DIY Exterior Painting tips?

A

AeroBFA

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Chicagoland
In the next few weeks, I plan on doing some painting mods and wanted to get some tips. After doing lots of research, I decided to go with Krylon Fusion. For those who have used it, do you recommend using a clear coat to finish it off? Im concerned about UV, salt, chips and bird poop and was curious if using Fusion without clearcloating is good enough. Also, what's the optimal temperature to paint in? I will be painting in my garage and currently in Chicago its in the 50's. Maybe 60's by the time im ready to paint. Thanks!
 
Yes, I plan on painting the faded window trim with Fusion and eventually the grille. Im sick of looking at a clean and shiny car and then your eyes are drawn to the faded trim. It's really embarrssing. I was thinking of getting them done by a body shop, but Im going to give Fusion a chance first. So basically im wondering if I should clear coat the gloss black finish afterwards. Im worried about salt, UV, bird poop etc. the most.
 
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cc775jh said:
Ever thought about adding this to your looks on the FX?
http://www.realtruck.com/auto_ventshade_seamless_vent_visors/R182607P2005Y267M8448A.html#

Instead of painting? If you decide to paint, at least there is only a small section that you have to paint.
Click to expand...

I really dont like the look of those in general on the car. Even those particular ones are pretty slim, i would rather not have them on the car. Plus the faded trim would still show, since they are mounted just below the trim anyways.

You're right, the good thing is I dont have much to paint on the trim and its very easy to mask off.
 
I am in the same boat your in aerbfa, except im wanting to paint my front grill and my trim pieces and logo on the rear too. I do know this. on ebay they sell a black grill that has the same design as the stock one BUT with out the logo. too me it looks real good and i think will look good on our copper along with some sport headlights or painted headlights! oh one last think. plasti-dip i heard works wonders and holds real strong. and another tip DON'T BUY THE DUPLI-COLOR PAINT FROM THE AUTO STORES IT SUCKS! well i think i about covered it,lol
 
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Well it's been over a year now and one harsh Chicago winter and my Fusion has held up really well on my door trim. It will definitely work well in your headlights too.
 
AeroBFA said:
Yes, I plan on painting the faded window trim with Fusion and eventually the grille. Im sick of looking at a clean and shiny car and then your eyes are drawn to the faded trim. It's really embarrssing. I was thinking of getting them done by a body shop, but Im going to give Fusion a chance first. So basically im wondering if I should clear coat the gloss black finish afterwards. Im worried about salt, UV, bird poop etc. the most.
Click to expand...

Call the dealership where you bought the car from -- I think last year, I brought it in and the service guy just said, heck, I'll just replace it all.

There was a recall, that's the reason -- I was out of the recall period, I think -- but the tech was able to work it.

Brand new black trim, it was awesome. You can also ask if you can just upgrade to chrome since they're doing the labor anyway if you pay the difference.

Never hurts to try! Works better in person than getting a commitment via phone.
 
Ya, I tried to get new ones at Lisle Infiniti like 1.5 years ago but they didn't honor it because I was out of the period too. Plus, Ive painted it since then so they won't honor it anymore either. You know me, I'm going to upgrade to the chrome ones in the near future. Maybe next summer. :wink:
 
Chedman13 said:
Call the dealership where you bought the car from -- I think last year, I brought it in and the service guy just said, heck, I'll just replace it all.

There was a recall, that's the reason -- I was out of the recall period, I think -- but the tech was able to work it.

Brand new black trim, it was awesome. You can also ask if you can just upgrade to chrome since they're doing the labor anyway if you pay the difference.

Never hurts to try! Works better in person than getting a commitment via phone.
Click to expand...

I didn't know there was recall on the fading trim. I'll have to ask my dealer.
 
I dont think it was a recall but it was issued as a TSB. Meaning if you're within warranty, they will replace it. Once out of warranty....it's not going to happen unless you get a really really nice service person.
 
Honestly, its not that much money to get new ones either. I was thinking of just buying new trim, getting it clear coated and just DIY install. My trim has a little bit of orange peel on it from the Fusion, so that's why I rather have brand new ones.
 
DIY is not so easy for R&I all new trim mouldings IMO. If you have plans to go chrome I'd go with the custom cut covers w/3m two sided on ebay. If you want blk and shiney, a light sand re-base blk and then clear coat em with good quality paint. When they are fully cured a wet sand and finesse polish will take any dirt/dibris out leaving a baby smooth shine. A whole new set will cost a pretty penny at the Dealership.

---------- Post added at 01:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:54 PM ----------
infinitifan25 said:
I am in the same boat your in aerbfa, except im wanting to paint my front grill and my trim pieces and logo on the rear too. I do know this. on ebay they sell a black grill that has the same design as the stock one BUT with out the logo. too me it looks real good and i think will look good on our copper along with some sport headlights or painted headlights! oh one last think. plasti-dip i heard works wonders and holds real strong. and another tip DON'T BUY THE DUPLI-COLOR PAINT FROM THE AUTO STORES IT SUCKS! well i think i about covered it,lol
Click to expand...
That is a nice grill! was thinking about getting one and going body color with it. Want something a little different. Would not advise painting over plastic chrome foil, it really never holds well.
 
I took mine off and Fusion them and gone thru two winter. Still looking good as first day I put them back after painting them.
 
I did not remove them. I spent like four hours masking my car off with tape, lol. It is much easier to take them off, but only the upper portions pop out easier. The bottom ones are tougher and have these clips than can break if removed improperly.
 
Does anyone have the TSB for the faded window trims? I was just at a dealership and asked the service rep about the TSB and he said he could not see any on his system for them. But he did say if I can find the TSB they could swap it out for me. Thanks
 
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