Painting Plastic

weletchw · January 6, 2005

So I am too cheap to go out and buy new door handles and mirror caps, plus I like doing things myself. My current black door handles and mirrors on my Summit White truck are killing me, so I want to try and paint them (especially the mirror caps). I have done a search on painting plastics on the forum, but got some mixed suggestions, just thought Id post a new topic and see what you guys have to say.

I have pretty much gathered that PPG paint is probably the best. A few coats of paint and a couple coats of primer also seem to be the norm. Im really interested to hear what you guys have to say about prepping the plastic. If this goes well I may even try to get some fender flares and paint them. If it doesnt go well Ill just end up spending my $$ on new caps and handles!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Ive only been using this site for a few weeks now and have learned a whole lot in a short time. Its nice to read a message board where people are genuinely helpful and really know what they are talking about!

Thanks!

colosilverado · January 9, 2005

So I am too cheap to go out and buy new door handles and mirror caps, plus I like doing things myself. My current black door handles and mirrors on my Summit White truck are killing me, so I want to try and paint them (especially the mirror caps). I have done a search on painting plastics on the forum, but got some mixed suggestions, just thought Id post a new topic and see what you guys have to say.

I have pretty much gathered that PPG paint is probably the best. A few coats of paint and a couple coats of primer also seem to be the norm. Im really interested to hear what you guys have to say about prepping the plastic. If this goes well I may even try to get some fender flares and paint them. If it doesnt go well Ill just end up spending my $$ on new caps and handles!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Ive only been using this site for a few weeks now and have learned a whole lot in a short time. Its nice to read a message board where people are genuinely helpful and really know what they are talking about!

Thanks!

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I swear that Ryanbab or some other "elder" on the board did this many moons ago. Maybe he can chime in...or whoever did it. I think the thread might be long gone by now...I can't remember how far back we can search. I seem to remember PPG being highly thought of. I have heard of Ditzler vinyl dye being used in some hot rodding resto processes, but I don't know if that is for the outside and durable ( or will actually even work).

Wingnut · January 9, 2005

LarryE has most of his interior painted, and all kinds of other custom stuff.

He would be one of the best guys to ask for advice on this (in my opinion, of course).

mcreyaufmiller · January 9, 2005

Go to your PPG store and ask for the plastic prep materials. explain to them what you are doing and get the right stuff for the job. There is a spray can of plastic prep avaiable that works well. I would sand the parts, spray the prep on them then prime with a high build primer. After the first coat, let it dry, sand it down, and respray a light coat. After the second coat, wet sand with 400 grit and let dry. Clean the parts with water and after completely dry, spray with your color coat. wait 15 minutes, second coat for postive coverage, wait 15 minutes, and clear. Just remember, 15 minutes between coats, if you do not want to clear on the same day, that is okay, but it has to be done within 24 hours. when you get your supplies, get the right temprature reducer for the outside temp, this will make things eaiser. If you need more help, feel free to ask!

Mike

colosilverado · January 9, 2005

LarryE has most of his interior painted, and all kinds of other custom stuff.

He would be one of the best guys to ask for advice on this (in my opinion, of course).

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Oh, LarryE's till around here? I don't get on here too often because it ALWAYS makes me want to do something to my truck mod-wise or maintenance-wise or to buy a new truck.

Yeah, Larry has done alot to his truck and is sharp (so is Ryanbab) so he'd be a good resource too. There wa a guy around here who had a black regular cab 1500 that was lifted and sweet. But when he opened the door, some of the interior parts were painted a dayglo orange. To each his won, but....