I Would Like To Paint My Side View Mirrors

[Ron Burgundy]

But what type of paint should I use?

I would like to paint them black rather than the (faded) body color they currently are. Yes, I know the color matched mirrors are supposed to be "more elegant" but that can be discussed elsewhere...

Is this something that can be rattle canned?

Suggestions from the paint pros?

Thanks in advance!

[01silvapathy]

Rhino Line them

[miamiheat3332]

you would have to do a good prep job and get all the nicks and crannies also make sure you put alot of layers because going down the road and stuff rocks will hit it and chip it etc fast if its not done right, im getting mine color matched along with the handles, but

get something called Mothers Back to Black, it works great on all the black trim peices, and it will bring it back to a shiney black.

edit: nvm about the back to black because i guess yours are already painted body color, didnt read your post right haha.

[K03sport]

Sure, anything can be rattle-canned.

The key to a successful end product would be the prep. You may have to lightly sand the mirror cover to give a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to. Also, using a paint that is meant for plastic may be necessary due to the expansion the plastic would encounter in hot/cold temperatures.

Are you going to use Krylon or Dupli-color products?

Do you want them flat, satin, or glossy. That should let you know what paint direction to go in.

[m0nkeyprince]

or, an alternative, if you would like to turn your faded plastic mirrors new again, ive heard great things about "forever black", ive done soem research on it, its like a trim protector except its extremely water proof and pretty much permanent.

[Ron Burgundy]

Listening to all the suggestions - keep 'em coming!

I will probably go flat black as that would be closest match to the bumper trimp/door handles (right?) but that decision is not set in stone. Chime in on with your opinions!

Krylon or Duplicolor? I don't know! Have you guys had better experiences with one or the other?

And just to reitorate...

My mirrors are currently color matched to the body (which is not black). I would like to paint them black.

[01silvapathy]

Just sand them down well, and get off all the old clear coat and paint down to bare plastic. Id then use a self etching primer to make sure the surface is perfectly smooth and takes out all of the fine scratches and will also help with the paint adhesion. After that just pick your paint preferably for plastic. Krylon make good paints for plastic and I have also had great success with Duplicolors products as well

[Ron Burgundy]

Excellent suggestion!

Now for your opinion: Flat, Glossy, or Satin?

[Pwnin O'Brien]

One tip, use lots of adhesion promoter if you're going to actually use paint. Plastic really does not like to be painted and it's extremely likely that the first few rock chips will be large. You will need to sand the mirrors down to make the surface more smooth but you need it rough at the same time. I would highly recommend removing the mirrors from the vehicle as it will make prep/painting MUCH easier.

EDIT: Just realized you already have body colored mirrors, just sand all of the clear and color off of them and then rough up the plastic underneath. Then use lots of adhesion promoter, but not too too much as it can be counter-productive and prevent the paint from adhering properly. Allow the mirrors to cure at least a few days.

[jpedderson]

Found these instructions out there...

•Remove the plastic parts from the vehicle, if possible. This allows for more thorough cleaning and preparation. If you cannot remove the part, mask the area around the it.

•2
Wash the plastic auto part with car wash soap and rinse with water. Allow it to dry completely, then wipe the plastic with rubbing alcohol. Use a lint-free towel to wipe the part with wax and grease remover.

•3
Sand the plastic auto part with 800-grit sand paper and water. Keep the paper soaking wet while sanding to keep dust from building up under the paper and scratching the part. Rinse the part and allow it to dry.

•4
Apply an adhesion promoter to the plastic part so that the primer and paint will stick to it. Apply the adhesion promoter just as you would paint--with light, even coats. Allow it to dry. Prime the part with two thin coats of primer, allowing each coat to dry.

•5
Paint the plastic auto part with three coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely. Spray two coats of clear on the part and allow it to dry overnight.



Read more: How to Paint Plastic Auto Parts | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4964075_paint-p ... z111obSovC

[Ron Burgundy]

Wow! Awesome that seems perfect!

Any one have any objections or additions to the above steps?

(THANKS!)