Painting the AC trim piece

are you guys masking off the triangle below the vent
I take it no
it looks not necessary

masking that intricate sounds PITA and waste of money to do things like buy Maskol (liquid masking tape) and tiny detail brushes

right now been sanding mine with emory cloth/sandpaper and it's taking too long
might try scotchbrite for speed even though it's not as abrasive
plan after that is wash, rinse, dry.
self-etching primer (might avoid need for sanding), base coat semi-gloss black, clear, dry.
Maybe rectangle around HVAC knobs while I'm at it to match.

Have heard the term SEM involved. Not sure if that's paint, or prep wipes.
Can also hit it with prep wipes; they help.

Plan was just commercially available home depot Rustoleum

seeing as the OEM black pieces are now on backorder (and expensive)

I think it will last.
I don't throw a handful of butter knifes at it every weekend.

edit: I see now SEM Trim Black requires no primer,
is likely a somewhat thick rubberized coating but strong (which gives it a luxury look)
and I don't think requires clear.
Sounds like that's a better option. Plus the peace of mind knowing what the truck is painted with, to continue using that on everything else blacking out other trims in the future.

I imagine SEM prep chemical (more money) is not that critical
versus any prep wipes (like 3M from NAPA) or rubbing alcohol

 

That's nice !

 

@boogie3478 Has a good video on his YouTube (Tacomaholics) about painting his and what layers he used. I’d be curious about the wear over time as well. Definitely interested.

 

Mine's held up really well for a few years now.