Omar Khalid
Spray-painting a plastic spoiler is a two-day process. On the first day, you need to prepare the spoiler's surface by cleaning and sanding it. You should then apply a primer coat. On the second day, you can apply the colour coat, followed by the clear coat. It is important to apply the coats lightly and to let each layer dry according to the time specified on the can. The ideal conditions for spray-painting are about 65–85°F with about 50% humidity.
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What You'll Learn
- Materials needed: Sandpaper, sanding block, masking tape, primer, colour paint, and clear coat
- Preparation: Clean the surface, sand it with sandpaper, and mask off parts that don't need to be painted
- Primer coat: Ensure the surface is dry, then spray a light first coat
- Colour coat: Spray light coats until an even coat is achieved, following directions on drying time
- Clear coat: Apply multiple light coats until the desired finish is achieved
Materials needed: Sandpaper, sanding block, masking tape, primer, colour paint, and clear coat
To spray paint a plastic spoiler, you will need the following materials:
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is used to smooth out the surface of the spoiler before painting. It helps to create a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. The grit of the sandpaper refers to the size of the abrasive particles on the paper, which determines how coarse or fine it is. For this project, you will need wet/dry sandpaper in various grits: 320, 400, 600, and 1200+. The lower the grit number, the coarser the sandpaper. The 320-grit sandpaper is used for initial surface preparation, while the finer grits (600 and 1200+) are used for achieving a smooth finish between paint coats.
Sanding block
A sanding block is a handheld tool that provides a flat surface for the sandpaper to be wrapped around. It helps to apply even pressure when sanding, ensuring a consistent finish.
Masking tape
Masking tape, also known as painter's tape, is used to mask off areas that you do not want to paint. It is recommended to use a high-quality painting masking tape that can conform to curved surfaces and remove cleanly without leaving residue.
Primer
Primer is a crucial step in painting plastic as it improves the adhesion of the paint and helps the colour coat to last longer. Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces and apply it using a spray can. It is recommended to use a light coat first and then follow the directions on the can for adding additional coats.
Colour paint
Select a colour paint that is suitable for plastic surfaces and is available in a spray can. It is important to follow the directions on the can regarding drying time and the number of coats required.
Clear coat
A clear coat is applied over the colour paint to provide a protective layer and a glossy finish. Similar to the primer, a high-quality clear coat is recommended, and it should be applied in multiple thin layers.
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Preparation: Clean the surface, sand it with sandpaper, and mask off parts that don't need to be painted
To prepare a plastic spoiler for spray painting, start by cleaning the surface to ensure there is no dirt or grease that could interfere with the paint adhesion. Once the spoiler is clean and dry, use sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface. This will create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better and result in a smoother finish. If there are any deep rough spots, it is recommended to sand first and then apply a filler primer before painting. Alternatively, if the spots are only slightly rough, you can prime and sand them later, as a rough spot can help the paint stick.
After sanding, it's important to mask off any parts of the spoiler that you don't want to be painted. This can be done using masking tape and an X-acto knife to carefully cut around the edges of the areas to be protected. You can also use liquid masking film, which is commonly used in automotive painting and can be easily peeled off after painting. Another creative method is to use grease to mask off areas; simply apply a thin coat of grease to the spots you want to protect, and then wipe it away along with any paint that may have gotten on it.
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Primer coat: Ensure the surface is dry, then spray a light first coat
When preparing to spray paint a plastic spoiler, it is crucial to ensure that the surface is properly prepared for the primer coat. Start by rinsing and drying the surface thoroughly. If there is existing paint on the surface, use 320-grit sandpaper to sand it down, employing the sanding block and a criss-cross sanding technique (sanding left to right and then alternating sanding up and down). The goal is to achieve a dull, smooth surface.
Once the surface is adequately prepared, it's time to move on to the primer coat application. Ensure that the surface is meticulously clean and free of any residue, dust, or moisture. Use masking tape to cover any areas that do not require painting. It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided on the primer spray can before commencing the painting process.
When applying the primer, start with a very light first coat. Hold the spray can approximately 6 to 8 inches away from the surface and use smooth, even strokes to apply the primer. After the first pass, refer to the instructions on the can to determine the appropriate time interval before applying additional coats. Typically, most paints recommend waiting for around 5 to 10 minutes between coats, depending on the brand.
It is important not to over-prime the surface. Generally, 7 to 8 light coats of primer are sufficient to achieve an even coverage. However, the specific number of coats may vary depending on the brand and the object being painted. Once you have applied the primer coat, let it dry completely. Ideally, it should be left to sit overnight to ensure it is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.
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Colour coat: Spray light coats until an even coat is achieved, following directions on drying time
Now that the spoiler has been sanded, rinsed, dried, and primed, it is time for the colour coat. Make sure the surface is clean and clear of dust or water. Following the directions on the can of paint, spray a very light first coat of paint. After the first light coat, continue to coat the object with light coats until it is covered with an even coat of paint. Typically, this will take about 5-6 light coats, or you can spray until there is an even coat of paint. Be sure to follow the directions on the can for drying time. Drying time usually varies from 1-8 hours, depending on the brand of paint. Do not rush this process. Once the colour coat is dry, you are ready to apply the clear coat.
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Clear coat: Apply multiple light coats until the desired finish is achieved
Once the colour coat is dry, you are ready to apply the clear coat. As with the previous coats, follow the directions on the can for drying and reapplying times. You want to apply a very light first coat, and then reapply with an even wet coat of clear. Do this until you accumulate about 6-7 coats of clear. Do not rush this process. Be sure to give it at least some time before recoating between coats.
It is important to let each layer dry according to the time specified on the can. You might even have to wait longer for the clear coat. If you rush the process, the paint will not dry properly, and the chemicals used to keep the paint liquid can become trapped, trying to seep out. This can cause the clear coat to feel sticky and melt in the sun, making the spoiler vulnerable to particles like dirt and bugs.
If you leave a coat for more than an hour or two, you will have to return to it after about seven days. To avoid this, some people put the cans in a hot water bath to keep them hot, and use a heat gun as they go. However, it is important to be aware that the cans are under pressure. If you are unsure, it is best to skip this step.
You can also use a gun and compressor for the clear coat, or let a shop do it.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wet/dry sandpaper, a sanding block, masking tape, primer, colour paint, and a clear coat.
Clean the surface of the spoiler and ensure it is dry. If there is existing paint on the spoiler, sand it down using the criss-cross method until the surface is dull and smooth.
First, cover any areas you don't want to be painted with newspaper and masking tape. Test the paint on a scrap surface, then hold the can 10-12 inches from the spoiler and spray in even strokes, overlapping each stroke by about 50%.
Apply several light coats of paint until the spoiler is evenly coated. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time, then apply the clear coat.
It is recommended to use automotive paint, as it has a durable finish and is designed to withstand the elements. Choose a quality brand that offers good coverage and is compatible with plastic surfaces.
