Advice on painting splitters

[peppernick]

OK, I'm learning to do some simple paint jobs. Currently, looking at a Badger air brush kit on ebay :cool:

I have with me my pretty stone chipped CSL splitters, originally painted by my bodyshop. I am looking at spraying them matt balck to match my front grills. What is the step required to remove the old paint? Do I sand it down all the way until I see carbon fibre or can I stop once the paint surface is smooth? Wouldn't be easier if I just soak them in thinner to remove the paint?

Also, do I need to use primer? I thought a lot of the Halfords paint are merely sprayed on. Looking to DIY my new CSL rear diffuser as well, so any help greatly appreciated :)

[Individual One]

Hi Nick, you will have to rub down your splitters to a nice smooth finnish then apply some primer to them, you can buy primer filler which will help you to get a better finnish.Nick, if you are painting plastic you will have to buy special primer. Just take your time with the prep, hope this helps you.

[Silver]

1.
Respirator This device is not cheap but your lungs will thank you for it. The price of a respirator depends on whether the respirator covers your entire face or just your nose and mouth. It's reusable, but the filters need regular replacement. I recommend investing in a full-face model to protect your eyes from paint fumes. If you do not use a full-face model respirator, you should still have proper eye protection.

2.
Rubber gloves. You'll need gloves to protect your hands from the paint and solvent, and to protect the painting surface from the oils on your hands

3
Sandpaper Be sure to purchase the wet/dry variety. The grits you'll use are 400, 600, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000, and 80 grit aluminium oxide paper

4
Sanding block. These blocks can be made of either hard rubber or foam and have varying levels of flexibility.

5
Sandable primer Make sure what surface u working. Plastic (plastic Primer)
Metal(Metal Primer) Black Cube trim is Metal so metal Primer.

6
Paint either from Bodyshop or Local stores.
(i had access to compressor and paint from the Bodyshop. Not from spray can)

7
Rubbing compound This product is used to remove the fine sanding marks from the paint

8
Soap.
Use any mild dishwashing detergent to wash your trim

Painting consists of three simple steps: sanding, painting, and finishing. Your work area should have a good water supply and plenty of ventilation. You'll also want a clean, dust-free area to help minimize the amount of sanding you'll need to do during the finishing stage. All sanding referred to here is wet sanding.

Steps

1) Warm and dry conditions are ideal for spray painting, as aerosols don't always work best in the damp and colder temperatures hinder drying time. If it's not warm and dry outside, work in a well-ventilated garage. Wear overalls or old clothes - goggles and a mask will keep stray droplets of paint away from your eyes, nose and mouth

2) To prepare for spraying, use aluminium oxide abrasive paper (graded at 80grit) and rub the surface to be painted down to bare metal.

3) The area to be painted should now be clean and dry - any traces of dirt or wax can be removed using cellulose thinners.

4) Holding the spray can approximately 25cm away from the surface to be painted, apply a number of coats of primer at 15-minute intervals until the area is evenly covered. Go an inch over the original layer of paint to help it blend in. When spraying, use a smooth movement from side to side. It is best to apply several light layers of paint, as applying too much paint in one go can create sags and runs.

5) Allow at least 24 hours for the primer to dry thoroughly, then rub down with 120grit wet and dry paper until smooth. Clean the area with warm, soapy water, rinse, then dry fully.

6) To start painting, shake the can vigorously for two minutes to ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed. Apply a number of coats at 15-minute intervals, shaking the can between each one.


7) Now apply two coats of lacquer, separated by a gap of 15-minutes. If the finish looks patchy, apply another coat or wait until the surface is completely dry before rubbing it down and starting the lacquering process again.


I did a mini write up look at internet resources..this wat i did for my paint interior trim hope u understand it!

[mysticm3]

Silver - that's a really nice write up :)

[peppernick]

Cool :cool: Thanks for the instructions.

I didn't have to remove the paint when restoring my BBKs so wasn't sure on the rubbing down and priming side of thing. Now it seems pretty clear. Will give it a go and let you know how I got on.

Cheers again :D

PS: If I want a matt surface, I supposed there's no need for lacquering? Also, I take it plastic primer is OK for carbon fibre?

[Silver]

finally manage to log back in.

Guessing u have to use plastic primer 4 cf...

U can try without lacquer experiment!! and see wat effect u get..

If u want to lose the gloss on ur paint..sand it down with 2000 grit wet and dry paper. It should lose its gloss appearance and take on a dull, matt finish.

dats if ur using metallic colour..