I was considering getting the black pearl emblems for my AWD but they are just too expensive for my budget at the moment and was considering having a local body shop paint the emblems for me. They said they can get it to look exactly like black pearl but I am a little weary about having them painted. Has anyone gone this route before? If so how did they come out? Im not a fan of Plastidip so that idea is out, but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Yes - i painted my emblems with Tamiya gunmetal paint and clear coat afterwards. <$20 and the look is identical to black pearl.

 

I saw a thread about that but doesn't it peel after awhile?

 

Not with Tamiya paint. Those are meant to bend because its made for flexible polycarbonate rc car bodies. Besides he's using a clear coat to touch if off so that should seal well.

 

I am in your current situation. I want the black pearl emblems but they are too expensive for just changing the emblem colors.I might try that tamiya paint with a clear coat myself. thanks for the idea.

 

Excellent idea and it looks great for the price.

 

Some pics of the end results would be excellent!!

 

i had the same idea! in for pic

 

Sure, i'll try to get some pics. Its hard to capture with a cellphone camera, so will need to wait until the weekend when my DSLR is repaired.

The thing with the tamiya is that i sprayed a little too many coats (should have stopped earlier) so its a dark gunmetal (still can tell the difference from black). I would have done a few shades lighter though and it would have been perfect. Will get the pics asap

Edit: The original DIY - kudos to puredrifter for the idea: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/aut...e-emblems.html