Painting the plastic fixtures on your car is an excellent way to refresh its look. From side mirror caps to bumper trims, these plastic elements can be spray-painted to personalize your vehicle and restore a like-new appearance without the extensive work of repainting the entire car.
But what do you need to get started? How do you properly prep plastic car parts for painting, and what are the best techniques for a flawless finish? This guide provides all the essential information on how to effectively apply automotive paint to plastic car parts.
Which Plastic Car Parts Are Suitable for Painting?
A wide array of exterior plastic trims and components on a vehicle can be successfully painted. It’s important to recognize that the types of plastic trims can vary significantly depending on the car’s manufacturer and model. This variation might influence which parts are paintable and the preparation needed.
Here are common plastic car parts that are typically paintable across most car makes and models:
- Trim pieces (window trims, side trims, etc.)
- Door handles
- Side mirrors and mirror housings
- Bumpers and bumper covers
- Wheel covers and hubcaps
- Spoilers and body kits
- Mud flaps and splash guards
Essential Items for Painting Plastic Car Parts
To paint plastic car parts effectively, you’ll need to gather the right equipment and tools. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
- Sandpaper: A selection of sandpaper grits, from coarse to fine (e.g., 220, 320, 400, 600 grit), will be necessary to achieve an ultra-smooth surface on the plastic.
- Spray Paint: Opt for automotive spray paint specifically formulated for plastic. These paints are designed for superior adhesion and flexibility on plastic surfaces.
- Respirator or Mask: When working with spray paints, primers, and lacquers, wearing a respirator mask is crucial to protect yourself from harmful fumes.
- Plastic Primer: A specialized primer for plastic is essential. It creates a bonding layer that allows the paint to adhere properly to the plastic, preventing peeling and ensuring a durable finish.
- Masking Tape: High-quality masking tape is indispensable for protecting areas you don’t want to paint. For intricate trim work, consider using Perforated Trim Masking Tape or Flat Orange Precision Masking Tape for sharp, clean lines.
- Clear Lacquer: A clear coat lacquer adds a glossy finish and provides extra protection to the painted surface, enhancing durability and appearance.
- Tack Cloths or Microfiber Cloths: These are essential for cleaning surfaces before painting, removing dust and particles for a flawless paint job.
- Degreaser or Plastic Cleaner: To thoroughly clean the plastic parts and remove any oils or contaminants that can hinder paint adhesion.
- Optional: Adhesion Promoter: For certain types of plastic or for enhanced paint adhesion, an adhesion promoter can be applied before primer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing Plastic Car Parts for Painting
Proper preparation is key to achieving a professional paint finish on plastic car parts. Follow these steps carefully:
-
Remove the Plastic Part (If Possible): The most effective way to prepare plastic car parts is to remove them from the vehicle. This allows for easier sanding, cleaning, and painting, and prevents overspray on other car parts. Use a trim removal tool or a thin, sturdy plastic blade to gently detach the trim, being careful not to scratch the surrounding paintwork.
-
Thorough Cleaning: Whether removed or still on the car, thoroughly clean the plastic parts. Use warm soapy water and a degreaser or plastic cleaner to remove all dirt, grease, wax, and contaminants. Rinse well and allow to dry completely.
-
Sanding: Sanding is crucial for paint adhesion. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 320 grit) to lightly roughen the surface and remove the factory shine. Then, move to finer grits (e.g., 400 and 600 grit) to smooth out any scratches and create a uniform surface. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using wet sanding techniques with very fine grit sandpaper (600 grit and above) and water.
-
Masking (If Parts Are Still On the Car): If you can’t remove the parts, meticulously mask off the surrounding areas to protect them from overspray. Use high-quality masking tape and paper. For curved trims, JTAPE Perforated Trim Masking Tape is ideal as it conforms easily to curves. For straight edges, Lime Precision Masking Tape provides crisp, clean lines. Ensure the tape is firmly pressed down to prevent paint bleed-through.
-
Final Cleaning: After sanding and masking, use a tack cloth or microfiber cloth to remove any sanding dust and debris. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry before proceeding to priming.
Step-by-Step Guide: Painting Plastic Car Parts
With the plastic parts properly prepped, you’re now ready to paint. Follow these step-by-step instructions for spray painting plastic trims to achieve a professional-looking finish:
Step 1 – Applying Primer
Apply a thin, even coat of plastic primer to the prepared part. Hold the spray can about 6-7 inches away from the surface and use smooth, consistent strokes. Always wear a respirator mask during this step. Apply 2-3 light coats of primer, allowing about 10-15 minutes of drying time between each coat, or as per the manufacturer’s instructions on the primer can. Ensure each coat is fully dry before applying the next.
Step 2 – Applying Color Paint
Once the primer is fully dry, apply your chosen automotive spray paint in the same manner as the primer – using light, even strokes and maintaining a distance of 6-7 inches. For significant color changes, like painting black parts white, you may need more coats for full coverage. Apply 2-3 coats of color paint, again allowing 10-15 minutes of drying time between coats. Allow the final color coat to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3 – Applying Clear Lacquer
To protect the paint and add a glossy finish, apply clear lacquer. Use the same spraying technique as with the primer and paint. Apply 3-4 coats of clear lacquer, allowing each coat to dry for about 15 minutes before applying the next. After the final coat, let it dry for several hours, or ideally overnight, before handling or removing masking tape.
Step 4 – Polishing and Finishing
After the lacquer is completely dry, use a clean microfiber cloth to gently polish the painted plastic part. This will enhance the shine and remove any minor imperfections, leaving you with a smooth, professional finish. If desired, you can use a fine-cut polishing compound for an even higher gloss finish.
Powder Coating Plastic Car Parts: An Alternative?
While less common for DIY projects, plastic car parts can be powder coated. However, it requires a different process than powder coating alloy wheels due to plastic’s heat sensitivity. Typically, a UV-cured powder coating process is used, which is gentler on plastic and can provide a very durable and resilient finish. This method is often performed by professionals and is ideal for achieving a long-lasting, factory-like finish on plastic trims.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you confidently tackle painting plastic car parts. For more expert advice and products for automotive painting and masking, explore our JTAPE blog.
