Painting plastic parts

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Designo614

Junior Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2022
Posts
22
Reaction score
20
Location
New Bern NC
First Name
David
Truck Year
1988
Truck Model
Chassis Cab Tow Truck
Engine Size
454
I have never had any success painting plastic parts. I have followed the guidance found everywhere: scuff sand, clean with grease remover, prep with adhesion promoter, etc. and there are always portions that just don’t take the paint just right. I guess it doesn’t help that I was trying to paint my headlight bezels that are 35 years old and the plastic is well-cooked (but if they didn’t look that way, I wouldn’t want to clean them up). What’s the secret?
 

FireTruck1984

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2019
Posts
2,816
Reaction score
9,024
Location
Michigan
First Name
Ted
Truck Year
1984 and 1984
Truck Model
High Sierra K1500 350. Sierra Classic C1500 305.
Engine Size
350, 305
Surface prep is the key, I’ve had good results with Restoration Shop
grease and wax remover.
scuff with a fine to medium pad (scotchbright)
Use a bonding type paint like ColorBond
Seal with light coats of Mat or Satin Clear coat
You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

WP29P4A

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2021
Posts
866
Reaction score
1,469
Location
Nevada
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
Sierra Classic V1500
Engine Size
350 TBI
I just painted a bunch of plastic parts for our classic car. Getting years of Armour all off of the center console took a lot of time and patience. Prep is so important like @FireTruck1984 said. Primer or another type of adhesion product is also helpful.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
41,847
Posts
903,383
Members
33,362
Latest member
Dhatch84
Top