Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic truck flares is a tedious process that requires several steps, professional-grade materials, and a clean workspace. It is an aesthetic modification that creates a sleek, uniform appearance and adds a layer of UV resistance. The process involves removing the flares, cleaning and sanding the surface, applying primer, and spraying on the paint in a well-ventilated area. It is important to use the correct paint and primer to ensure a durable and high-quality finish. The paint code of the vehicle can be used to find an exact colour match.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting fender flares | An aesthetic modification to create a sleek, uniform appearance |
| Adds a layer of UV resistance, guarding the underlying plastics against unnecessary oxidation | |
| Paint | Enamel or polyurethane automotive paint |
| Krylon Fusion | |
| Rustoleum truck bed can spray | |
| Bumper and trim paint | |
| Armor All Plastic Care | |
| Polypropylene primer | |
| Acrylic lacquer primer | |
| 2K urethane clear coat | |
| Prepping solvent | Degreaser |
| Tack cloth | |
| Sandpaper | |
| Adhesion promoter | |
| Scuff pad |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Use a degreaser to clean the surface, then sand it down to smoothen imperfections
- Primer: Spray primer onto the surface, ensuring the area is well-ventilated and covered
- Paint: Mist the first coat, let it dry, then add more coats as needed
- Paint selection: Choose enamel or polyurethane automotive paint, and match the colour to your vehicle
- Professional vs. DIY: Consider the pros and cons of painting yourself vs. paying a professional
Preparation: Use a degreaser to clean the surface, then sand it down to smoothen imperfections
Painting plastic truck flares is a tedious process that requires careful preparation and professional-grade materials. The first step in this process is to thoroughly clean the surface of the flares with a high-quality degreaser. This is important because dust or dirt on the surface can cause the paint to crack, peel, or flake. It is recommended to use an all-purpose automotive degreaser and avoid using a lacquer thinner or reducer, as this will make the surface harder to paint and can even repel the paint.
After degreasing, the next step is to sand down the surface of the flares to smoothen any imperfections and create an even surface for the paint to adhere to. Using 200-grit sandpaper, move the sandpaper back and forth over the surface of the flares, focusing on working out any bumps or rough spots. This sanding process is crucial, as it ensures that the paint will adhere properly and creates a smooth finish. It is important to be consistent in your sanding, especially if you are doing it by hand. If using a DA sander, you can start with p120 sandpaper and then move to 220-320-400 grit for a finer finish.
Once the surface is smooth and free of imperfections, use a tack cloth to wipe down the flares, ensuring that all dust and debris from the sanding process are removed. Even a small amount of dust left on the surface can cause issues with the paint, so it is important to be thorough during this step. After sanding and wiping down the flares, you can move on to the next critical step, which is applying a primer.
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Primer: Spray primer onto the surface, ensuring the area is well-ventilated and covered
Painting plastic truck flares is a simple process that requires some preparation and the right tools. One of the most important steps is priming the surface, which ensures the paint adheres properly and enhances the final coat's durability. Here's a detailed guide on how to apply primer when painting plastic truck flares:
Prepare the Work Area:
Before spraying primer on the truck flares, it's essential to work in a well-ventilated area. Open doors and windows or set up fans to ensure adequate airflow. Additionally, cover the surrounding area with plastic sheets or newspapers to protect it from primer overspray. Don the necessary safety gear, including a respirator, to avoid inhaling primer fumes.
Clean and Sand the Flares:
Start by cleaning the surface of the plastic truck flares with a degreaser to remove any dirt, oils, or debris. Once the surface is clean and dry, use sandpaper (140-320 grit) to lightly sand the flares. This process gives the surface some texture and helps smooth out any imperfections or bumps. After sanding, wipe down the flares with a tack cloth to remove any residual dust or debris.
Spray the Primer:
Lay the truck flares on a flat surface covered with plastic or newspaper. Shake the primer can vigorously for about a minute to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed. Hold the primer can 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) away from the surface of the flares. Start spraying by pushing the button on the top of the can and move your arm in long, sweeping motions. Aim to cover as much of the flare as possible in one sweep. Continue spraying until you've applied a full coat to the entire surface. If the flares have been detached, don't forget to spray a coat of primer inside the interior of the flares as well.
Allow the Primer to Dry:
After priming, let the truck flares sit for at least 30 minutes in a dust-free environment. The primer should be dry to the touch. Some primers may feel slightly sticky, but it shouldn't come off on your hands. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific drying time recommended for the primer you're using.
Additional Tips:
- When using a primer designed specifically for plastic surfaces, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
- If you're painting the flares while they're still attached to the vehicle, use electrical tape along the area where the flares meet the car. Then, drape a large piece of plastic and secure it with tape to protect the rest of the vehicle from primer and paint.
- When spraying the primer, work in thin, light coats, going from left to right, until all surfaces are evenly covered.
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Paint: Mist the first coat, let it dry, then add more coats as needed
Painting plastic truck flares is a meticulous process that requires careful preparation and the right materials. Once you have selected the right paint, cleaned and sanded the flares, and applied a primer, you are ready to begin painting.
The painting process begins with misting the first coat of paint onto the truck flares. Hold the paint can 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) away from the flares and push the button to release the paint. Move your arm in long, sweeping motions, aiming to cover as much of the flare as possible in a single sweep. Continue spraying until you have applied a full coat of paint.
After applying the first coat, it is crucial to allow the paint to dry completely. The drying time will depend on various factors, including the type of paint used, the thickness of the coat, and the environmental conditions. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying times.
Once the first coat is dry, inspect the flares to determine if additional coats are needed. Depending on the desired finish and the coverage achieved with the first coat, you may need to apply multiple thin coats to achieve the desired result. Remember to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
When applying subsequent coats, follow the same misting technique as the first coat. Hold the paint can at the recommended distance, use sweeping motions, and aim for even coverage. Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator to protect yourself from inhaling paint fumes.
By misting the first coat, allowing it to dry, and then adding more coats as needed, you can achieve a smooth and uniform finish on your plastic truck flares. This methodical approach ensures that the paint adheres properly and produces a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
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Paint selection: Choose enamel or polyurethane automotive paint, and match the colour to your vehicle
Painting plastic truck flares is a meticulous process that requires careful preparation, the right paint selection, and a good deal of patience. When it comes to paint selection, choosing the right type of paint and colour matching are crucial steps to achieve a seamless, professional-looking finish.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of paint for the job. Enamel or polyurethane automotive paints are recommended for painting plastic truck flares. These paints are designed to adhere well to plastic surfaces and provide a durable, long-lasting finish. They are available in spray paint form, making them convenient to apply. It is advisable to avoid traditional spray paints, as they may not yield the desired results. Automotive paint stores or online retailers are the best places to purchase these specialised paints. If you are unsure about which product to choose, don't hesitate to seek advice from knowledgeable store associates.
Matching the colour of your truck flares to the rest of your vehicle is essential for maintaining a cohesive and uniform appearance. To achieve an exact colour match, you'll need to locate your vehicle's paint code. This code can typically be found in the user manual, under the hood, on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, or in the glove box. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer or dealership directly to obtain the correct code. Once you have the paint code, you can purchase the matching paint from an automotive store or online.
Some vehicles, such as two-tone trucks, may require a different approach to colour matching. In such cases, customers often opt to match the flares to the bottom colour of the truck, adding a stylish touch to their vehicles. It is worth noting that textured flares may pose challenges during the painting process, and it is advisable to check with your chosen painter before proceeding.
In summary, selecting the right paint for your plastic truck flares involves choosing enamel or polyurethane automotive paint and carefully matching the colour to your vehicle. Taking the time to prepare the surface, select the appropriate paint type, and ensure an exact colour match will result in a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Professional vs. DIY: Consider the pros and cons of painting yourself vs. paying a professional
Painting plastic truck flares can be a tricky task, and you may be wondering whether to attempt it yourself or hire a professional. Here are some pros and cons of each option to help you decide:
DIY: Painting it Yourself
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Painting the truck flares yourself can save you money. For example, one person was quoted $300 to get their flares painted professionally, but they managed to paint them themselves for only $125.
- Satisfaction: There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a project yourself and seeing the final product.
- Flexibility: You can choose when and where to paint, allowing you to work at your own pace.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Painting truck flares require multiple steps, including cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting. Each layer of paint also needs to dry for several hours, so the process can be time-consuming.
- Inconvenience: You will need to purchase or rent the necessary tools and equipment, such as sandpaper, primer, paint, and protective gear. This can be inconvenient and may require additional research to ensure you have the right products.
- Quality: Achieving a professional-looking finish can be challenging. Without the proper skills and experience, the final result may not meet your expectations.
Hiring a Professional
Pros:
- Quality: Professionals have the skills and experience to deliver a high-quality finish. They can also advise on the best products and techniques to use, ensuring a durable and long-lasting result.
- Convenience: Hiring a professional saves you time and effort. You won't need to purchase or rent equipment, and you can avoid the hassle of setting up and cleaning up.
- Reliability: Professionals can provide warranties or guarantees for their work, giving you peace of mind that any issues will be addressed.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring a professional will typically be more expensive than doing it yourself.
- Availability: You will need to schedule an appointment with a professional, which may not always be convenient.
- Loss of Customization: When you hire a professional, you may have less control over the specific products and techniques used.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use enamel or polyurethane automotive paint. You can also use bumper and trim paint, or a spray-on bed liner.
No, you can paint them while they're still attached to the vehicle. However, if you choose to do so, you will only be able to paint the outside of them.
You can find the vehicle's paint code in the manual, on a sticker in the driver's side door jam, or by contacting the manufacturer. This will help you purchase the exact same colour.
Clean the surface with a degreaser, and sand it down with 200-grit sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Then, wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any dust.
Mist or dust the first coat of paint and let it dry for around 30 minutes. Continue with additional coats until you achieve the desired coverage. Finally, apply a clear coat and let it dry for 24 hours.
