Best paint/way to paint Grille?

[jhayes]

I currently have a faded red grille that is in good condition just the color is aged looking
In order to paint it what type of paint would I want to use?
Being plastic, What would be the application process and would sanding be needed?


Dare I say spray paint? :confused3:

[eurotiva]

I used spray paint (flash red duplicolor) and if cleaned and sanded properly it will look as good as the rest of the 20 year old paint. 90% of how paint work turns out is in the prep .

[jhayes]

I used spray paint (flash red duplicolor) and if cleaned and sanded properly it will look as good as the rest of the 20 year old paint. 90% of how paint work turns out is in the prep .

My paint on my 91 Festiva is actually very fresh looking and shiny so thats why i asked
I haven't decided between black or red
I recently spray painted my stock rims flat black and they looked great so i'm unsure

[fastivaca]

Maybe all it needs is some good quality wax and some elbow grease. It's amazing what a difference it can make. My Festiva is red too and I've found the the plastic bits like the bumpers and grille seem to fade/oxidize more than the sheet metal.

Welcome to the site!

[deathegg]

Yes, before going the painting route, see if it can be polished out. Get some rubbing compound, polish, and wax and see if that does it first. If you decide to paint, as Eurotiva said, it's all about the prep work, even if you use spray paint. My entire car is painted with spray cans, and it's still looking great many years later.

[Festiva_tunner]

spray technique comes into play after the the prep work, all of my add ons including my grill and spoiler are spray painted and look good

[jhayes]

Maybe all it needs is some good quality wax and some elbow grease. It's amazing what a difference it can make. My Festiva is red too and I've found the the plastic bits like the bumpers and grille seem to fade/oxidize more than the sheet metal.

Welcome to the site!

Thanks..yea my dad and I waxed the car earlier and it came out great
I'm debating upon what color to paint the grille now

Yes, before going the painting route, see if it can be polished out. Get some rubbing compound, polish, and wax and see if that does it first. If you decide to paint, as Eurotiva said, it's all about the prep work, even if you use spray paint. My entire car is painted with spray cans, and it's still looking great many years later.

I think it's too faded at the moment, but i will make sure i prep correctly

[cgoulding]

I'll second the spray can paint, painted on these flames 5 years ago and they are still holding up great. Cleaned and sanded the area to be painted in multi stages down to 400 grit and used Farm and Ranch Tractor paint in rattle cans.

As for waxing etc I think they were refering to waxing the grill to see if it would shine up and match the car before attempting to paint.

And no it's not a Mercedes emblem on the hood, it just looks like one, it's my sights, if anything gets in the sights, especially if it's big it's time to pray.

Cory

[jhayes]

I'll second the spray can paint, painted on these flames 5 years ago and they are still holding up great. Cleaned and sanded the area to be painted in multi stages down to 400 grit and used Farm and Ranch Tractor paint in rattle cans.

As for waxing etc I think they were refering to waxing the grill to see if it would shine up and match the car before attempting to paint.

And no it's not a Mercedes emblem on the hood, it just looks like one, it's my sights, if anything gets in the sights, especially if it's big it's time to pray.

Cory

thanks that sounds good

Did anyone by chance use a clear coat on the top to protect the paint or anything like that?

[blkfordsedan]

I would go to an auto paint & supply place and have them mix you up a spray can of the original color, based on the paint code, and a can of prep cleaner. Sand the grill well (400 grit followed by something finer), wipe down with the cleaner to remove any old wax or oils, and spray it. I don't think the plastic is an issue since it already has paint on it, but I don't know squat about paint and bodywork either. You could probably get more intense with color sanding, clear coat, etc., but I suspect the paint on the rest of the car is slightly dull and faded. A bright and shiny "like new" grill may stick out as much as the faded one! You can always sand it back down and re-do it if you don't like it. The guys at the paint store may be able to suggest other products also. Good luck and have fun with it!