Opinion and tips on painting trim.

M

mjpowers728

New member
Hey guys, I have a black 02 Impala with plastic trim going around the body. I have seen the trim on others being gray or black....I'm hoping to paint or dye the trim this summer but I'm not sure what color to go with.



Also, I painted them black last summer and it turned out well, kinda. After I sprayed, when I went to remove the masking tape, the paint peeled off in some spots with it, as if there was no "seam" where the trim met the tape. Also, it didn't last too long. I guess there was poor adhesion and the paint came off with my 1800 psi power washer. I wasn't holding it too close, about a foot and a half away.



So should I go with black or gray??? And how should I go about doing it properly this time?? Product? How to prep?
 
Can you remove the trim for paint? I've had a number of pieces done professionally over the years, with much better results than my own efforts, but if you're up for another attempt, here are some thoughts.



Prep is key. You'll want to clean, then lightly scuff (for adhesion), then thoroughly clean the pieces...and then make sure they're dry, with no lint or dust.



Assuming you're talking about plastic pieces, an adhesion promotor is a must. Bulldog is pretty good, and I think Duplicolor makes one as well...neither are as good as what you can get in an automotive paint store. You'll apply this in advance of the primer.



Speaking of primer - are the pieces firmly in place or is there any movement? If the latter applies, you'll want a flex agent in the primer.



After painting, you'll want ample curing time. Heat helps here too - I've used halogen work lamps with pretty good success.



Ultimately, don't get your hopes up. There's no substitute for professional paint work. This applies to human expertise, the right paint gun, and the right paint. Nothing us common folk can buy or do with a rattle can will compare. For some pieces, this doesn't matter, but for anything affected by the elements, I'd consult with a pro. Ultimately you won't spend a whole lot more and you'll be much happier with the results.
 
Some of the trim is removable, but just on the doors. On the front and rear, it is part of the bumper cover. I am in fact talking about plastic pieces, the textured plastic actually...I neglected to mention that eariler.



I was wondering if Krylon Fusion is any good? I heard it's made for plastic.



When you say lightly scuff, I'm assuming you mean with sand paper, but what grit?
 
Bump, kinda...

I was looking at Autogeek and saw that they sell Forever Black in a quart refill size. They recommended a larger foam applicator than the shoe polish dauber on the little bottle on the same page. I was wondering if the larger foam applicator would help tp apply the dye without streaks.



Either that or I saw this:

Black Bumper & Cladding Coat

I'm assuming it's just an aerosol dye. Anyone ever try it?



Please help me out : )
 
I've used the Forever Black - it's pretty good stuff, although I'm not sure I'd agree with the "forever" part. :D The larger applicator saves time and does allow for a more uniform application. Depending on how tight the areas are in which you're working, the bottle topper is still useful.



I've not used Krylon Fusion, but have seen it on a few pieces (GM truck guys...myself included...are notorious for painting pieces like spare tire access covers, reverse light bezels, roof rack mounts, etc). My uneducated take is that it's as good as any other spray can offering. If you prep well, apply light coats, and allow proper drying/curing time, I think you'll be reasonably pleased.



Just my personal take, but painting textured plastic: yuck. I'd choose to re-dye those pieces any day. Unless.... If you're willing to put in the effort to smooth it first, the results can be really impressive. I've done this (roof rack mounts) and have been pleased with the results, but it's time consuming....an awful lot of work goes a little way. :lol



For scuffing smooth plastic (or plastic chrome) I generally use either 000 steel wool or a fine sandpaper - 400 grit or so. You're not putting in a lot of effort...just giving the primer something to adhere to. Again, I can't really speak to the Krylon Fusion, but I highly recommend using an adhesion promotor for painting anything plastic. Good luck...
 
VroomVroom said:
I've used the Forever Black - it's pretty good stuff, although I'm not sure I'd agree with the "forever" part. :D The larger applicator saves time and does allow for a more uniform application. Depending on how tight the areas are in which you're working, the bottle topper is still useful.
Click to expand...



I think I'm leaning more and more towards the Forever Black. What do you mean you don't agree with the forever part? How often would you recommend it be reapplied? Once a year? Twice a year?



Also, I read on their website that you don't need to mask the surrounding area...is that true?? 'cause if it just meant occassionally applying it in the same manner as a dressing, that'd be perfectly fine.
 
It'd probably be wise to mask, just to make the application easier. It's a pretty easy process. The photo on their website gives you an idea...



Forever Black Car Care Products



The durability is relative. On the vehicles I've seen it's lasted between six months and a year.
 
Welp, I think I'm set on the FB. Any tips on how to apply it streak-free? Hopefully I'll be able to do it at work in the service garage...decent lighting but out of the sun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top