Maya Ellison
Painting plastic center caps can be done at home and can restore old, scratched wheel covers. The process involves several steps, including cleaning the caps with alcohol, sanding, priming, painting, and applying a clear coat. Some people recommend using a specific type of sandpaper, such as 400-grit wet/dry sandpaper, and a self-etching primer to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts longer. Others suggest using a product like Krylon Fusion Plastic Paint, which can be applied directly to the plastic surface without any prep work besides cleaning.
How to paint plastic center caps
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Sanding, scuffing, cleaning with alcohol or mineral spirits |
| Sandpaper | 220 grit, 400 grit wet/dry, 1500/2000 grit wet |
| Primer | Self-etching, light coat |
| Paint | Krylon Fusion Plastic paint in satin black, Rust-oleum indoor/outdoor flat black paint, engine enamel, caliper paint |
| Number of Coats | 3 light coats |
| Additional Steps | Use of scuff pads, adhesion promoter, clear coat |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the caps with 400-grit sandpaper
Sanding plastic wheel center caps is an important step in the painting process. It helps to create an even and smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and ensures that the final coat of paint will look uniform and professional. When it comes to sanding plastic, it's essential to use the correct grit size.
For this project, 400-grit sandpaper is the ideal choice. This grit size is widely used in automotive applications and is perfect for achieving a smooth finish without damaging the plastic. The 400-grit sandpaper will help you remove any minor imperfections, scratches, or rough areas on the surface of the center caps without leaving behind any noticeable scratches that coarser sandpaper might create.
When using 400-grit sandpaper, it's important to keep in mind that it is typically used for wet sanding. Wet sanding is a technique where you apply a small amount of water to the surface being sanded, which helps to reduce friction and prevent the sandpaper from becoming clogged. This technique is particularly useful when working with plastic, as it generates less heat and helps to avoid melting or deforming the plastic.
To begin sanding the center caps, soak the 400-grit sandpaper in water for a few minutes to prepare it for the wet sanding process. Squeeze out any excess water so that the sandpaper is damp but not dripping. Gently rub the sandpaper over the surface of the center caps, using consistent, light pressure and following the direction of any lines or patterns on the caps. Take your time and work in small sections, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly.
By following these steps and using 400-grit sandpaper, you'll be able to effectively and safely prepare the plastic center caps for painting, ensuring a smooth and professional-looking finish.
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Using a self-etching primer
Self-etching primers are ideal for use as the first step in automotive priming projects, especially when dealing with minor collision damages. They are perfect for doing colour touch-ups on small areas, provided the surface has no dents. Self-etching primers are the product of choice for automotive body shops. They are formulated to stop rust and are an essential step to achieve a professionally finished look.
Self-etching primers are only used for metal and fibreglass surfaces. This is because most plastic materials absorb self-etching primers, causing them to lose their primary functional purpose. The smooth surface of plastics makes it difficult for paint to adhere. The product only sinks into the material instead of layering over it. When the primer sinks, it leaves the plastic bare with nothing to help the paint adhere.
To use a self-etching primer, first, prepare the surface by removing loose paint, dirt, rust, grease, wax, etc. For best results, use a grease and wax remover to clean the surface. You can use a product like Dupli-Color® Prep-Spray, which is specifically formulated to remove oil, wax, grease and other contaminants from metal surfaces. Then, scuff/sand the surface with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface down again with grease and wax remover. Then let it dry.
Next, shake the can vigorously for one minute after the mixing ball begins to rattle. Hold the can 12-16" from the surface and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Keep the can the same distance from the surface and in motion while spraying. Apply 2 to 3 thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for 2 minutes before applying the next coat. After the final coat, allow the self-etching primer to dry for a minimum of 3-4 hours before dry sanding, or 15 minutes before wet sanding with #400 grit sandpaper. Finally, apply a top coat after 30 minutes.
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Choosing the right paint
Paint Type: Opt for a paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Plastic-specific paints, such as Krylon FUSION Plastic paint, offer better adhesion and durability than regular paint. These paints are formulated to bond with the plastic surface, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
Color: Choose a color that complements your vehicle's overall aesthetic. Consider matching the color of your wheels or selecting a contrasting shade that adds a stylish accent. For a subtle and elegant look, classic colors like black or silver are popular choices for center caps.
Finish: Decide on the desired finish for your center caps. You can choose between a glossy or matte finish, depending on your preference and the look you want to achieve. A glossy finish can make your caps stand out, while a matte finish offers a more understated and modern appearance.
Primer: Consider using a self-etching primer before painting. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface and can improve the overall durability of the finish. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint for best results.
Spray Paint vs. Brush Paint: Determine whether you want to use spray paint or brush paint. Spray paint tends to provide a smoother and more even finish, especially for larger surfaces. Brush paint can be useful for smaller areas or touch-ups, allowing for more precise application.
Durability: Look for paints that are known for their durability and resistance to chipping and fading. Engine enamel and caliper paints, for example, are often recommended for their toughness and ability to withstand the elements.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right paint for your plastic center caps, ensuring a professional-looking and long-lasting finish. Remember that proper preparation, as mentioned earlier, is also crucial to the success of your painting project.
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Applying multiple light coats
When painting plastic centre caps, it is important to apply multiple light coats of paint. This is because the plastic surface is not very absorbent, and a single thick coat of paint may not adhere properly and could end up peeling off. By applying several thin coats of paint, you allow each layer to dry and form a strong bond with the surface, resulting in a more durable and long-lasting finish.
To begin the painting process, you should first prepare the plastic centre caps by cleaning them and sanding them with wet sandpaper. This will create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Once the caps are smooth and free of dirt and contaminants, you can start applying the light coats of paint.
It is recommended to use a spray paint designed for use on plastic surfaces, as this will give you the best adhesion and a smooth, even finish. Hold the spray paint can about 10-12 inches away from the surface of the cap and use a steady, back-and-forth motion to apply a thin, even coat of paint. Make sure to move the can slowly and steadily to avoid drips or runs in the paint.
After applying the first light coat, allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the surface again with a very fine-grit sandpaper to create an even smoother surface for the next coat of paint to adhere to.
Repeat this process of applying a light coat of paint, allowing it to dry, and then sanding until you have applied all the coats recommended by the paint manufacturer, usually two to three coats. By following this process, you will achieve a smooth, durable, and professional-looking finish on your plastic centre caps.
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Adding a clear coat
Firstly, preparation is key. Make sure you have chosen quality equipment and masked off the area surrounding the plastic center caps to protect from any spray. You can use masking tape, newspaper, or a similar item to cover the surrounding area. It is also a good idea to practice spraying on a test card or a large piece of cardboard to get a feel for how the clear coat sprays and how much you will need.
When you are ready to apply the clear coat, hold the spray gun 6 to 8 inches away from the surface. Keep the gun tilted parallel to the surface, and if you come to a section with an angle, adjust your grip so the gun remains aligned. As you move around the plastic center caps, overlap each pass by 50% to ensure an even application and prevent any stripes.
Apply 2-3 layers of clear coat. The first layer should be applied lightly, and then the next two coats can be applied more thickly so they look wet. After you have applied a full coat, let the paint dry for 10 minutes before applying the second coat. Once the second coat is applied, leave the plastic center caps undisturbed for an hour to allow the paint to cure and set properly.
To keep your clear coat looking fresh, make sure to gently wash and wax it regularly. Hand wash with a quality wash mitt, 2 buckets of washing and rinsing water, car-wash soap, and microfiber towels. Take extra care when washing over the clear coat and remove any dirt buildup that could cause scratches.
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Frequently asked questions
If the wheels are off, you can push them off from the back. If they are on the car, use a small flat-head screwdriver to pop them off.
First, use sandpaper to sand the paint off the center caps. Then, clean the caps with alcohol or mineral spirits.
You can use any spray paint you want. Krylon FUSION Plastic paint in satin black is a good option for plastic center caps.
Apply several light coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry in between coats. After applying a few coats, wet sand the caps lightly and apply additional coats.
