^ I too would like to know how most of you guys got them to be a smooth glossy finish, these panels are rough

 

Mine Painted same color as the car

 

Sand paper and finish with a gloss clear coat.

 

Do you need to sand after you primer?

 

Yes! ^ sand the primer!

 

I would also suggest an adhesion promotor such as "Bulldog" to be sprayed on he plastic prior to applying anything directly to the plastic after sanding and cleaning. This will help to keep it from peeling down the road. Just my suggestion. And i personally wouldnt use any rattle can paint on a nice lexus! Maybe a 96 model but not ours!

 

what paint did you use?



Sooo, anyone mind sharing what grit sand paper?

Sand, primer, sand again, adhesive promoter and then paint?

 

The adhesion promotor needs to be first thing sprayed after sanding it. Before primer or anything.
Sand
Clean
Bulldog
Primer
Sand
Paint
Clear

 

I havent looked at the plastic really but if its textured and u want it smooth, id go with sanding it with 320 or 400 grit to try to knock down some of the texture. Spray bulldog and put on a few coats of primer. Use something flat when sanding the primer down and it should smooth over and take away the texture. Start with 320 and if u notice it smoothing out, go back over with 500 wetsand paper. This is assuming u have a quality primer. If it doesnt get smooth and u cut down to plastic while sanding, just spray primer again and repeat but end with 500 grit. This is not a spray can primer! Once smooth, clean it and spray ur base coat (color) and once its covered, spray ur clear. As for paint and clear, use automotive paint that u would us on your car. No can ****!

Paint binds mechanically with the scratches and chemically with the bulldog to ensure it doesnt peel. Plastic always needs a lil help from some bulldog.

 

(dad owns body shop and ive been in the business for 10 years or so)

If anyone wants me to go in greater detail, pm me.

 

Thanks, for the side covers I think those grits would work well since the texture is kind of rough, but the engine cover is smoother..

* what brand primer would you recommend
* what brand paint and clear coat
* how long after applying bulldog adhesive should I wait to apply the primer?

 

U tech primer will go on thick enough to fill in the texture.
Paints could be PPG or dupont chromabase or etc.
Clear could be the dupont clear sold at oriellys autobstore. Pretty good stuff.
With the bulldog, be careful to not just aim it at the cover. I like to rather "mist" toward it and let it cover the plastic. Not really point blank spray it. Ull see wut i mean. Practice on some cardboard prior. Let dry for 4-7 minutes. Ull see when it gets tacky.

 

Looking good guys. Inspired me to do mine now.

 

Well.. it's not really painted.. but here's a sneak peak on what i'm working on for my new engine bay.





i'll post some pics later once everything is finished and put back into the actual engine bay.

 

Very nice!
How long did it take you to skin the carbon fiber?