Omar Khalid
Painting plastic coil covers can be a fun DIY project. It can be done with aerosol cans, spray paint, or professional paint guns. The process involves cleaning the surface, applying a primer, sanding, applying paint, and finishing with a clear coat. Some people choose to add custom lettering or designs to their coil covers, which can be achieved through taping, stencilling, or vinyl decals. The cost of supplies for this project can vary depending on the type of paint and tools used, but it generally ranges from $10 to $200.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surface preparation | Use a Scotch pad to wipe the surface, then wipe with mineral spirits or 90% alcohol |
| Primer | Use an adhesion promoter, following the directions on the can |
| Paint type | Poly paint, auto paint, or spray paint |
| Paint colour | Light or dark colours, or chrome |
| Paint application | Use a professional airbrush, sprayers, aerosol cans, or paint guns |
| Number of paint coats | 2-3 light coats, followed by a medium coat |
| Lettering | Tape off the lettering and trim the tape with a razor blade, or fill the lettering with Plastidip |
| Clear coat | Apply 2-4 coats of clear lacquer or auto clear coat |
| Drying time | Let dry overnight |
| Sanding | Wet sand with 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit sandpaper |
| Buffing | Use a buffing compound |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding and buffing
Sanding:
Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface of the plastic coil covers. Start by using a coarse Scotch pad to wipe over the entire surface. This will create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. You can also use sandpaper for this initial sanding step.
If the plastic coil covers have any scratches or imperfections, you can use finer-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Start with a finer grit, such as 400 or 600, and sand the surface until the desired smoothness is achieved. For deeper scratches, you may need to start with a coarser grit and gradually work your way up to finer grits.
Buffing:
Buffing is the process of removing scratches, oxidation, and any remaining dirt or debris from the surface of the plastic coil covers. This step is important to ensure a smooth and shiny finish.
There are various methods for buffing plastic. One common approach is to use abrasives such as toothpaste, baking soda, or sandpaper. Toothpaste is particularly effective for shallow scratches due to its silica content. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton cloth or toothbrush and rub the scratched area in a circular motion.
For deeper scratches or more extensive buffing, sandpaper can be used. Start with a finer grit, such as 800, and dip it in water to minimize friction and heat. Rub the oxidized area in a circular motion, gradually moving up to higher grits like 1000 and 2000. This process will help buff out the scratches and create a smoother surface.
Additionally, a buffing wheel or buffing papers can be used to achieve a gleaming finish. A buffing wheel is especially useful for both soft and hard plastics, such as motorcycle trim or car headlights. If using a buffing wheel, hold it against the plastic and move it in a circular motion.
For an even shinier finish, you can use a metal polish with a soft, clean cloth. Apply the polish in small, circular motions to enhance the glossiness of the plastic.
Remember to work on small sections at a time and always clean and dry the surface before moving on to the next step.
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Painting with a professional airbrush
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area and Materials
Before you begin, ensure you have a well-ventilated workspace. Set up a painting hood or a sturdy box with a furnace filter attached to a box fan to catch any overspray and protect your surroundings. Gather all the necessary materials, including your airbrush, compressor, paint, primer, thinner, cleaner, disposable pipettes, replacement needles, and a reusable mask.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Start by using a coarse Scotch pad to wipe over the entire surface of the plastic coil covers. Then, wipe the surface with mineral spirits or 90% alcohol to ensure it is clean. Follow the directions on the can to apply an adhesion promoter, usually around three coats.
Step 3: Primer Application
If you are using light colours, apply an auto-type primer and then sand the surface with 400-600 grit sandpaper according to the primer directions. For darker colours, you can skip this step. You can also use an aircraft stripper to remove any factory powder coating, or simply scuff it up before painting if you don't want to use a primer.
Step 4: Taping and Protection
If you plan to paint the imprinted lettering a different colour, you will need to tape off the areas you want to protect. Use a high-quality, fine-line tape specifically designed for this purpose, such as 3M "fine line" tape. Carefully tape off the fins and lettering, ensuring that the tape is cut as close to the edges as possible.
Step 5: Painting with the Airbrush
Now, you are ready to start painting with your airbrush. If this is your first time using an airbrush, take some time to familiarise yourself with the tool and its controls. Practice on a separate surface before attempting to paint your plastic coil covers.
For the best results, use a dual-action, gravity-fed airbrush, which will give you greater control over the air and paint flow. Start by pulling back slightly on the trigger to release a small amount of paint, and then adjust as needed by pulling back further. Apply at least two light coats of paint before moving on to a medium coat.
Step 6: Final Steps
Once the paint has dried, apply a clear coat to protect your work. You can use a clear coat spray or apply it with your airbrush. After the clear coat has dried, lightly scuff the surface with a fine Scotch pad, and then wipe it down with a tack cloth to ensure there is no dust before applying any additional layers.
With these steps and your professional airbrush, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish on your plastic coil covers.
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Using aerosol cans
Painting plastic coil covers using aerosol cans is a great DIY project that can give your plastic coil covers a dramatic makeover. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:
Preparation:
Firstly, it is important to start with a good primer to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. Choose a plastic primer designed specifically for spray painting plastic products. Plastic primer flexes with the plastic, preventing the paint from cracking. Shake the can well for a couple of minutes, ideally at room temperature, to mix the liquefied gas and paint.
Masking:
Next, mask off the areas you don't want to paint. Use masking tape and paper for larger areas. Paint can travel, so cover more than you think is necessary. A helpful tip is to tape the fins and lettering, then use a razor blade to trim around the lettering. This method takes patience, so take your time to ensure clean edges.
Painting:
Now you are ready to paint! Hold the can about 10-12 inches away from the surface and apply a minimum of 5-6 fine layers of primer, letting it dry between applications. If you see any imperfections, you can sand them out and re-apply primer. Build up layers rather than applying one thick coat.
Once the primer is dry, apply the paint. For a perfect finish, apply at least two light coats before applying a medium coat. If you are using a dark colour, you can skip the primer. However, if you are using a light colour, use an auto-type primer and sand between coats.
Finishing:
After painting, let the paint dry completely. To protect your paint job, spray the entire piece with a clear primer, especially if your plastic coil covers will be kept outside. This will ensure your hard work is protected from the elements.
And that's it! You now have beautifully painted plastic coil covers. Enjoy your refreshed and revamped coil covers, and don't be afraid to give them another coat when you get bored!
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Painting imprinted lettering
Prepare the Surface:
Start by power sanding the lettering and surrounding areas to create a smooth base. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a Scotch pad to gently scuff the surface, removing any existing paint or coating. This step ensures that the new paint will adhere properly.
Tape Off the Lettering:
After sanding, it's time to protect the lettering from the new paint. Use masking tape, preferably blue painter's tape, to carefully cover each letter. Take your time with this step to ensure that the tape is firmly adhered to the lettering.
Trim the Tape:
Once the letters are taped, use a sharp razor blade or an Exacto knife to carefully trim around the edges of the lettering. This step ensures that you create crisp, clean lines when painting. Take your time and cut as close to the edges as possible.
Apply Primer:
Before painting, it's essential to apply a primer. Choose a primer suitable for plastic surfaces, such as an auto-type primer or a PPG primer. Follow the directions on the primer can, and apply at least one light coat. The primer will help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish.
Paint the Lettering:
Now, it's time to paint the lettering. Select a paint colour that is compatible with plastic surfaces. You can use spray paint or a paint roller for this step. If using spray paint, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and apply light, even coats to avoid drips. If using a roller, ensure it's specifically designed for use with paint compatible with the plastic finish. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
Remove Tape and Touch Up:
After the paint has dried, carefully remove the masking tape from the lettering. Use a rag or a soft brush to wipe away any paint that may have bled under the tape. If needed, use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in lacquer thinner to clean up the edges and create sharp lines.
Apply Clear Coat:
To protect your paint job and add a professional finish, apply a clear coat over the lettering and surrounding areas. This will give your project a sleek look and provide an extra layer of protection. Allow the clear coat to dry overnight before handling the coil covers.
Final Touches:
Once the clear coat is dry, lightly sand the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper or Scotch pad to create a smooth finish. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris. Your painted coil covers are now ready to be installed or displayed!
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety instructions on the products you use. With these steps, you can achieve impressive results and give your plastic coil covers a unique and personalised touch.
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Applying a clear coat
When it comes to applying a clear coat to your painted plastic coil covers, there are several steps to follow for the best results. Firstly, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a good cleaner, such as PRE Paint Prep, and a lint-free rag to wipe down the plastic, ensuring it is free of any oils, dirt, or debris. This step is crucial as plastic can be porous and may contain contaminants that can ruin your paint or clear coat, even after it has cured.
Next, you can use a heat gun to warm the surface of the plastic. This helps to "cook out" any remaining impurities in the pores. Maintain a medium heat and keep the heat gun moving to avoid damaging the surface. After this, you should abrade the surface lightly with a scuff pad or sandpaper. This initial abrasion will help the paint and clear coat adhere better to the plastic.
Now, you can apply an adhesion promoter. This is especially important if the plastic will be subject to a lot of movement or abuse. Follow the directions on the product you choose; most will require three coats.
With the preparation complete, you can begin applying the clear coat. For the first coats, use light or medium layers, avoiding applying the clear coat too heavily. Once these initial coats are down, you can build up the thickness with slightly heavier coats. If you are using an extremely flexible plastic, consider adding a small amount of flex agent to the final coats of clear coat. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific product you are using, including flash times between coats.
Finally, allow the clear coat to dry overnight. If you are happy with the finish, you can install the coil covers. However, for a true mirror shine, you can continue with wet sanding and buffing.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paint, primer, a clear coat, and sandpaper. You can also use a Scotch pad, mineral spirits or 90% alcohol, and an adhesion promoter.
You can use aerosol cans, spray paint, or professional paint guns. If you are painting plastic, you will need to use a paint that is suitable for plastic, such as Krylon plastic spray paint.
First, you need to clean the surface and remove any old paint. Then, you can apply a primer and sand the surface. Next, you can apply the paint. Finally, you can apply a clear coat to protect the paint.
Yes, you can paint the imprinted lettering. One way to do this is to tape off the lettering and then paint the rest of the cover. Another way is to fill the imprints with something to block the paint and then paint the lettering.
