There are a couple of simple tips you can follow to achieve an excellent result with plastic car parts. The first thing you should do is choose the proper paint. You can use the paint from a can if you need the right color. To avoid paint chipping, it is advisable to leave the painted parts exposed to the sun for at least a day. Once the paint is completely dry, place the pieces back in the car carefully. If the paint chips off during this time, you can always fix it with the color from the cap. Also, avoid skin oil paint, which will cause spots and fisheyes. It’s best to use a brand that you are sure of.
Clear coat
Modern cars have many plastic parts and may require paint or a clear coat. The type of plastic can also influence the kind of clear coat needed. For example, flexible plastic may require a different type of clear coat than rigid plastic. To maintain clear skin on a plastic part, thoroughly clean and scuff it before applying the clear coat.
Clear coat finishes are more durable than other finishes but more sensitive to scratches and oxidation. It is essential to keep clear coats away from abrasives, as it will cause them to dull. Some products even offer a higher solids content, which makes them more durable.
Clear-coat car paint is an excellent choice for your car, providing protection and depth. It also makes repairs more accessible and allows you to protect your vehicle from harmful UV rays. In addition, it protects against acid rain spotting and shallow surface defects without damaging the paint. Clear coats can also be used over previously painted or sanded surfaces.
You can easily apply a clear coat to plastic car parts by following a few simple steps:
- Remove any foreign debris or wax accumulated on the surface.
- Take 800-grit sandpaper and use it to smooth out the rough clear coat. You can then apply a lighter coat on top of the sanded area to blend it in.
- Clean the area using a microfiber cloth.
Adhesion promoter
An adhesion promoter is a primer that bonds to flexible or rigid plastic surfaces and allows the paint to adhere to them. This product is specially formulated for car parts, like bumper covers, that are difficult to paint. It also keeps color from flaking off. This product is fast-drying, so it will not resand and can be used over the existing paint finish.
Adhesion promoters come in a spray or container format. Spray-on versions are suitable for more minor repairs and can be used on car parts. Adhesion promoters can also be applied to larger plastic surfaces. PL/1895 from SINNEK is suitable for use on various plastic parts.
Adhesion promoters are also available in 3M packets. The 3M Adhesion Promoter is a unique adhesive that can be used on many different materials. It comes in a package similar to alcohol pads. This product is very effective and will bond to a variety of surfaces. It also relates to damaged surfaces. It connects to imperfections that would otherwise allow air or water to penetrate beneath the installation.
Adhesion promoters are best used on parts that require strong adhesion. 3M’s Adhesion Promoter is used on OEM parts. You can even find a 3M installer in your area using the 3M Interactive Map. This will ensure that your plastic parts are correctly installed.
Linseed oil
Linseed oil is a solvent that helps oil paints blend and flow well. It can be purchased separately or mixed into the paint to improve the flow and viscosity. It also makes paints dry more slowly. This makes linseed oil an excellent paint medium.
Before using linseed oil to paint plastic car parts, it is essential to prepare the surface thoroughly. Linseed oil is very flammable, so you should avoid using it on factors that may get damaged while painting. Before painting:
- Make sure the trim is completely free of wax or plastic.
- Clean the area thoroughly with a wax remover or 90% alcohol.
- Create a 50:50 mixture of paint thinner and boiled linseed oil.
Let the mixture dry, and then wipe off the excess.
Another advantage to using linseed oil for painting plastic car parts is that it is healthier for the environment. Linseed oil paints take longer to dry, which means they last longer. However, if you want a fine finish, you may have to apply linseed oil several times to obtain it. If you are patient, the finished product will be worth it.
Linseed oil is also an excellent wood protector. It protects wood from water and sun damage, as well as preserving the look of wood. It can also be used to restore old wood, restoring its appearance and protecting it from rot. Its unique scent is also pleasing to the senses, making it an excellent choice for interior and exterior paint projects.
Boiled linseed oil mixed with mineral spirits forms an excellent protective coating. It dries quickly but can take weeks or even months to cure completely. It can also be used to oil a car.
Turpentine
If you want to paint plastic car parts, you may wonder whether it is possible to paint them with turpentine. It is a solvent, but not the type of solvent you need to paint plastic parts. While turpentine is suitable for cleaning airbrushes, it can also clog them. Turpentine can be used to thin enamel paints, but only if water-based.
If you don’t have access to turpentine, you can use mineral spirits. This is a petroleum-based turpentine substitute and is used for cleaning brushes. Mineral turpentine has a different chemical composition than turpentine, mostly pinene, and is not as effective as the original. Artists and craftspeople use white spirits as an alternative to turpentine, but they require a higher quality white spirit than industrial users. It is essential to ensure the turpentine substitute doesn’t contain residual sulfur or odor.
Paint thinner
There are several different paint thinners you can use on plastic car parts. Not all of them are safe for plastic, and you should always wear protective clothing and conduct a patch test before applying any thinner to a plastic part. For example, you should never use ethyl in this application because it is highly flammable and can melt plastic.
The solvents in paint thinner are very harsh and can strip a paint job if not used properly. Make sure to follow the directions on the container carefully. This is especially important if using paint thinner on an oil-based surface. You can also try using mineral or coconut oil. Once you’ve applied it, you can scrape the paint with a putty knife. Another good alternative is rubbing alcohol. This solvent has a disinfecting effect and is also an excellent solvent for oil-based paint.
The best paint thinner for plastic car parts is explicitly formulated for the job. It contains at least 40% methanol. However, this type of paint thinner is less effective on tough stains. The chemicals in paint thinner are designed to dissolve most resins, and it is more toxic and flammable than other solvents.
The second kind of paint thinner is a lacquer thinner. It is more powerful and can soften cured lacquers. However, it may damage plastic and rubber parts. It can also strip car paint. If you use lacquer thinner, you should not apply it on car parts with a clear coat.
