Painting plastics

[agent orange]

Do you have any technics in painting plastics? I have some plastic trims i want to paint, but the paint seems to make miniture holes (hopefully you guys know what im talking about) on some areas. I've lightly sanded it, primered and coat of rattle can paint. so far it dosent seem to have the finish i want. Do you recommed any type of cleaner or prep paint?

[69BBsuburban]

Yeah, you need a good automotive degreaser. The small "holes" you're describing are call "fish eyes"....usually caused by silicone or oil deposits......
Plastic is tough to get clean to paint, especially interior parts that have had ArmorAll or similar chemicals sprayed on 'em....
An autobody supply store should have what ya need.....

[old Rusty C10]

hes right you gotta clean em real good and get all the crud off
for tight areas or raised letters i use a toothpick to paint them

[canadianc-10]

some good ol spraycan adhesion promoter is good to use. ive never had my paint on plastics peel or chip with it

[6772fan]

What CanadianC said, plus try SEM rattle-can paint. It is made specifically for plastics and it works great. You can find in at most auto parts houses that sell paint and body products. It is somewhat expensive, but well worth it and it's available in most interior colors of our trucks.

[bigblock73]

Here is some good reading

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/interior/vinyl_dye.htm

[N2TRUX]

Like a said in the article that Jeff posted the key to painting plastic or vinyl is getting it clean. It must be aggressively cleaned to ensure that no residual interior dressing or natural oily residue exists. As mentioned what you are seeing is a reaction to the oil on the plastic known as "fisheye". Clean it, clean it again, then clean it once more to be sure.

After that using the correct plastic prep will get you a good base. Go slow with light coats to help promote adhesion. Once you have a good base coat, then you can build from there.

[chromyelow1]

does that also go for the headlight bezel upfront?

[N2TRUX]

Yep. Anything that is plastic.

[chevyrestoguy]

To prep the part, I use a product called "Ting". You can get it at most auto paint supply stores. It comes in a container that resembles the one Gatorade sells their powdered mix in. It has the consistency of something between car wax and Softscrub. A good nylon bristle brush, lots of Ting, flush with lots of water, repeat at least 3 times. I've never had a part peel, lift, or fisheye using this stuff.

I agree with N2Trux. Light coats only. Heavy coats tend to bury the grain (texture), and it'll look like you painted the part with Krylon enamel. I also recommend SEM products. They'll cost a little more than the stuff at the local home store, but the results are worth it.