Well to match my rims, tails, headlights, and spoiler im painting my side views. im a pretty big novice when it comes 2 painting so i figured id ask if any1 here has done it? or does any1 know how 2 do it? what kind of sand paper or paint or primer to use or anything? any input would be awesome. Thanks

 

What kind of paint was used to paint all of those? I would say if you're going to use anything gloss, do it right with a gun. If it's a flat or something with little shine, a can will do. You'll probably still need to clear over it though as bugs will knock any paint off quickly.

 

im planning on painting it with a couple of clear coats but im not sure how to go about doing this. how much i should sand it and what grade paper to use, what kind of primer and paint etc...

 

I'm assuming your tails, etc are black?

 

yeap

 

Wouldnt it just be cheaper and easier to go with carbon covers then?

 

eh... i cant really imagine sanding and priming and painting is going 2 be more expensive then the carbon side views

 

I have a feeling since you're asking, this will be a rattle can job? I never advise or condone that on the exterior of a car, but if you must here you go.

Wetsand the housing with 600 grit. Be sure to get it all. Use tape to you won't scratch the lens or base. Take the tape off as soon as your done, since water will cause it to leave adhesive. When you're done let the mirror dry out for a day or so. Wipe off the lens and base and tape them up. When you're done clean the mirror housing with a good degreaser and wipe it dry. Spray a light coat of base and wait 5 minutes. Spray another light coat and 5 minutes. Repeat as neccesary until you get good coverage. Let it sit for around 15-20 minutes and spray a very light coat of clear. Wait 8-10 minutes and a medium coat of clear. Wait 12-15 and spray another medium coat of clear. Let it cure up for atleast a day and reinstall it.

 

wow that was really helpful. Thanks. no im not using a rattle can lol im using a gun with some quality paint, i just didnt feel the need 2 pay a shop 2 do it when i can do it myself. Im really one of those "doesnt matter how hard it is, i can do it or im damn well going 2 try and maybe **** a bunch of shi t up in the process"

 

Subscribing,
Good info

 

That's cool. You'll want to change up my spray procedurew then. I gave them assuming you were rattle canning.


"Spray a medium coat of base. Wait five minutes and spray another medium coat. Inspect the part and make sure it has full and consistant coverage. Wait 20 minutes and spray a light coat of clear. Wait 8-10 minutes and spray a medium coat of clear. Wait 20 minutes and spray a final medium coar of clear."

If you're using a quick curing panel clear reduce the time after the light coat to 5 minutes and 12 minutes after the first medium coat.