Maya Ellison
Painting the plastic fixtures on a car is a great way to refresh its exterior appearance. From plastic wing mirror caps to bumper covers, there are several plastic car parts that can be painted. However, it is important to note that the process of painting plastic involves several special procedures and products to ensure a long-lasting quality finish. This includes identifying the type of plastic, using a suitable primer, and preparing the plastic surface by cleaning, sanding, and masking it.
Does trim and bumper paint stick to plastic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of application | <co: 12,15,16,17,18>Easy to apply |
| Applicator | Aerosol spray |
| Surface preparation | Clean, sand, and degrease |
| Primer | Not always necessary |
| Coats | Multiple thin coats |
| Drying time | 6-24 hours |
| Finish | Glossy or matte |
| Adhesion | Good |
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper preparation |
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What You'll Learn
Painting plastic car parts
Preparing the Plastic Car Parts for Painting
Firstly, it is best to remove the plastic parts from the car. This is the quickest and most efficient way to prepare the plastic parts for painting. If removal is not possible, you will need to tape off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray. Use masking tape to mask around the edges of the plastic trim. For curved parts, use perforated tape, and for straight edges or slight bends, use regular tape.
Sanding and Cleaning the Plastic Surface
Next, sand down the surface of the plastic to ensure it is as smooth as possible. Work your way up the grit levels, starting with 150-grit sandpaper and moving up to 800-grit and 1200-grit. Sanding the surface will help remove any gloss or imperfections and improve the adhesion of the paint. After sanding, clean the plastic part with warm water and a scouring pad to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a commercial degreaser or a mild-action detergent for this step.
Applying Primer and Paint
Once the plastic part is clean and dry, apply a high-quality primer from about 6-7 inches away. Wear a mask during this step to protect yourself from the chemicals in the primer. Apply three to four coats of primer, waiting 15 minutes between each coat to allow it to dry.
After the primer has dried, you can start applying the paint. Hold the paint can at the same distance as the primer and apply three to four coats, again waiting 15 minutes between each coat. If you are making a drastic colour change, you may need to apply more coats of paint.
Applying Clear Lacquer and Polishing
Once you are satisfied with the paint job, apply four to five coats of clear lacquer. Leave each layer to dry for about 15 minutes before adding another. After the final coat, leave the plastic part to dry for a few hours before removing the masking tape.
Finally, take a clean microfibre cloth and polish the plastic part to bring out the shine and remove any loose debris. This will leave you with a perfectly smooth and glossy surface.
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Preparing plastic for painting
Painting plastic can be a tricky task as, unlike wood, plastic is not a porous surface, so the paint has little to stick to. However, with the right amount of preparation, you can paint plastic successfully.
Firstly, it is important to identify the type of plastic you are working with. The two main categories of plastics used in manufacturing vehicles are Thermoplastic and Thermoset. Thermoplastic softens when heated and Thermoset does not. Once you have identified the type of plastic, you can decide on the proper painting approach.
If you are painting plastic trim from your car's interior, it is best to remove it from the car's exterior if possible. This is typically the quickest and most efficient way to prepare the plastic for painting. If removal is not possible, you will need to mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray and achieve the best possible finish. Use masking tape to mask around the edge of the plastic trim.
Before painting, the trim should be cleaned with soapy water and a scouring pad to remove any dirt or grease. This will also create small abrasions that will help the paint stick better. If you are painting UPVC windows or doors, use a scraper or stiff-bristle brush to remove loose materials and create sound edges. You can also use a commercial degreaser or a suitable detergent, such as sugar soap, to clean the trim. It is important to ensure that the trim is completely dry before painting.
The next step is to sand down the surface and ensure it is as smooth as possible. This will help the primer and paint adhere to the plastic and provide a lasting paint job. It is recommended to use 220 to 300-grit sandpaper and work in a circular motion. After sanding, the trim should be cleaned again to remove any residue.
Once the trim is clean and dry, it is ready for priming. Choose a primer that is suitable for use on plastics, such as an auto primer or a low-odour, all-purpose exterior primer. Apply the primer to the plastic from around 6-7 inches away, and be sure to wear a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
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Choosing the right paint
Painting the plastic fixtures on a car is a great way to revitalise its exterior appearance. From plastic wing mirror caps to bumper strips, these can be spray painted to customise the look of your car and make it look new again without needing to respray the entire surface.
There are, however, some important considerations to make when choosing the right paint for the job. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the type of plastic used in the car parts you wish to paint. The two main categories of plastics used in vehicles are Thermoplastic and Thermoset. Thermoplastic softens when heated and becomes more flexible, while Thermoset hardens or cures and will not soften when heated. Knowing the type of plastic will help determine the proper painting approach.
Additionally, the condition of the plastic parts will influence the chosen paint and preparation steps. For instance, new unprimed plastic parts require a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water, removal of mould release agents, chemical cleaning, and inspection before sanding and painting. On the other hand, previously finished products may only need to be cleaned and sanded before painting.
When it comes to choosing the right paint, there are a variety of options available, including spray paints specifically designed for plastic bumpers and trim, such as MOTIP Bumper Paint and Rust-Oleum Bumper and Trim Paint. These paints are formulated to adhere well to plastic surfaces and often do not require a separate plastic primer. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation and application to ensure the best results.
Furthermore, the colour of the paint is an important consideration. Car manufacturers use different exterior paint colours, and slight variations in colour shade can occur under the same car colour code. Therefore, it is crucial to find the correct colour code for your car to ensure an exact paint match.
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Application techniques
Painting plastic car parts is a great way to revitalise the exterior appearance of your car. Most plastic trims and parts of a car's exterior can be painted over. However, it is important to note that the plastic trims on vehicles vary depending on the make and model, which may affect which parts can be painted.
Before painting plastic car parts, it is crucial to identify the type of plastic used, as this will determine the proper painting approach. The two main categories of plastics used in cars are Thermoplastic and Thermoset. Thermoplastic softens when heated, while Thermoset hardens and does not soften when heated. Other types of plastics used in car parts include Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Polyurethane (TPUR), Acrylonitrile Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), Sheet Moldable Compound (SMC), and Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP).
Preparation:
- If possible, remove the plastic part from the car. This is usually the most efficient way to prepare the plastic for painting. Use a screwdriver to slowly remove the screws holding the trim in place. Ensure there are no electrical components attached when removing the trim.
- If removal is not possible, mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray and achieve a neat finish. Use perforated trim masking tape for curved parts and precision masking tape for straight edges or slight bends. Apply pressure to secure the tape and ensure there are no gaps for paint to seep through.
- Clean the plastic surface thoroughly. Wash it with hot soapy water, removing any mould release agents, grease, or other contaminants. You can also use a commercial degreaser for this step.
- Sand down the surface to make it as smooth as possible. Work your way up the grit levels gradually to achieve the ideal surface for painting. Remove the shiny surface of the plastic to help the paint adhere better.
Painting:
- If using a primer, choose an appropriate one for plastic surfaces. Apply the primer from 6-7 inches away, wearing a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals.
- Apply three to four thin coats of paint, waiting 15 minutes between each coat to allow for drying. Hold the paint can in an upright position when spraying.
- For drastic colour changes, you may need to apply additional coats of paint.
- Once the paint is dry, apply four to five coats of clear lacquer. This will provide a shiny finish and protect the paint job.
- After applying the lacquer, allow the part to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. The drying time may vary depending on the climate, but on average, it takes about 24 hours for the paint to fully dry.
- If desired, apply a clear coat enamel for added gloss and protection. Hold the can about 6 inches from the surface and apply a thin coat.
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Drying and curing times
For trim paint, the drying and curing times differ based on the type of paint used. For instance, water-based or latex trim paint typically dries within 3-4 hours and can be recoated in 4 hours, whereas oil-based trim paint dries within 6-8 hours and can be recoated in 24 hours. Chalk brand paints, homemade chalky paints, and milk paints dry much faster, usually within 30-60 minutes, but they require a longer curing time of around 30 days.
To achieve the best results, it is important to follow the manufacturer's directions for drying and recoating times specified on the paint can. These guidelines are based on extensive testing and ensure a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. Applying two thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat can also help reduce drying time and minimise the risk of streaks.
Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity play a significant role in drying time. Higher humidity levels can prolong the drying process, as moisture settles on the painted surface, potentially leading to tackiness or an uneven finish. To accelerate the drying process, it is recommended to close windows, use air conditioning, or run a fan to reduce humidity.
In terms of curing, which refers to the paint reaching its maximum hardness and complete dryness, the process typically takes longer than drying. For example, water-based or latex paints may take around 21-30 days to fully cure, while oil-based paints cure within 3-7 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting plastic trim and bumpers is a great way to refresh the exterior of your car. First, identify the type of plastic used. Then, remove the trim or bumper if possible, and clean it with soapy water or a degreaser. If there are any scratches or cracks, fill and sand the area. Next, apply a high-quality primer and wait for it to dry. Finally, spray paint the surface with thin and even coats, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. You can finish by applying a clear coat for extra shine and protection.
While some bumper paints claim to require no primer, using an appropriate primer will enhance the finish and ensure the paint adheres well to the plastic surface.
There are various paints available for painting plastic car parts, including Rustoleum, Raptor, and SEM. You can also use dyes, which can be applied with microfiber towels or sponges, eliminating the worry of overspray.
On average, plastic bumper paint takes around 24 hours to dry completely. However, it will be dust-dry within 20-30 minutes and dry to the touch in about an hour. The drying time can vary depending on the ambient temperature, humidity, and thickness of the paint applied.
To remove plastic trim, first, identify the connection points and any fasteners such as screws, tabs, or bolts. Then, slowly remove the screws or other fasteners to loosen the trim from the body panel. Be cautious not to damage any surrounding components.
