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I know this has been discussed... but if you guys would care to summarize the whole thing for me it would be nice of you. Here we go:


I've got a sh*tload of parts on my car that I'd like to paint. I won't go into details until it's done... but it includes fiberglass eyelids from Accolade. I'm also planning on painting many plastic parts/vinyl parts in the car, on the car and under the hood. So, here are my numerous questions:


1- What kind of preparation should be done on the parts? I thought of lightly sanding everything... but is some kind of cleaning/adhesion promoter product available as well? Some parts may have some ArmorAll-like product on them, so I'm worried about the paint not adhering properly.

2- What kind of primer should I use... and would one type of primer accomodate all the different materials?

3- I would like to match the car's paint for the eyelids. Should I order online using the paint code or should I go to a shop/paint store and have them match the color? Remember, mine is red and it's a year and a half old (and always parked outside)... so it must have already faded a bit.

4- I would like to use the color that's on the radio surround trim for the rest of the parts I'm painting, is there a paint code for that color? If not, can this be matched in a shop/paint store? Remember this is a metallic color...

5- I would like a great finish both on the eyelids and on the other parts, should I apply a clearcoat, or even two or three coats of it? What would the eyelids look like with a clearcoat, considering that the original paint doesn't have one?

6- Will I be able to acheive a quality finish or should I wait, get more money and have this done by a pro?


Any advice welcome... especially from people who have some experience with automotive paints. Thanks guys!

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There are many different types of paint out there for different types of materials, Vinyl, Plastic, Metal. Also finishes, Satin, Gloss. Read all the labels of what you are looking for, some products need sanding, some same just spray or paint, some need certain primer. there is no one miracle application, if you want it to look good do the homework.


You will need to clean anything you want to paint, i suggest cleaning with soap and water or rubbing alcohol will get armor all off.

If you are not sure of your ability to make a good looking piece, call you dealer and order a small replacement piece you want done ( a cover plate or soemthing) take the time to experiment with it, if you are unhappy with the results save up for a pro job.

the color of the radio surround can be matched easily at a paint department, explain to the sales person what you need it for so they use the correct base paint.

I don't know if this helps you but i am doing an experiment on some pieces right now myself, I already painted my emblems, grills and liscense plate frames. Working on interior.

 

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Thanks for your help!


BTW: You mentionned painting your emblems? Did you take off all the chrome paint or did you simply paint over it? And do you know of a product that could make the paint come off easily?

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Sounds cool, get us some pix!

 

I actually used a Metallic paint by the name of metalcast, it works best on chrome finishes. The rear badge i removed and sprayed the front badge i tapped and covered the grill and sprayed in place.


The grill inserts were sprayed chrome and the frame sprayed chrome then metallic red.

as far as removing the finish of chrome try lowes or home depot paint department, there are several items that will work.

hope this helps

 

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Thank you once again... but now I'd really like to see some pics of your car though!

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