Maya Ellison
Painting a plastic car part trim can be an easy way to refresh the look of your car. It's important to note that the process may vary depending on the car's make and model. The first step is to remove the trim from the car, if possible, to achieve a more even paint application. If the trim cannot be removed, be sure to mask off the surrounding areas to prevent overspray. Next, sand the surface with sandpaper to remove any imperfections and create a smooth base for the paint. After sanding, clean the trim with soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Once the trim is dry, apply a few coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat. Then, apply the spray paint in thin, even layers, holding the can about 6 inches away from the trim. Finally, you can apply a clear coat and lacquer for added protection and shine.
How to paint a plastic car part trim
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to paint | When the plastic trim on the interior and exterior of your car gets scratched and dirty |
| Preparation | Remove the plastic trim from the car if possible. Clean the trim with a wax and grease remover and sandpaper to remove the shine and create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. |
| Primer | Apply 3-4 coats of primer, waiting 15 minutes between coats. |
| Paint | Use automotive spray paint that is suitable for use on plastics. Hold the can 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim and apply a thin coat, working your way back and forth. |
| Adhesion promoter | Spray a coat of adhesion promoter on the trim before painting to improve adhesion. |
| Clear coat | Apply a thin coat of clear enamel, holding the can 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim. Allow it to dry for 2-3 hours. |
| Lacquer | Apply 4-5 coats of clear lacquer over the paint to protect the colour and ensure a long-lasting paint job. |
| Polishing | Use a microfiber cloth to polish the plastic part and bring out the shine. |
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Removing the trim
If the trim cannot be removed, it is important to mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray and achieve a neat finish. This can be done using masking tape, such as perforated trim masking tape or flat orange precision masking tape, to mask around the edges of the plastic trim. For curved parts, perforated trim masking tape is ideal as it easily conforms to bends. For straight edges or slight bends, lime precision masking tape is recommended. When masking, ensure there are no gaps that paint could seep through by applying pressure to secure the tape over the panel.
Before painting, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the trim by sanding it down to remove any 'shine' from the plastic. This will help the paint adhere better and provide a lasting paint job. Use sandpaper with different grit levels, working your way up to achieve a smooth finish. Be sure to sand all areas, including reflective areas, which will appear dull after sanding.
After sanding, the trim must be cleaned to remove any dirt or debris. This can be done using warm water or soapy water and a lint-free cloth. Ensure the surface is completely clear of any residue before moving on to the next step of priming and painting.
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Sanding the trim
To sand the trim effectively, you will need to use sandpaper with different grit levels. Start with a lower grit level and gradually work your way up to a higher one. This will help you achieve a smooth and even finish. It is important to take your time during this step and not to rush, as you want to ensure that the surface is as smooth as possible.
When sanding, use slow and steady motions, working your way across the entire surface of the trim. Be sure to get into any crevices or hard-to-reach areas as well. The goal is to remove any bobbles, raised marks, or imperfections on the plastic surface.
Once you have finished sanding, it is important to clean the trim to remove any dirt or debris that may have been left behind. Use warm water or soapy water and a clean cloth to wipe down the surface of the trim. This will ensure that there is no residue left over that could interfere with the painting process.
After the trim has been cleaned and dried, it is now ready for the next step in the painting process, which is typically the application of a primer. By taking the time to properly sand the trim, you will have created a smooth base that will allow the primer and paint to adhere properly, resulting in a high-quality and long-lasting paint job.
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Applying primer
Firstly, it is important to prepare the plastic surface before applying primer. Use sandpaper to smoothen the surface and remove any 'shine' from the plastic. Work your way up through the grit levels of sandpaper to achieve an even and smooth finish. This step is crucial as it helps the primer and paint adhere better and provides a more durable paint job. Take your time with this step and ensure that the surface is thoroughly sanded.
Once the sanding is complete, clean the plastic part with warm water and soap to remove any dirt, grease, or debris left by the sandpaper. This step ensures that the surface is free of any contaminants that could interfere with the primer's adhesion. Make sure to dry the surface thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to apply the primer. Put on a mask and ensure you are in a well-ventilated, spacious area. Hold the primer can about 6-7 inches (15-20 cm) away from the surface. Keep the can upright and start spraying before reaching the surface, ensuring an even finish across the entire area. Apply 2-4 coats of primer, depending on the product instructions, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Usually, 5-15 minutes between coats is recommended for most products.
After applying the primer, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is typically painting or applying a base coat. Refer to the primer product instructions for specific drying times as they may vary. Once the primer is dry, you can proceed with the subsequent steps to achieve a flawless paint job on your plastic car parts.
Additionally, some products, such as Supercheap Auto's Colorspec plastic primer filler, may have specific instructions that differ slightly from the general guidelines provided above. Always refer to the product instructions for the best results when applying primer to plastic car parts.
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Spray painting
Painting the plastic trim on a car is a great way to refresh its appearance. Before you start spray painting, you should ensure you have all the necessary tools. These include automotive paint suitable for use on plastics, a mask, primer, masking tape, lacquer, and microfibre cloths.
It is recommended to remove the plastic trim from your car if possible, as this makes it easier to get an even coat of paint. Use a screwdriver to slowly remove the screws holding the trim in place. If there are any electrical components attached, make sure to disconnect them before removal. Once removed, secure the trim in a location where you can paint it without having to handle it too much.
Before painting, the trim must be prepared. Use soapy water to clean the trim, ensuring it is free of dirt and debris. Then, use sandpaper to sand down the surface, removing any 'shine' from the plastic. This step is crucial as it helps the paint adhere better and provides a smoother finish. Work your way up through the grit levels of sandpaper, starting with a lower grit like 400 and finishing with a higher grit like 800 or 1200. After sanding, wipe down the trim with a wax and grease remover using a lint-free cloth.
Now, you can begin the painting process. If using a primer, shake the can and apply two coats five minutes apart. Allow the primer to dry for about 40 minutes. Then, lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. Choose a paint suitable for the type of plastic you are painting, such as British Standard Aerosols or RAL Colour aerosols. Hold the paint can upright and about 20 cm away from the trim. Apply three to four thin coats, waiting 10 to 15 minutes between each coat to allow for drying. For drastic colour changes, you may need to apply additional coats.
Finally, apply the clear lacquer. This will protect the paint job and give it a shiny appearance. Apply four to five coats of lacquer, waiting 15 minutes between each coat for drying. Once you are satisfied with the finish, leave it to dry for a few hours before removing any masking tape or reattaching the trim to your car. Use a microfibre cloth to polish the painted surface, removing any loose debris and enhancing the shine.
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Applying lacquer
There are different types of lacquers available, such as single-pack and two-pack lacquers. Single-pack lacquers are usually acrylic materials and are ready-thinned and suitable for smaller repairs. Two-pack lacquers are more resilient and are preferred by most repair shops due to their increased weather and chemical resistance. However, they have slower drying times and produce poisonous fumes. Some lacquers are also available in 'high solids' versions, which achieve the same thickness as normal 2K lacquer with fewer coats.
Before applying the lacquer, it is crucial to ensure that the base colours have fully cured to prevent any chemical reactions. Use a paint strainer to remove any pieces of fibre, dirt, or grit from the mixed product to achieve a clean finish. Additionally, run a tack cloth over the surface of the base colour to remove any foreign bodies or metallic particles that may cause paint defects.
When applying the lacquer, start with a light initial coat to form a grip coat for the second coat to adhere to without sagging or running. The first coat should be applied at a faster pace than the colour coat, and it is recommended to practice on a piece of card first. Once the initial coat becomes tacky, you can apply the second coat more slowly. Ensure that you follow the recommended drying times between coats and resist the temptation to flat and polish the lacquer until it has completely cured.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate type of lacquer, you can achieve a high-quality, durable finish on your painted plastic car trim.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to remove the plastic trim from your car if possible. Use a screwdriver to slowly remove the screws holding the trim in place. If you cannot remove the trim, use masking tape to mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray. Then, clean the trim with a wax and grease remover and sand the surface to make it smooth and remove the shine.
You will need sandpaper, spray paint suitable for use on plastics, a clear coat, a lacquer, and microfiber cloths. You may also need an adhesion promoter and a primer.
First, apply the adhesion promoter, then the primer, and then the spray paint, holding the can about 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim and applying a thin and even coat. After the paint has dried, apply the clear coat and lacquer, and polish the trim with a microfiber cloth.
To ensure an even coat of paint, hold the can of paint about 6 inches (15 cm) from the trim and slowly work your way back and forth across the surface. Apply a thin coat and allow it to dry before applying additional coats if needed.
