My Badge Blacking Process

O.K. this is my first real write up so bear with me. If I screw up, just humor me. So, I decided I wanted to black out the badges on my silver Tacoma, the chrome just doesn't work for me. If you follow my process, you will need a few tools. Now, I read all the previous write-ups and used some of their tricks and a couple of my own.

1.-Get your tools: Fishing line (i used 6lbs test, but more on that later), plastic putty knife, paint of your choice ( I used a combo of Krylon Fusion, Krylon Indoor/Outdoor, and Rustoleum Clear Coat. You will also need some type of adhesive (I used Loke-Tite Heavy Duty mounting tape), a utility knife, cleaning solvent (I used plain car wash) and a clean area to work. I level is also a handy tool to have.


2. Take the fishing line (3 equal lengths) Tie a knot at each end, then twist until tight (I found this to be stronger and it cuts faster). Using a sawing motion, slowly remove the badges. Now, some folks used a hair dryer but I did not find it necessary (it is 45 degrees in my garage). It is a slow process but take your time and don't rush, you don't want to damage the badges. When you are done, it will look similar to the following pics.




3. Clean your badges, make sure to remove all the grime and old wax out of the little nooks and crannies so your paint is all level. Use your putty knife to clean all the adhesive residue off your truck, work slow and easy so as not to damage your paint. Then use your cleaning solution to remove any dirt or remaining gunk.



4. To begin painting your badges, I laid mine on a large piece of cardboard and applied the first coat of Krylon Fusion (no adhesive is needed it has a molecular bond). I waited 15 minutes and applied a second coat. (Here is a good trick: Rotate the badges 90 degrees prior to every coat, to ensure you cover ALL the corners). I waited 30 minutes and applied a coat of the Krylon Indoor/Outdoor (the Fusion did not like sticking to the corners so this covered that area). I waited another 30 minutes and applied another coat of the Fusion. I then let it dry for another hour and applied the Rustoleum Clear Kote (2 coats about 30 minutes apart). Now, you probably don't have to wait so long between coats but I was being cautious since this is my first time doing this. Now, I kind of goofed the after pics show the badges when the adhesive already trimmed. SORRY.



5. To re-attach your badges you first have to attach the adhesive tape. I rolled out a piece and placed the badge on it and snipped it off, then laid a book on it to ensure a tight grip. Then using your utility knife, trim around all the letters. (This process took about 3 hours) The reason for doing this is so that there is no adhesive showing under the letters, since it would attract dirt like a magnet. This is very tedious and a bit stressful but you will get through it.


6. Now that you are ready to re-attach your badges, make sure your truck is VERY clean where you intend to re-apply them. PRIOR TO APPLYING THEM, DOUBLE CHECK FOR ANY SPOTS THAT NEED TOUCHED UP. I used a level to ensure they were correctly placed. Once on the truck, press on them for about 60 seconds to ensure a good bond. You will notice that even when I used a level that my V6 has a very slight tilt but once that Loke Tite is set......it is set!



Well, there you go. For what its worth, I had a good time doing it. If you have any questions please ask. It is highly likely that I forgot to put something in here. Thanks for reading.

 

Thanks. I am pretty happy with it. I am bucking for rep points. Whoo hoo

 

looks good man!

 

Looks awesome! I've been meaning to do mine but was waiting for a write-up as such

 

Hey, whoever gave me the rep points... Thanks, that is awesome.

I am considering taking a shot at doing a How To on painting the engine cover. After seeing the ones some TW members have, I want it. I am going to try to do it with Krylon Fusion. We'll see.

 

moar pics!!

 

i love tha step by step pics!
great job

 

Nice Work, looks great!
I read somewhere to put making tape around the badges before you remove them, might ensure a more accurate placement.

X2

lets see the whole truck with it!

 

looks good man. how do yall think the bedliner spray wld do?