imported_SedanBoy

Hey guys,

I'm about to start on my mini project of painting my upper grill.
It's black ABS plastic and I want to paint it white.
I've read the thread about painting side mirrors and now my question is, are there any special prep procedures that I need to do before the actual paint? Grit of sand paper, primer, etc etc?

Thanks in advance!!!

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Remember the amount of time you spend on prep will determine the outcome. From my experience of painting sideskirts, I would say that sanding plastic is like pissing in the wind. While I understand that sanding is nesessary to promote good adhesion, I can tell you that plastic tends to get "hairy" when you sand it. It's hard to explain. Also, the front end of your car takes a lot of road debris, so it is essential to keep the thickness of the paint to a minimum. While this goes against conventional wisdom, I promise you it's true. Take note that a stock bumper has no primer under the paint. If I were doing it, I would wash it in soapy water several times, then let it dry, then use a lot of wax remover on the bare plastic, then wash it again and let it dry, then apply the base coat just enough to match the paint on the car, and then clearcoat 2-3 times very lightly. Let it dry for about 2-3 days in your house, and mount it. If you get rock chips, then you will have to sand it....but try it w/o sanding first. I speak from experince. Another thing is, if you HAVE to sand it, use 600 or higher grit and wet sand it.

imported_SedanBoy

thanks man, i forgot about the stock bumper having no primer, so i'll give it a shot without sanding and see how things go. hey, what's the worst that can happen, it comes out looking like crap or i get a stone chip in a minute of driving and i need to repaint it or send it off for a professional to get paint it...... thanks again!

edit: any suggestions for wax remover?

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

3M and DuPont make the best products, so go to a local auto body supply (check yellowpages) and pick up some wax remover. I just know, parts I painted w/o sanding looked way better. They had the factory appearing finish. You got nothing to lose.

imported_SedanBoy

thanks!