proper technique for painting plastic?

vidler · Post by **vidler** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 9:58 pm

just wondering what is the correct way to paint plastic. Im wanting to colour code my grill and head light surrounds and dont want it lookin shonky. Any suggestions like sand first, then prime, then colour and clear coat, number of layers of each, best brand paint to use (preferably spray cans from bunnings) drying time between coats etc.

ive attempted this before and ended up turning the item yellow?????? dont ask

cheers. Jay

subanator · Post by **subanator** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:06 pm

I heard that you must watch what type of thinner base is used in the paint.
Some plastics will melt! Not sure which is suitable to what type of plastic?

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 12:24 am

I have some spare grilles to suit twin headlight models if you want to have a test run.

Got both the early (slat type) and later (honeycomb) grilles.

vidler · Post by **vidler** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 6:25 am

yeah, i got 2 spare, same type as yours tim... so if i bugger them up ill let you know

BrennyV · Post by **BrennyV** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:14 am

give it a wet rub with 2000 or 1600. prime her up. 1 last scuff down then ready to paint

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:03 pm

use a primer meant for plastics, and jsut do all the usual prep work.

I have a can of plastic primer in the shed that i have used on heaps of little things over teh years, can get the brand for you if your keen. its always worked really well

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 8:46 pm

Just go to your local paint supplier and ask for an aerosol can of plastic primer one can will do a heap of work. To prep the plastic remove flaked chrome or paint by sanding and smoothe. If using unpainted plastic all you have to do is clean it with wax and grease remover, then spray a light coat of the priomer over and wait 5 mins then paint it in what ever colour you want.

julian · Post by **julian** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:27 am

'[4MUFF wrote:]give it a wet rub with 2000 or 1600. prime her up. 1 last scuff down then ready to paint

Couldn't agree more. Painting plastics is all in the preparation. The more you work here, the more impressed you will be with the outcome.

vidler · Post by **vidler** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 12:11 pm

cool. I got a can of plastic primer and some paint so ill have a go today

redskin · Post by **redskin** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 2:53 pm

Painting plastic,
rub it back with wet/dry, anything up from 400 grit will do,
clean with wax/grease remover & paint with plastic primer. rub back again, clean, mask, whatever, to ready for top coat.
l become unsure here as l have not painted plastic in 15 years and paints have changed, but then, you would paint the plastic with a clear coat of a sort of isolatior specifically made for plastic that will stop reactions with the basecoats and cracking or flaking of the top coat.
Once this was applied you could use Acrylic or Enamel being used on the rest of the car.
l did baked enamel finishes on top end cars and this was how bumpers and plastics were done in my shop, but again this was the early 90's and paint's have come along way since then.

Soobeit · Post by **Soobeit** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:15 pm

I know this is an olds thread but I will post some good plastic ideas on how to weld,re-colour, and fill plastic to get the desired result you are looking for. You can even put the pattern back in the plastic before painting it.

I am learning from my old man who has been in the business in perth for over ten years repairing plastic and vinyl. If there is some people wanting to know the art how to do it just reply. If not I wont bother.

Subafury · Post by **Subafury** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:01 am

why not. at least the information will be there for future use.

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:04 am

I'd love to learn, please post whatever info you can.

Cheers!

Soobeit · Post by **Soobeit** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:25 am

Ok, i will get all the proper info regarding product to use and tools required over the next week or so and will post a thorough thread on dash,plastic,vinyl repair from welding,recolour, and filling. Its pretty easy work. recolouring to original spec is probably the hardest thing to do but comes with experience.
Wait out for thread.

( remember I'm still learning myself an am still picking my old mans brains )
10min experience versus 10 years!

David

vidler · Post by **vidler** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 7:31 am

sounds like it will come in handy lots. maybe contact a moderator and see if they will make it a sticky topic so it doesnt get lost in the mix, or put it in the tech manual

Soobeit · Post by **Soobeit** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:23 am

Will do all of the above. I am about to repair a torn seat,dash,and fix the perished plastic console around my gear stick by rubbing it back and re-colouring it on my brumby. I will document all of the above with pics and captions.
wait for the end result.
I will ask for a sticky when Im done.

SuBaRiNo · Post by **SuBaRiNo** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:38 am

That would be a skill i would love to have... I would certainly be interested in what u come up with.

Dave

Soobeit · Post by **Soobeit** » Sun May 06, 2007 9:03 pm

Guys I have to put my thread on hold for a while as work calls and will be so busy having my arse hang out till about aug,

My time table
away from home
7 may - 25 may
28 may - 3 june
15 june - 3 aug
and then some.
then god knows what!
Way to much study and organising to do for work and courses

I will do as much as I can inbetween when I can. Probably in dribs and drabs so what priority of work do you wish me to start on ie repair dash, seat tear, plastic welding, or recolouring?

Sorry I cant get to it any sooner guys

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Mon May 07, 2007 7:43 am

recoloring

theclick · Post by **theclick** » Sat May 12, 2007 11:32 am

While we are on the topic of painting, so i dont create a new thread.

Can someone tell me the colour code for a white ea82 l wagon similar to waggaclint's? The label has come clean off