To paint or not to paint...that is the question

Hey all,

So, as some of you know I ordered eBay special fender flares to see how they are. They showed up today and I will do a write up on the quality after install. Here is my question- the flares are pretty glossy and have some minor scratching from packaging and shipping. Should I 1.) Leave them as is, or 2.) Paint them with truck bed liner to match my front and rear bumpers (duplicolor bed armor) . If I paint them, how do I ensure the liner properly adheres? The scratches aren't bad but are noticeable up close, a few feet away they can't be seen.

 

IF you paint them they are bound to get scratched anyway. If the current scratches are no too bad I'd leave it as is - you could always paint them later .

 

How has the duplicolor held up on the bumpers? If it's holding up well I say paint them.

 

It's held up well, but my fear is that the deflection/movement in the fender flares will cause it to peel. The bumper is 3/16" steel - doesn't really move

 

What about plasti dip? You could peel it off if it doesnt turn out how you want it.

 

Pics?
How can we possibly give you an opinion on paint/no paint if we don't know what no/paint looks like?
Use masking tape and stick up on your truck. We'll use imagination.

LMAO!!!
"paint or no paint"
"You can select up to two choices"

So thats what I did.

 

Bed liner is pretty good at resisting scratches.

 

My vote is to not put fender flares on. If you do, paint match them. Tacomas are notbig enough trucks to handle the level of contrast of plastic or bed lined flares, so they look disproportionate and it distracts from the overall look of the vehicle.

Never cared for the bushwacker flair look on small trucks.

 

Hey, we aren't small, we are proportionate!

 

Here's some pics. Looks great from a foot or two away, but up close there are minor scratches and hazing.

 

I've never had good luck with plastic dip. Mainly the removal part. It's probably because I insist on only putting two coats on when I know it's too thin to peel.

 

Leave as is

 

So I just put it up on the truck. Just for some reference.

 

with your color truck and bumpers I would say try to match the texture and bedline them or rustoleum textured paint. Why didn't you get the textured black flares? Did you get the RDJ flares? I am having mine color matched, silver streak mica.

 

Why not go the other way and lightly scuff them with some scotchbrite so they get a dull finish?

Also, screw the paint. Let's hear your review.

 

Leave as is. Maybe try to buff out the light scratches?

 

Paint to match bumper! Go!

 

They are reg. I didn't know they made a textured black.

 

Hopefully they'll be installed sunday and I'll write a review....all depends on whether the wrap is finished or not.

 

Ok so now that I see it with hour truck either make them contrast more or color match. Its not the scratches to me, I think it clashes and will prevent you from wearing anything in the Grey pallet. Ya I'm straight.