Painting that thin trim...

[JCruse]

Has anyone ever painted the faded fender flare trim on an 80? Since it's actually a hard plastic (now at least) I got a can of adhesion promoter and a can of Duplicolor body color, but since this will be my first time painting something like this I thought I'd better ask for advice, tips, etc. Thanks.

 

[hellname]

Hi I'm just new here. A buddy of mine tried it once and it was successful. The trick was just to make sure to prep the surface correctly by sanding it down till original primer is revealed.

 

[JCruse]

Oh. I wish I would have read this a few minutes ago LOL because I just now finished painting the first one. I didn't sand it, just cleaned it good with prep-solve, then washed with dish soap, rinsed well followed by 3 coats of adhesion promoter and three coats of paint. It's drying now and looks good so far. If it stays on well I'll do the others the same. If not I'll do the sanding. I may do it anyway.

Surely somebody has tried to salvage those strips by painting them... Anybody?

 

[winoism]

Ok if it's hard plastic your on the right path. Clean the surface, dirt, oil etc and sand it lightly using either 220 or 240 grit wet and dry sand paper. Wet the surface and wet the sand paper throughout the sanding process. Don't press hard with your fingers try and use a flat even pressure( this prevents grooves). Once you have a complete even dull finish you can start to prep it. You don't have to go to the primer unless it's cracked or damaged. If so then you have to sand it all the way down to remove the old primer and re-apply new. Dry completely!! Paint your fist coat of adhesion to it lightly and let dry for a couple of minutes before your 2nd, 3rd and maybe 4th coat if you feel necessary. When you paint apply in the same manner. 1st coat light and even with long strokes from one end to the other. The last coat you can put on a little heavier just keep about 5" away and spray long strokes again. This should give you a shine. 90% paint work is all about the prep. Get a run and you'll have to sand it out. Take your time and be patient.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[JCruse]

Thanks guys.
I didn't sand because when I was polishing the paint with a DA and abrasive polish I just went right over that trim. That took EVERYTHING off I think. I just finished spraying the second one and they both look very good. The Duplicolor seems to be a good match for the Antique Sage Metallic. Welp, two down and two to go.

Just a general FYI; I'm a total noob painter and if I can do this, almost anyone can. So if you've got crappy faded fender flare trim and want it new again, go for it!