I have searched everywhere and I can't find anything on this topic, so I'm sorry if it is a repeat...

I have a 2002 4Runner and I want to paint the lower valance and all the other plastic pieces that are cuttently gray to a different color, probably black to match my wheels. I am wandering if anyone has done this or if it is even possible. If so, what kind of primer and paint did you use? What sort of prep work did you do? Any pics?

If you haven't done this, do you have any recommendations? Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Jimmy

 

Don't know anybody whose done it but it's a fairly simple process, the devil will be in the prep work. If you can take the parts off the truck it will make it easier.
Step 1 is to wash everything really well [like 2 or 3xs] you have to get all the road grease/dirt/and every trace of wax off. You should start with a good strong auto soap, next an engine degreaser, then soap again and use a good soft plastic scrub brush. allow to dry in a dust free area.
Step 2 Spray with an electrical contact cleaner [this stuff will help lift off any remaining grease/dirt/oil] wipe off, repeat if really dirty.
Step 3 Wash again with household dish soap and scrub brush. This will get rid of any trace of contact cleaner and remove any remaining dirt the cleaner loosened. Dish soap also usually rinses away clean without leaving any residue/prewax/rinse agents like some auto soaps do. Do not touch the plastic with bare hands again.
Step 4 If parts are on truck mask any areas you don't want painted. Don't forget to mask high up [whole side]to allow for over spray.
Step 5 spray some contact cleaner in to a paper towel and wipe any spots you touched while masking.
Step 6 Begin Painting... insure vehicle/parts are in a dust free draft free room.

Follow instruction on can as they apply to the paint.
I've used Duplicolour Fabric/vinyl paint on my interior surfaces using the above process and been very happy with the results. They do have auto plastic exterior paints too which would be better for your application obviously. I have'nt used them but I've heard good things about them.
Several light coats are better then a few heavy ones when you get to applying the paint. You may need to apply a coat or two of clear on top for max. durability.
Like I said when it comes to painting [particularly auto plastic] the PITA is the prep work.
Hope this helps
Aviator

 

Thank you so much aviator!! This is exactly what I was looking for! I knew that the prep work would be a PITA but I just didn't know how bad it would be or what exactly i need to do. Your step by step process should definitely prep the plastic so the paint will stick to it. I just have a couple more questions. Should I use a primer to help the paint stick even better? If so what kind? I have never heard of electrical contact cleaner so I am wandering, where can it be purchased? Thanks again for all of you help!

 

Some paints require a plastic primer others don't. A plastic specific paint should not but check the instructions. Electrical Contact cleaner can be found at almost any auto supply store like Napa or Pep Boys or an Electrical Trade wholesaler for sure and possibly at some Lowe's/Home Depots.

When you are painting use light coats to prevent runs/drips and do it in separate passes beginning and ending about 6" from the edge of each area to be painted ie to the left.. stop, to the right.. stop. Not a continuous back and forth spray. This will save paint and reduce the chances of getting crow's feet and blotches.

I found shaking the can for 5 mins before starting really helped get all the paint suspended in the aerosol . Also give the can a good shake about every 4th pass to keep the paint suspended. This worked really well and got all the paint out of the can, the paint will run out before the aerosol does if you do this.

If you do get some runs/blotches allow the paint to dry thoroughly [overnight] and you can go over the blotch gently with a white abrasive pad [it comes in grades from red [coarsest] to white [finest]. If you are very careful you should be able to remove the imperfection without damaging the plastic itself.
You should be able to source the pads from Napa/Pep boys.

 

i used a Valspar plastic primer when doing the interior plastic on our 88 4runner....just follow the directions.

like Aviator said, the devil is in the details.....he mentioned alot of prep work i never even thought of, so excellent advice.

the good part about the plastic primer, as i remember, is once it's covered with the primer you could use any paint you choose, and does not have to be meant for plastic.

 

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. I am probably going to try to do this project next weekend because I'm really busy this week. I will keep everyone updated and I will try to post some pics when I am done.

 

okay guys so I was finally able to tackle this project last weekend. I did most of the prep work that Aviator suggested but I left out a couple of steps and added a couple of my own, I still think it came out great and I am really happy with the results!! While I was at it I also painted all the other gray plastic pieces and my grille black to match. Let me know what you think.

 

I forgot to post some before pics in my last post so here are a couple before pics.

 

looks good

 

Looks sharp.