, they'll simply see a default or generic iRacing paint.
Is Trading Paints free to use?
Yes, the core service, showroom browsing, and background downloader app are entirely free. They also offer a PRO subscription for advanced features like custom number fonts and priority rendering options.
Will custom paints affect my frame rate or game performance?
No. Trading Paints files use the exact same file formats and resolution limits as default iRacing liveries. They don't introduce any noticeable performance penalty or frame drops.
Can I use Trading Paints on console versions of iRacing?
iRacing is currently available exclusively on PC, so Trading Paints is designed solely for the Windows PC ecosystem where file directories can be accessed by the background downloader.
