Painting plastics (bumpers, lots of questions)

[7anshin8r]

OK, I live in Florida. The rock trucks and road construction are killing my front bumper. It's ugly. I have a red 240 with a star field like rash of paint eating off my front bumper. I can post pictures if anyone cares to see what I mean. I also have faded mirror plastic, and some scratches on my rear bumper from a friend getting a little too close and rubbing.

What is the best way to handle this plastic? I don't want to pay a shop, mostly because I am broke. I also would like the feeling of doing it myself.

I need lots of tips. The FSM is a little fuzzy on removing the front and rear bumper cover. I'm not sure how to tell the exact color to match. I am not sure if I should use chemicals or just power sand it and rattle can it. If so what kind of rattle can paint is good for bumper covers?

I'm researching myself too, I just know plenty of 240 owners have done this job themselves and am looking for whatever tips I can get.

P.S. sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, I figured this would be the best place.

[ca18detgabby]

krylon makes good paints for plastics. I usually just ruff it up and spray over the exsisting paint and use the original coat as a base. I also always use some sort of clear to seal it.

as for removing the bumper, it is some bolts and plastic poppers. least thats how my S13 is.

you can obtain the paint code from the inside of the door and some paint shops will be able to help you. the Shreman williams by my house is real helpful. Or you can do what most do and just eye ball it. its paint, if it sucks you an always paint over it

Ps post some before and after pics!

[Coeur de lion]

Post pictures. Make sure there isn't any bug burn also!I could help you out if I knew what it looked like. I used to paint down in Georgia and FL all the time!

[maximaRIP]

krylon makes fusion paint great stuff but it said no sanding or primer but i recommend so and it goes on thick so it may help in protecting the bumper,oh and us the clear stuff too..

[S13Joe]

I would just sand it up with 220 then prime and paint. I don't care if its plastic or not, thats how I do my whole car. Sand, wash, prime, sand then wash then prime then prime again and maybe once more if your doing body work then paint, maybe sand if your not satisfied then paint again. I'm talking rattle can wise of course.

[Didderson]

when painting a bumper use a light coat of flexible bumper adhesion promoter or another similar product before priming or painting. Keep in mind if you don't have to prime then don't. The less paint on your flexible bumper means less cracking in the long run.Treat plastics as if they were metal, but you don't have to primer them. wetsand until at least 400, wipe w/ rubbing alcohol and a rag, dry and you're good to spray.

[7anshin8r]

Thanks for all the tips. I was worried about cracking due to flexing being plastic and bumpers and all. Lots of good tips. I have to go look at an RV this morning, but later on I will get some shots of the nastiness that is all over my bumper. I am pretty sure I have some bug problems with the paint also as it is Florida, and every year these damn love bugs...

OK, pictures of what it looks like now on the way later today.

[91240se]

Your best bet is to find a ppg near you can let them paint match your car theyll make a can of spray paint for you and then just clear over top of it. Kyrlon is one of the best paints out there to paint anything on a car with because it wont fade and it holds up to the wear and tear of everyday driving. id lightly sand it if you over sand it you will get those marks into the bumper try asking around because there is a special solution that will take the stock paint right of so you dont have to sand it at all. Ill try and ask my body guy and see what its called for you.

[7anshin8r]

OK, I got a few minutes in and got these quick photos. Not the best but it gives you a good example of what I have going on.







And here is a small area that I sanded lightly with some 1000 grit that I found lying around the garage:

[thematz]

I used this to paint my bumper.

http://toolmonger.com/wp-conte...3.jpgIt's the same stuff everyone else is talking about (Krylon Fusion For Plastic). It has been on there for a couple of months without any cracking or peeling. It is supposed to be no prep but for best results I would definitely sand your bumper really good. I have been happy with my results.

[7anshin8r]

OK let me see if I have this right:

Step one, find color of Krylon Fusion For Plastic that matches.

Step two, remove bumper.

Step three place on sawhorse (or something) and sand smooth.

Step four clean off from sanding.

Step five paint with Krylon Fusion For Plastic.

Step six clear coat?

[j-z]

wetsand it with 600, and spray directly over that. youre just sanding to scuff up the original paint, so the new paint has something to stick/adhere to. for the chips that are hard to get out with 600 use 400. if that doesnt work use 220, then prime over that. once the primer is dry, sand with 600. i recommend duplicolor all the way. it sprays on very evenly.

for the first coat of base (red), do a light coat. second coat moderate, and same for the third until you have an evenly painted piece. once the base is all tacked up, time for clear. i highly recommend duplicolor as well. first coat is just a light coat. make sure it is tacky before the next coat. second coat, lay that shiit on there until you see white (dont worry it will dry clear). this will make sure that you have a very nice even finish (no orange peel). if youre satisfied with the second coat, then there is no need for a third.

btw, while sanding, make sure you are wetsanding. rinse the piece off really good with water. then use some rubbing alcohol to clean the surface, and its ready to be painted.

[ViciousCesar]

i got really tired of rolling around with pink primer spots. so this week i started sanding and priming parts of my car. what do you guys think of my method...?

1. wash car with car wash stuff2. dried car 3. removed lights and side markers (where applicable)4. tape window seals adjacent with areas i'm sanding5. sand with 120 grit 6. wash and dry7. wet sand with 1000 grit8. wash with some simple green, then dried.9. taped newspaper on windows, exhaust and anything i didn't want over spray on. then covered wheels with towels10. primed 11. let dry then reassembled car and removed tape + newspaper.

this weekend i'm gonna do some more panels, i plan on wet sanding over what i primed already to smooth out any blemishes then giving it another layer of primer.

btw. i'm using duplicolor

[j-z]

i got really tired of rolling around with pink primer spots. so this week i started sanding and priming parts of my car. what do you guys think of my method...?

1. wash car with car wash stuff2. dried car 3. removed lights and side markers (where applicable)4. tape window seals adjacent with areas i'm sanding5. sand with 120 grit 6. wash and dry7. wet sand with 1000 grit8. wash with some simple green, then dried.9. taped newspaper on windows, exhaust and anything i didn't want over spray on. then covered wheels with towels10. primed 11. let dry then reassembled car and removed tape + newspaper.

this weekend i'm gonna do some more panels, i plan on wet sanding over what i primed already to smooth out any blemishes then giving it another layer of primer.

btw. i'm using duplicolor

nope. only use primer if needed ie; over repair spots (filler, bare metal, bare plastic). use wax and grease remover before doing anything to the car. 120 grit is way to low. only use that for sanding filler. you know the primer actually holds moisture in right?? better lay some sort of protectant over that.

[SlidinSideWayzSR]

if u are really worried about it get it fixed how ever u want it and they sell 3m clear bra its a protective film that u cut any wat u want to fit around ur bumper ur where ever u want to stick it but anyhow it helps alot and u dont really notice u have it inless u are up close and if u do it right u wont notice it at all

[j-z]

jesus christ.... ever heard of a period?? lol

[ViciousCesar]

nope. only use primer if needed ie; over repair spots (filler, bare metal, bare plastic). use wax and grease remover before doing anything to the car. 120 grit is way to low. only use that for sanding filler. you know the primer actually holds moisture in right?? better lay some sort of protestant over that.

thanks dude...

would 400 grit be cool? or should i go up to 600? And lastly can i lay down some clear coat directly over the primer or do i need to spray some glossy stuff first?

[Hoffman5982]

not trying to threadjack,but I have spots all over my hood were the clearcoat is starting to go.it looks like decent sized water spots.any suggestions on a way to fix it or make it look better?

[7anshin8r]

OK, back on topic. I'm practicing on something small to start with. I focused on the grill insert for this, it was easy to take off and it gives me practice taping things off.

The problem is I painted it the wrong color, lol.

What are you using to replace AJ4? I just can't seem to get my rattle colors the right shade.