Ethan Clarke
Painting the plastic body moulding on a car is a great way to revitalise its exterior appearance and make it look brand new. It is a simple process that can be completed quickly, using a spray can of touch-up paint. This allows you to match the colour of the trim to the colour of the car. However, it is important to note that the process requires specific tools and preparation to ensure a lasting paint job.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the plastic body moulding for painting
Once the trim is removed, the surface should be cleaned with a rag and wax and grease remover to get rid of any excess dirt, dust, wax, and grease. Then, the trim should be scuffed lightly with a grey automotive scuffing pad to remove any excess gloss surface, creating a surface to which the paint can better adhere. It is also important to sand the surface with sandpaper to remove any bobbles or raised marks and to create a smooth finish. This process should be done gradually, working up the grit levels to achieve the smoothest possible finish. After sanding, the trim should be cleaned again with warm water or soapy water to remove any dirt or debris from the sanding process.
The next step is to apply an adhesion promoter spray to the trim. This will help the primer and paint adhere to the surface. Once the adhesion promoter is dry, the trim can be sprayed with plastic primer. It is important to apply a slightly thicker coat of primer than adhesion promoter and to ensure the trim is thoroughly coated. The primer should then be left to dry according to the label instructions.
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Choosing the right paint and primer
Selecting the Right Paint
When choosing the paint for your plastic body moulding, opt for automotive spray paint specifically designed for use on plastics. This type of paint will adhere better to the plastic surface, ensuring a more durable finish. It's important to match the paint to the type of plastic you're working with. For example, if you have a flexible plastic like TPO or PP, you'll need a different spray paint than you would for a hard plastic like ABS or PVC.
Primer Selection
Using a suitable primer is crucial to ensure the paint adheres properly to the plastic surface. Look for a primer that is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. You may need to experiment with different primer colours to achieve the desired final colour. For instance, if your primer is too bright, it may make the final colour appear lighter. In this case, you would want to choose a darker primer for your next attempt.
Additional Considerations
Before applying the primer and paint, it's essential to prepare the plastic surface properly. This includes removing the plastic trim from the car, if possible, to ensure an even coat of paint. Sanding the surface with sandpaper of various grits is necessary to create a smooth, matte finish that promotes better paint adhesion. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris with soapy water after sanding. Additionally, consider using a commercial degreaser to ensure the surface is free of any substances that may hinder paint adhesion.
Once you've selected the appropriate paint and primer, be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for application, drying times, and the number of coats required. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from fumes.
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Applying the primer
Before applying the primer, it is essential to prepare the plastic surface. This involves removing the plastic trim from the car, if possible, to achieve an even coat of paint. If the trim cannot be removed, mask off the surrounding bodywork with masking tape to prevent overspray and achieve a neat finish. Once the trim is removed, use a screwdriver to slowly remove the screws holding the trim in place, being careful not to damage the surface or break the plastic moulding.
The next step is to clean the trim thoroughly. Mix soapy water in a bucket or sink, and use a scouring pad to scrub the trim. This will remove any dirt, grease, or debris and create small abrasions that will help the primer and paint adhere better. After cleaning, rinse the trim and allow it to dry completely.
Now, you are ready to apply the primer. Wear a mask to protect yourself from the chemical fumes, and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area. Hold the primer can about 6-7 inches away from the trim and start spraying before the primer passes over the part. This will ensure an even finish. Apply 3-4 light coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats, typically around 15 minutes. It is important not to apply too much primer, as this can lead to dripping or bubbling.
Once the primer is dry, you can move on to the next step of applying the paint. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your chosen paint, as drying times may vary.
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Spray painting the moulding
To spray paint plastic body moulding on a car, you must first prepare the plastic trim by removing it from the car. This can be done using an automotive trim removal tool or a screwdriver to slowly remove the screws holding the trim in place. Once removed, clean the trim with a rag and wax and grease remover to get rid of any excess dirt, dust, or grease. You can also use a scouring pad and soapy water or a commercial degreaser for this step.
Next, sand the surface with sandpaper to create a smooth finish and remove any 'shine' from the plastic. This is important as it will help the paint adhere better to the surface. After sanding, wipe off any excess residue with a tack cloth and ensure the surface is completely clear of dirt and debris.
Now, you are ready to apply the primer. Wear a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals and hold the can about 6-7 inches away from the trim. Apply 3-4 coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between coats, usually around 15 minutes. Once the primer is dry, you can move on to the paint.
Hold the can of spray paint about 6 inches from the trim and apply a thin and even coat by moving the can back and forth across the surface. When you finish spraying from one direction, apply the paint from the other side of the trim. Allow the first coat to dry for about 10 minutes before applying a second coat. If you can still see the plastic underneath, apply a third coat. Finally, apply a clear top coat once all the paint coats have dried.
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Applying a top coat
When applying a top coat to your car's plastic body moulding, there are several steps to follow to ensure a professional finish. Firstly, it is important to prepare the surface by removing any dirt, dust, or grease. This can be done using a scouring pad with soapy water or a commercial degreaser. Ensure you rinse off any soap residue and allow the trim to dry thoroughly.
Next, you will need to sand the surface to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Use sandpaper with a fine grit, working your way up through the grit levels to achieve the smoothest finish. This process will also help to remove any remaining gloss or shine from the plastic, creating a better surface for the paint to cling to. Once you have finished sanding, wipe away any dust or debris with a tack cloth or a damp cloth.
Now, you are ready to apply the top coat. Choose a spray paint designed for use on plastic, as this will provide the best adhesion. Hold the can of spray paint approximately 6 inches (15 cm) from the surface of the trim and apply a thin, even coat. Move your arm back and forth across the trim, ensuring you cover the entire surface. When you have finished spraying in one direction, apply the paint from the opposite side of the trim to ensure complete coverage.
Allow the first coat to dry for around 10 minutes before applying a second coat. For the second coat, spray the paint in the opposite direction to the first coat. For example, if you sprayed horizontally for the first coat, spray vertically for the second coat. This will help to ensure even coverage. If you can still see the plastic underneath after the second coat, apply a third coat, ensuring you allow sufficient drying time between coats.
Once you have applied all the necessary coats, leave the trim to dry for at least one hour in a well-ventilated area. This will allow the paint to fully cure and harden. To check if the paint is dry, touch a small, discreet area with your finger to see if it still feels sticky. If it is no longer sticky, your top coat is complete!
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the plastic trim from the car's exterior. Then, use sandpaper to sand down the surface and ensure it's as smooth as possible. Next, clean the trim with soapy water and a scouring pad to remove any dirt or grease.
Use a spray can of touch-up paint. Hold the can about 6-7 inches away from the trim and apply a thin and even coat of paint. Allow the first coat to dry for about 10 minutes before applying a second coat. Spray the paint in the opposite direction of the first coat to ensure the trim is evenly coated.
It is recommended to apply two to three coats of paint. However, if you can still see the plastic underneath after the second coat, apply a third coat.
Besides paint, you will need sandpaper, a primer, a mask, and masking tape. You may also need a lacquer to protect the colour and ensure a long-lasting paint job.
