air dam / lower bumper painting??

**cojo** · 03-01-2009

I am thinking about painting the air dam (I think thats the term) / lower bumper blue on my silver gt when it gets warmer. I hoping ill be able to do it myself, is the painting plastic pieces how to a good tutorial to follow? I also found this one?
And whats the best way to go about painting it, do I need to take off the air dam, if so is it easy? this one looks like he left it on

just so im using the correct terms:
like this except not orange http://www.migpc.com/forumv2/album_pic.php?pic_id=6061

Thanks for any in help, I appreciate it

TDCRacing · 03-01-2009

If you're going to be using spray paint just make sure you do real good prep work.

You can do just a good of a job using spray paint as you can with car paint. Just to let you know.

**cojo** · 03-01-2009

by prep work do you mean washing it really good?
or what else do you mean

and are those how tos any good?

TDCRacing · 03-01-2009

Well you need to sand it. Then prep it with more than likley denatured alcohol. That seema to work the best for plastics.

Otherwise you are going to be getting peeling and cracking pretty quick.

**cojo** · 03-01-2009

sorry if im bothering you with a bunch of questions.
So I should wet sand it, with what grit?
and can you get denatured alcohol at most stores?
then apply the coats of paint then the clear coat

i greatly appreciate all your help

TDCRacing · 03-01-2009

You're not bothering me.

I would sand it with around 1000 grit.

Yup you can get denatured stuff at lowes or home depot.

Yup just apply the base coat then the clear coat.

If you did not want to do it you're self i'm sure you could find a body shop that would do it with a single stage for about 50 bucks.

TDCRacing · 03-01-2009

Oh...and you can thank me with the thanks button that is on the right hand side of my posts if you have enough posts to have that enabled yet.

**cojo** · 03-01-2009

ha i was just thinkin about doing that

one more thing, if im going to do it myself, I can do with the piece on right? or should I take it off??

TDCRacing · 03-01-2009

I would tape everything off and get some plastic on the rest of the car so the overspray does not get everywhere.

If you're going to do it with spray paint, Put it in some hot water for about 10 minutes. It helps it have a little more pressure and makes a finer mist.

**BADAZGTP** · 03-01-2009

Also, don't try and coat it with one pass. Kepp the can about 6 to 8 inches away and do long even coats. Let it dry good inbetween coats. This will help you from getting runs and for the paint to cure properly. The biggest thing is to TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!