Procedure for painting the grille surround

1. Take it off
2. Clean it very good
3. 400 grit sand paper. dry or wet?
4. Primer
5. 3 coats of the color you choose-The real Stuff
6. Clear coat. 2 or 1?

Is that the procedure? Did I miss anything?

 

Dont do one huge coat LIKE ME(BIGGGGGGGGGGGGG MIstake)


What was i thinkingggg

 

Did you use primer? Well you just got too close to the grille with the paint can

 

I wouldn't let a rattle can NEAR my truck. I'd spray it with some catalyzed primer, then some real automotive paint/clear coat. It will look great when done and hold up. Rattle can's can't/won't ever hold up to the environment like a proper paint will.


I can see why your dad is giving you grief about mods...at least do them properly.

 

I like to wet sand with a finer grit on smooth plastic...I'd go like a 800 grit or so if it was me.

Make sure your primer is smooth like you want the paint to be.

Three coats- Makes sure to follow the directions on the can (Many will say not more than 1 hour between coats...Let cure for 24 hours..etc etc). On the flip side-Make sure you allow the paint to flash off (get dry to the touch) before you coat it again.

 

No I was talking about the REAL stuff. Real primer Real paint....... Everything



And This is for my neighbor as well. He likes the idea of painting his chrome surround to match his truck. Mine is already color matched

 

Painting over the chrome, I don't know exactly what extra prep you might need...never done that. You'll be looking at spending about 50-75 for paint/primer and catlyist. Gonna be needing a gun to spray it also. Nothing fancy mind...

Wet sand with 180 to get everything nice and smooth, drop to 220,then 400. Thin coat of primer, maybe two to get even coverage. If all looks good, then base coat it with paint, probably two coats depending on color and coverage, then on to your clear coat. Always multiple thin coats, not one thick coat (it'll look like azz)

Follow the directions for the particular paint system you are using EXACTLY. Proper mixing, correct reducer, proper flash time between coats, etc....

The difference when done is simply no comparison to a cheap, rattle can job. And it will look great in a year from now and not be faded, chipped or just generally junky looking.


Personally, I'd just buy a color matched one (if available) and sell the chrome version.

 

IF he thinks it will be difficult to do then he most likely will get an already painted one. Thats would I would do............. Oh look I already have one!!!!!

I guess I'll have to be on the look out for a Radient Red grille