Ethan Clarke
Painting a plastic hubcap can be a great way to restore the look of your car's wheel covers. Whether you're dealing with scratches, peeling paint, or just looking for a new aesthetic, it's important to prepare your hubcaps properly for a professional-looking finish. This includes cleaning the hubcaps with a detergent, sanding the surface, and applying multiple thin coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat.
How to paint a plastic hubcap
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Fine 0000 steel wool, fine 220-grit sandpaper, a block of wood, dull aluminum silver or satin black spray paint, a terry cloth towel, masking tape, a flathead screwdriver, 320-grit sandpaper, 600-grit sandpaper, auto spray paint, clear coat |
| Preparation | Wash hubcaps with dish detergent and hot water, let dry, remove from tires, sand over any scratches or surface damage with sandpaper, clean with a towel |
| Painting | Spray four coats of paint, let each coat dry thoroughly before spraying the next coat, let the final coat dry for one day, apply rubbing compound to bring out the gloss, wait 30 days before waxing the hubcaps |
| Tips | Spray multiple thin coats instead of a single heavy coat, avoid spraying in direct sunlight and high humidity, the optimum temperature for spray painting is 70 to 80 degrees F |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the hubcap
Start by inspecting the hubcap for any scratches, peeling paint, or surface damage. Identify the areas that need to be sanded. If there are only a few small scratches, you can use fine 220-grit sandpaper to sand these areas. If the scratches are deeper or more widespread, you may need to start with a coarser grit, such as 320-grit sandpaper. Gently sand the affected areas in circular motions until the scratches are level with the surface.
Once you have removed the scratches, follow up with a finer grit sandpaper, such as 600-grit. This will help to smooth out the surface further and create a more refined finish. Again, use gentle circular strokes and focus only on the areas that were previously damaged. Be careful not to over-sand, as this can create more damage and grooves in the plastic.
If there are any deep gouges or imperfections that cannot be levelled with the sanding process, you may need to fill them with an appropriate automotive filler or putty. Allow the filler to dry completely before continuing with the sanding process.
After sanding with the finer grit sandpaper, you can move on to wet-sanding. This step is optional but can help to create an even smoother finish. Use a very fine grit sandpaper, such as 1000- to 1500-grit, and lightly sand the entire surface of the hubcap in circular motions. Keep the sandpaper and hubcap wet during this process to reduce friction and prevent overheating.
Finally, wipe down the hubcap with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris generated during the sanding process. It is important to ensure that the hubcap is completely clean and dry before moving on to the painting stage.
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Choosing the right paint
Dupli-Color, for instance, offers a great wheel paint and clear coat specifically made for hubcaps. You can find this product in any parts store. It is recommended to use a primer before painting, and you can choose from a variety of primers available in the market.
When selecting a paint colour, consider matching it to the existing colour of your car or choosing a complementary shade. You can opt for a classic silver or satin black colour, or get creative with other colours that suit your style and personality.
In addition to the paint itself, you will also need sandpaper to prepare the surface of the hubcaps before painting. Start with 320-grit sandpaper, then use 600-grit sandpaper, and finally, wet-sand the scratches with 1000 to 1500-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. This process ensures that the paint will adhere properly to the hubcaps.
Remember to clean the hubcaps thoroughly with a dish detergent and hot water before painting. Once they are completely dry, you can start spraying on the paint. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can for the best results.
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Spraying technique
When it comes to the spraying technique for painting plastic hubcaps, there are several steps to follow for the best results. Firstly, it is important to prepare the hubcaps by thoroughly cleaning them with dish detergent and hot water. This step ensures that any grease or dirt is removed, providing a clean base for the paint to adhere to. Allow the hubcaps to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Next, you will need to sand the hubcaps to create a smooth surface. Start by using 320-grit sandpaper and gently sand in circular motions over any scratches or surface damage. Then, move on to 600-grit sandpaper, continuing to sand only the damaged areas. This two-step sanding process will ensure that the hubcaps are sufficiently smooth for painting.
Once the hubcaps are prepared, it's time to choose the right paint. Auto spray paint is recommended for a professional-looking finish, as there are specific paints designed for automotive plastics. Select a paint colour that matches your desired outcome, whether it's the original silver or a new custom colour.
For the actual spraying technique, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear the appropriate protective gear, including a respirator and gloves. Hold the spray paint can approximately 10-12 inches away from the hubcap and use smooth, even strokes to apply the paint. Start from the top of the hubcap and work your way down in a controlled manner. Ensure that you are spraying in a consistent back-and-forth motion to achieve an even coat.
It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. This technique will result in a superior finish. Additionally, avoid spraying in direct sunlight or in high humidity. The ideal temperature for spray painting is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, once you have achieved the desired coverage and colour, let the paint dry completely. You can then apply a clear coat to protect the paint and add shine. Remember to follow the specific instructions on your chosen clear coat product, including the recommended number of coats and drying time.
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Coats and drying
When it comes to coats and drying, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to apply several thin coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat. This will ensure a superior finish. Shake the can of paint or clear coat vigorously before application, and spray in light, even strokes. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. The drying time will depend on the type of paint used and the ambient temperature—the optimum temperature for spray painting is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid painting in direct sunlight or in high humidity to ensure proper drying.
If you are using a primer, apply a light coating over the surface, ensuring that the hubcap is thoroughly dry before spraying. After applying the final coat of paint, let it dry for at least one day. Following this, you can apply a rubbing compound to enhance the gloss. It is recommended to wait for around 30 days before waxing the hubcaps.
Additionally, if you are painting over scratches or surface damage, it is important to sand these areas first. Use sandpaper with varying grit levels, starting with a lower grit and progressing to a higher grit. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, wipe the hubcap with a dry towel to remove any dust or residue before applying the primer or paint.
For plastic hubcaps, an adhesion promoter can be applied before the primer and paint to ensure better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish. It is also crucial to clean the hubcaps thoroughly with a degreaser and ensure they are completely dry before beginning the painting process.
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Removing scratches
Next, scrub the scratches with the wet sandpaper until they disappear. Once the scratches are gone, remove any excess grit with a microfiber towel. Reapply the plastic cleaner, and buff the hubcap.
If the scratches are not too deep, you may be able to remove them with a plastic cleaner and a sponge. Dot the hubcap with the cleaner, then spread it over the surface in small circular motions, applying pressure to the scratched areas. Once the scratches are gone, wipe the hubcap down with a microfiber towel, continuing to use circular motions until the polish is removed and the hubcap looks buffed.
Finally, it is important to note that you should not remove all of the existing paint from the hubcap when attempting to remove scratches.
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Frequently asked questions
Auto spray paint is best for a professional-looking finish. There is a wide range of spray paints made for automotive plastics that are easy to use and can give a great finish.
First, wash the hubcaps with dish detergent and hot water. Then, dry and remove them from the tires using a flathead screwdriver. Next, sand over any scratches or surface damage with 320-grit sandpaper, then 600-grit sandpaper, and finally, 1000- to 1500-grit sandpaper.
Spraying multiple thin coats will result in a superior finish. Avoid spraying paint in direct sunlight and in high humidity. The optimum temperature for spray painting is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
