Omar Khalid
Painting the exterior automotive plastic of your car is a great way to revitalise its appearance and make it look new again. It is also a cost-effective method to hide marks and scratches and create a smooth appearance. There are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results, including choosing the right type of paint and primer, sanding the surface, and applying several coats of paint. It is also important to make sure you have the correct tools and safety equipment before starting the job.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Painting automotive plastic parts can be a rewarding process that combines creativity with technical precision. Choosing the right paint is essential to achieving a professional-looking finish and ensuring the paint job's longevity. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the paint for exterior automotive plastic parts:
Identify the Type of Plastic
Before choosing the paint, it is crucial to identify the type of plastic used in the automotive part. Common plastics used in automotive parts include polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Each type of plastic has unique properties that affect how paint adheres. For instance, PP is a tough, weather-resistant plastic often used in bumpers, while ABS provides durability to exterior trim and helps absorb impact damage. Knowing the specific plastic type will help determine the appropriate paint and primer combination for optimal adhesion and finish.
Consider Environmental Factors
When selecting a paint for exterior automotive plastic parts, consider the environmental conditions the vehicle will be exposed to. Choose a paint that can withstand UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors. For high-moisture areas, opt for paints with high sheen values, such as satin, gloss, or semi-gloss finishes. These finishes dry to a hard coat, creating resistance to moisture and allowing for easy cleaning. Additionally, a clear coat or protective finish can be applied for added protection against scratches and UV damage.
Color Match and Finish
Consider the desired colour match and finish to achieve a seamless and cohesive appearance. Automotive paints come in a wide range of colours and finishes, such as glossy, matte, or satin. Select a colour that matches the vehicle's existing colour palette or choose a finish that complements the overall aesthetic. The finish can add depth and enhance the colour's appearance while also providing additional protection.
Paint Formulated for Automotive Plastics
Use paints specifically formulated for automotive plastics, such as acrylic lacquer. These paints are designed to withstand environmental wear and tear and provide a durable coating. They offer better resistance to scratches, UV damage, and weathering. Additionally, consider the application method, such as spray paint or brush-on paint, and choose a paint type that suits your preferred application technique.
Primer Compatibility
Primer plays a crucial role in ensuring effective paint adhesion to the plastic surface. Choose a primer that is compatible with the plastic type you are working with. Apply thin, even coats of primer using a spray gun to ensure a smooth and consistent finish. Allow adequate drying time between coats to achieve the best results. The primer creates a foundation for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a longer-lasting paint job.
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Sanding the plastic
To sand the plastic, you will need sandpaper with different grit levels. It is recommended to have a few different levels of sandpaper, ranging from 150-grit to 1200-grit. This will help you achieve the smoothest finish possible. The sandpaper will help to remove any bobbles or raised marks on the plastic surface. You can also use Scotch-Brite pads, which are typically 320-400 grit.
When sanding, work your way up by grit level. Start with a lower grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer grit. This will help you achieve a smoother finish. It is important to be gentle and careful during this process to avoid damaging the plastic. Make sure to sand evenly and not apply too much pressure to any one area.
After sanding, it is crucial to clean the plastic surface with soapy water. This will remove any dirt or debris caused by the sanding process. Mix a mild detergent or dish soap with warm water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving on to the next step, which is applying a primer.
Additionally, it is important to note that some sources suggest scuffing the plastic with sandpaper may not always be necessary and could even be counterproductive. It depends on the type of plastic and the specific project. In some cases, a simple acetone wash or a plastic adhesion promoter may be sufficient preparation for the plastic surface before priming and painting.
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Applying primer
To ensure the paint takes to the surface well, it is important to apply a suitable primer. The primer promotes adhesion and prevents cracking or peeling. It is recommended to use a high-build primer for the best results.
Before applying the primer, it is important to sand down the surface of the plastic to ensure it is smooth and even. This can be done using sandpaper with different grit levels, working slowly and carefully to achieve the desired smoothness. The aim is to remove the shine from the plastic, as this will help the primer and paint adhere better and provide a longer-lasting paint job. Once the sanding is complete, the plastic part should be cleaned with warm or soapy water to remove any remaining dirt or debris from the sanding process.
When applying the primer, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals in the primer. The recommended application distance is about 6-7 inches (or 20 cm) away from the surface. Hold the can upright and start spraying before it passes over the part to ensure an even finish. Apply the primer in thin, even coats, ensuring that all the bare plastic surfaces are covered. It is typically recommended to apply 3-4 coats of primer, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat (around 15 minutes).
For fast-drying plastics, an adhesion promoter can be applied first, followed by the primer. This will help the subsequent coats of paint adhere better and prevent delamination.
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Spray painting
Preparation
Before you begin spray painting, it is important to prepare the plastic surface. Start by removing the plastic part you plan to paint, if possible, to avoid accidentally spraying other areas of your car. Secure the part in a location where you can paint without having to handle it. If the part cannot be removed, use masking tape to cover areas that do not need to be painted.
Next, sand the surface with sandpaper to remove any imperfections and create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Start with a lower grit sandpaper and gradually increase the grit level to achieve the smoothest finish. This step is crucial to ensure the paint adheres properly and provides a lasting paint job. Once you have finished sanding, clean the surface with soapy water or a wax and grease remover to remove any dirt or debris.
Priming
After preparing the surface, it's time to apply a primer. Choose a primer that is suitable for plastic surfaces and compatible with your chosen paint. Wear a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals in the primer, and apply the primer in a well-ventilated area. Hold the primer can about 6-7 inches away from the surface and apply two to four light coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat.
Painting
Now, you are ready to begin spray painting. Choose an automotive paint that is suitable for use on plastics and will adhere well to the surface. Hold the paint can about 20 cm away from the surface and apply three to five medium coats, following the same technique as with the primer. Allow sufficient drying time between each coat, and consider applying additional coats for drastic colour changes.
Clear Coat
Once you have finished spray painting, apply a clear coat or lacquer to protect the paint job and add shine. Apply four to five coats of clear lacquer, following the same application technique as before.
Additional Tips
- Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling chemicals.
- Use drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect the surrounding area from paint particles.
- Test spray on paper before applying each coat to ensure even spray and no spitting.
- Consider the complexity of the part you are painting and choose the appropriate application method (spray can or airbrushing).
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Finishing with lacquer
Choosing the Right Lacquer
It is recommended to opt for a well-known brand when choosing automotive lacquer. Budget options may provide poor colour matches and have lower resistance to sunlight and moisture, leading to dulling or peeling over time. Clear lacquer will add a shiny appearance to your paint job, and you can choose between gloss or matte finishes.
Preparing the Surface
Before applying lacquer, ensure that the base colour is fully cured to prevent any chemical reactions. Use a tack cloth to wipe down the surface, removing any foreign particles and ensuring a smooth finish. If you're working with a freshly painted surface, allow it ample time to dry before proceeding.
Applying the Lacquer
When applying the lacquer, start with a light first coat, followed by a slightly denser second coat. This technique will create a grip for the second coat to adhere to, preventing sagging or running. Spray the lacquer in a rhythmic fashion, ensuring each application overlaps the previous one by about two inches. For vertical panels, work from the bottom up, and for horizontal panels, spray from one side to the other.
Drying and Polishing
Always follow the recommended drying times between coats. Typically, you'll need about four to five coats of lacquer for the best results. After the final coat, let the lacquer dry for a few hours before attempting to polish or refit the part. Use a clean microfiber cloth to polish the surface, bringing out the shine and removing any loose debris.
Additional Considerations
If you're working with a plastic surface, a primer is highly recommended to ensure better paint adhesion. You can skip this step, but it increases the risk of paint flaking if the plastic gets chipped. Additionally, consider using masking tape to protect surrounding areas and ensure a precise application.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to prepare plastic car parts to be painted is to remove them from the car. This is typically the quickest and most efficient way to prepare the plastic part or trim. Plastic trims can be loosened from the body panel by working a razor or dedicated tool between the two surfaces.
You will need sandpaper, automotive paint that’s suitable for use on plastics, a mask, primer, lacquer, and microfibre cloths.
First, sand the surface down to remove any bobbles or raised marks on the plastic substrate. Then, clean the part with soapy water to make sure the surface is completely clear of dirt and debris. Next, apply 3-4 coats of primer, waiting 15 minutes between coats. Finally, apply the paint.
Water-based paints are environmentally friendly, quick-drying, and low odour, making them a good choice for painting automotive plastic parts. Polyurethane paints are ideal for exterior automotive plastic parts due to their high durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions and UV rays.
