General Ford Technical Discussion

2racey · #1 07-28-2011, 11:31 AM

So I have this idea that I'd like all my plastic engine covers painted the same color as my car and I'd like to save some money by doing it myself...anyone have any idea where I could get the paint that would match? And/or any tips on the process?

**Hotshot** · #2 07-28-2011, 04:52 PM

Get a pro to airbrush it. Unless you're seriously good at it, it'll turn out poorly and you'll end up spending even more money on a new one to look the right way. Ask me how i know this...

YHELLO · #3 07-28-2011, 05:43 PM

Beg to Differ! Order paint, clear coat (I ordered an extra can) and plastic adhesion polymer form http://automotivetouchup.com/ They mix it just before they send it. But if you want any local paint shop will mix it and put it in a spray can for you.
Get some 400 grit sandpaper, a bottle of astone (sp). Lightly sand part, Tape off whatever you don't want painted, I removed most of the parts I painted. dampen a lint free cloth, I used paper towels, with Astone, wipe everything down, Do Not Touch it with your bare hands. I wore rubber gloves. Read the directions on the can, lightly spray the plastic with the polymer. (by the way, auto parts stores sell it too, about the same price). I put a couple of coats on. Don't rush, i did on one piece and ended up repainting.
Layer on 3 or 4 light coats of base coat, car color. Let this dry for recommended time between coats. Let it dry then start with your clear coats. Inside the car I did 6 to 8 coats letting it set about 6 hours in between. In the engine compartment, I put 4 coats.
Remember, if the piece has a rough finished it will be rough when your done. DO NOT try to smooth it out with paint, will take a lot and be wasted because it'll never dry properly.
Or you can skip all this and take it to a paint shop.

infamousjim · #4 07-28-2011, 06:34 PM

I'm biased, I've been working in a bodyshop for 5 years, but I really think it's worth it to spend the money and get a pro to paint anything with the right materials/tools/methods.

But if you really take your time and follow the steps like yhello said, you can get some very impressive results. It's just very important to follow every step and not skimp anywhere.

2racey · #5 07-28-2011, 06:36 PM

ok guys...maybe this is not a job for me...sounds possible but very time consuming. Time is not something I have in abundance. neither is money though...maybe I'll just live withwhat I have for now. But thanks for the input! Def appreciated!