DIY: Looks as good as the $300+ Black badges sold online!

[s4play]

I have no problem paying money for quality modifications for my cars….but $$$ for plastic badges is just rape IMO! For me it’s even more wasteful since I already have my front grill painted gloss black so I only needed the rear trunk badges blacked out.

Anyways this whole project took me 2 days only because of drying time which is the key step in getting this to turn out professionally.

Here’s a list of what you need:

1) Heat Gun
2) Plastic scraper to remove badges
3) Bottle of Goo Gone
4) Rubbing Alcohol
5) 300 and 1000 grit sandpaper
6) 3M Double sided tape
7) PATIENCE

Lexus has small guide holes on the Lexus badge, L-logo, and the “I” but not the “S” for some odd reason so replacement is really easy. The overall result turned out perfect (and I’m a perfectionist).

First step is to wash the trunk area since you don’t want any dirt or debris in the surrounding areas. Then use the heat gun set on low heat and keep it moving back and forth to soften the adhesive tape. Use the plastic scraper to carefully pry the badge away working from one end and be careful not to force it or the badge will bend. Repeat this process for all the badges. Once all removed, use the Goo Gone to clean all the surfaces so there are no sticky residue left. My advice is to do this in the garage on a warm day so the paint surface is easy to adhere to the tape.

Next take the 300 grit sandpaper and sand every surface of the badge. This will take some time since the smaller ones you really have to work it a bit. The idea is to create a surface for the primer to stick to better by creating a rougher surface. Finish with the 1000 grit paper and wash all the badges under soapy water and let dry thoroughly.

For the painting process, do it outdoors with adequate sunlight. This will help speed up the drying process. Spray paint bottles work best if they are slightly warm too. Start with 2 LIGHT coats of primer with about 20 minutes drying time between. Take your time and use light coats. After the second coat of primer is dry you can spray your black color. I simply used gloss black automotive paint. Do 3 layers of black and be sure to let each layer dry. Lastly finish it off with 2 light coats of clear coat and you are done.

I let it completely dry overnight to be safe. Next clean each badge with rubbing alcohol and don’t touch the back again since your fingers have oils. Use the 3M tape to carefully re-apply the double sided tape on each badge. Clean the trunk areas with rubbing alcohol next and let it dry. Stick on the new badges and you are DONE!

Total cost of this project - $15.00, not having to pay someone $300+ dollars (priceless)

I took some pictures so stay tuned but hope this helps. The new look is stunning and night/day difference!

Rick

[BigMikeISF]

Sounds sweet s4play! Process didn't take too long and sounds fairly easy. I'd like to see the pics once you have them up

[hahahaf]

awesome post,
excellent, cant wait to see the pics
and when u reapplied the 3m tape
did u have to trim?
im not to familiar with that product
so im sorry if its a dumb question

and i agree that its a total rip off to pay that much

someone like "doug" should offer a similar option like he does with the painted engine cover where we can swap and exchange them for black

[LEXUSF]

can u do black crome too? or black pearl? or is it just black? i believe they look different right?

[ELL Y]

Totally agreed with black badges being a total rip off!
Can't wait to see those pics

[bnizzle87]

id agree, but i bought the black pearl badges after selling the original lexus badges for about the same price. not a bad deal, if you ask me.

[avgj0F]

Nice write up. A small suggestion on #2, use dental floss.

Originally Posted by s4play

...Here’s a list of what you need:

1) Heat Gun
2) Plastic scraper to remove badges
3) Bottle of Goo Gone
4) Rubbing Alcohol
5) 300 and 1000 grit sandpaper
6) 3M Double sided tape
7) PATIENCE

Rick

[s4play]

Originally Posted by bnizzle87

id agree, but i bought the black pearl badges after selling the original lexus badges for about the same price. not a bad deal, if you ask me.

Wow how the heck did you sell your STOCK badges? You must be a good sales guy...hehehe (mad props)

ok for the rest of us who can't sell their stock badges painting works

Yes black chrome, matte black and gloss black are some options. Obviously with spray paint, the latter 2 are easier.

I love the final look, so much more aggresive!

[s4play]

here's a sneak peek of the materials used:

[hahahaf]

nice pic, im greedy, do u have more, maybe on ur car?
looks good

[Rippo]

do you think it's just as easy to paint the silver on the front grill to a black like you did the Lexus Badges? Very nice job on the Badges!

[tmf2004]

There going to look good on the white... Goo Gone works wonders..i used that to remove my badges on the GS..

Nice Work

[jctheplaya]

Looks good, def show some pics when you have them on your car

[s4play]

Painting the Lexus “L” on the front grill is same process so no issues there however the entire front grill is a different story. It’s a rather large piece and any imperfections will be more noticeable. I had my front grill sprayed gloss black at my local body shop and paid them to do it right.

Here’s what the badges look like now:

[hahahaf]

looks sexy, its almost a must on the white f's

im sure now that u mentioned the front we all wanna see, haha