Alexei Volkov
Spray painting plastic wheel trims can be a cost-effective way to improve the look of your car. It is important to prepare the trims properly by cleaning them with soapy water or a commercial degreaser, and possibly applying an adhesion promoter, before painting. You should also ensure that the trims are removed from your car before you start, and that you are using the right type of paint for the job.
Characteristics and Values Table for Spray Painting Plastic Wheel Trims
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | £4 for a spray paint aerosol, 20p for wet n dry paper, £25 for a set of used trims from eBay |
| Paint | Silver, acrylic, metallic, car body paint, car paint, Halfords Wheel & Wheel Trim Paint Steel |
| Primer | Adhesion promoter, plastic primer |
| Cleaning | Isopropanol, other rubbing alcohol, soapy water, scouring pad, commercial degreaser, 'gunk' engine cleaner, wheel cleaning liquid |
| Process | Remove trim, clean trim, degrease, dry, sand with 320-grade wet and dry, prime, spray paint |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Type of Paint
The most common types of paint used for spraying plastic wheel trims are acrylic and enamel. Acrylic paint is fast-drying, easy to work with, and provides a durable finish. Enamel paint, on the other hand, offers a glossy and long-lasting finish but may take longer to dry. You can choose between these two types of paint based on your preferred finish and the time you have available for the project.
Colour
The colour of the paint is an important consideration. Traditionally, silver was the standard colour used by car manufacturers for wheel trims. However, nowadays, there are various colours to choose from, including matte black, glossy black, anthracite, and gunmetal grey. Select a colour that complements the overall look of your vehicle.
Primer
Using a primer before painting is crucial when working with plastic surfaces. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the plastic, resulting in a smoother and more durable finish. Choose a plastic primer or an epoxy primer, which is recommended for better adhesion.
Adhesion Promoter
If you're painting hard plastics such as ABS or PVC, an adhesion promoter can be beneficial. Apply the adhesion promoter according to the instructions, and start spraying while it's still wet. For flexible plastics like TPO or PP, wait for the adhesion promoter to dry completely before spraying.
Degreaser
Before painting, it's essential to clean the wheel trims thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, or dust. This step will ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface. You can use a commercial degreaser or a mixture of soapy water and a scouring pad to clean the trims.
Spray Paint or Brush Paint
Spray paint is generally recommended over brush paint for plastic wheel trims. Spray paint provides a smoother and more even finish, making it less likely to look "awful." However, if you opt for brush paint, ensure you brush in the right directions (along the spokes and around the circumference) to achieve a decent finish.
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Cleaning the trims
To spray paint plastic wheel trims, you must first clean the trims to ensure the paint adheres properly and does not flake off.
Start by removing the trims from your vehicle. Then, use isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, to remove any grease from the trims. You can also use "gunk" engine cleaner or wheel cleaning liquid to degrease the trims. Ensure you clean all the nooks and crannies of the trims to remove all traces of grease and grime.
After degreasing, wash the trims with hot soapy water and allow them to dry completely. Once the trims are dry, you can further prepare them for painting by flattening them with 320-grade wet and dry paper. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to and ensure a more even finish.
By properly cleaning and preparing your plastic wheel trims, you will achieve a more professional and long-lasting finish when spray painting.
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Applying adhesion promoter
To apply an adhesion promoter to your wheel trims, start by preparing the surface of the trims. Use a grease and wax remover to clean the surface and remove any loose paint, dirt, rust, grease, or wax. This step is crucial as it ensures that the adhesion promoter will adhere properly to the surface. You can use a product like Dupli-Color Multipurpose Foaming Prep Cleaner, which is designed to remove contaminants and leave a residue-free surface.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can apply the adhesion promoter. Hold the can of the adhesion promoter, such as Dupli-Color ECP199 Adhesion Promoter, approximately 8-10 inches away from the surface of the wheel trim. Spray in a steady, even, and sweeping motion, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Apply 2-3 light coats, allowing 3 minutes of drying time between each coat. This will prevent runs and sags in the final finish.
After applying the adhesion promoter, it is important to allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step. The adhesion promoter should dry within 5 minutes. At this point, you can apply a primer or base coat over the adhesion promoter. It is recommended to use a plastic primer specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces, such as a standard primer or a wheel trim paint.
It is important to note that if your plastic panels have an existing coating, you may not need to apply a primer. However, if you do need to prime the surface, it is recommended to use a wax and grease remover on the plastic before applying the primer. Additionally, some sources suggest lightly sanding the plastic surface before applying the adhesion promoter to create a better adhesion surface. This can be done with sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad, ranging from 400-600 grit. However, be cautious as adhesion promoters themselves cannot be sanded due to their chemical composition.
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Spraying technique
To spray paint plastic wheel trims, you'll need to first clean and prepare the trims for painting. This can be done by using a commercial degreaser or a mixture of warm water and liquid dish soap to remove any dirt or grease. It is important to ensure that the trim is completely dry before beginning to paint.
When you are ready to paint, start by shaking the can of adhesion promoter to mix it together. Hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the trim and slowly work your way back and forth, applying a thin coat of the adhesion promoter to both sides of the trim. If you are painting a hard plastic such as ABS or PVC, start spraying while the adhesion promoter is still wet. For flexible plastics like TPO or PP, wait for it to dry completely before applying paint.
Once the adhesion promoter is ready, you can begin applying the spray paint. Hold the can of spray paint about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the trim and move back and forth across the surface, applying a thin and even coat. When you have finished spraying in one direction, apply paint from the other side of the trim. Only paint the side that will be visible when the trim is back on the car.
Let the first coat of paint dry for about 10 minutes before applying a second coat. For the second coat, spray in the opposite direction of the first coat. For example, if you sprayed left to right for the first coat, spray up and down for the second. This will help ensure an even finish. If you can still see the plastic underneath after the second coat, apply a third coat once the trim is dry again.
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Drying and additional coats
When it comes to drying and applying additional coats of paint to your plastic wheel trims, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, it's essential to let the first coat of paint dry completely before applying a second coat. The drying time will depend on the type of paint you're using, but on average, it should take around 10 minutes for the first coat to dry. During this time, you can prepare for the next step by shaking the paint can to ensure the paint is mixed properly.
Once the first coat is dry to the touch, you can apply the second coat. It's important to note that you should spray the second coat in the opposite direction of the first coat. For example, if you sprayed the first coat from left to right, spray the second coat up and down. This technique helps to ensure an even and consistent finish. After applying the second coat, examine the trim to see if the plastic is still visible underneath. If so, a third coat of paint may be necessary.
Before applying any additional coats, allow the previous coat to dry completely. This is crucial to avoid smudging or uneven finishes. Depending on the paint you're using, you may need to wait longer than 10 minutes for it to dry. Once the trim feels dry to the touch, you can proceed with the next coat. Remember to spray in a different direction with each new coat to achieve the best results.
In addition to the direction of spraying, the distance you hold the paint can from the trim is also important. For optimal results, hold the can about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the surface of the trim. This distance allows for a thin and even coat of paint to be applied. Press the button on the can and move your arm back and forth in a slow and steady motion to ensure a consistent coat. By following these steps and allowing adequate drying time between coats, you will achieve a smooth and professional finish on your plastic wheel trims.
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Frequently asked questions
Use isopropanol or another type of rubbing alcohol to remove grease and dust. You can also use hot soapy water and let the trims dry.
You can use any car paint as long as you use a plastic primer first. You can also use a standard primer, but a plastic primer may give better results.
A 500ml can of paint should be enough to cover 4 wheel trims.
Spraying is generally recommended over brushing as it gives a smoother finish.
Silver metallic spray paint dries very quickly.
