Painting factory bumper caps

SierraHDCC · August 10, 2001

Can you paint the textured factory bumper caps? Do you have to sand them smooth first, or will the adhesion promoter be sufficient? Does anyone have a recommended procedure to follow that produces lasting results?

Kania2k1 · August 12, 2001

I did mine myself, and did not sand them smooth. It's really up to you if you want to. Mine are glass smooth because I put 3 coats of clear on them. Yes, use the adhesion promoter, it really helps.

The process is as follows:

1. Remove the pieces from truck. (DUH!)

2. Clean with some sort of cleaning agent. I used some stuff from NAPA, don't recall the name, but it takes off everything you might have put on the part.

3. Shoot adhesion promoter and let dry for about 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Shoot 3 to 4 coats of base coat. Do these in light coats to reduce the chances of runs. If you've used a spray gun before it should be fairly easy. Wait about 20 to 30 minutes between coats.

5. Shoot 2 to 3 WET coats of clear coat. If you've every shoot clear coat, you know it's like painting with hoeny. So take your time and clean off the nozzle often to prevent clogs and splatters. I use a Q-tip.

6. Let dry overnight.

7. Throw a coat of wax on them in the morning.

8. Reassemble. (DUH)

Hope this helps. this is the process I used. Too bad I forget to take pics. I will on the next paint project.

chane · August 17, 2001

Questions for Kania2k1:

What quantities of paint did you buy? How much clear coat and how much pewter?

I have gray Tahoe mirror inserts and front bumper cap that I need to paint to match my truck. I will need Indigo Blue for the mirror inserts and some escalade handles and pewter for the front bumper cap. I may decide to do the back later. I'm not sure if the paint will hold up on the back with me walking on it etc. How is yours doing? Has your lower cowl chipped any yet? Did it paint as smooth and the caps?

I have never used a spay gun before.. Will this be very difficult? I know someone I can borrow one from.

I heard of a place here local that mixes the paint and puts it in regular spray cans. Do you think this would work? Same quality?

(Edited by chane at 1:23 pm on Aug. 17, 2001)

NewbieZ71 · August 17, 2001

chane:

Here is the sum total of my knowledge on spray painting...dont get the spray cans. If at all possible get the gun and practice a bit with it first. The gun will let you control the mist/spray better and will result in a better finish. One or two seconds of a clogged and dripping tip on the sraypaint can will ruin your job!

Don't ask me how I know. Lets just say "a friend of mine" had that problem! :wink:

Kania2k1 · August 18, 2001

The total of 5 pieces that I painted took just about a full quart or paint. Napa put the reducer in for me so all I had to do was shoot it. Clear was also a quart. Only used about half ot it, not sure why. I think I put a couple extra coats on some pieces. The paint is holding up great. Better than I thought it would. Haven't noticed any chips yet. The clear really helps to protect it from any noticeable scuff marks. I did notice a rock mark in the chrome in the grill, so I'm not sure if I'm going to paint the shell. Not really noticeable however. The spray gun is really easy to use. Just make sure you TAKE YOUR TIME with it. Put don a couple light coats if you are nervous about using it. I'll try to get some close-up pics tomorrow. This was actually my first time using the gun myself. Seen it done on TV but thats all the training I've had. I figured if I really messed up, I could always by new parts and start over, but luckily I didn't have to. Hope this helps. It really makes the truck stand out in a sea of pewter trucks we have around here!