I'm going to be painting my car a spray paint flat black as soon as i get a new hood and front bumper, the hood is bent slightly and the shocks are bad, and the bumper is cracked in too many places.

I currently have the fuel door and the small area on the rear hatch painted already, it's been this way for about three or more months and i'm satisfied with how it's lasting through rain and shine (heat), surprising considering it's spray paint.

However i didn't sand it down at all or anything but i plan on sanding the whole car down to the primer before i apply the spray paint, just so it can look the best it can with a spray paint job.

Which brings me to my question, when I get the new front bumper do i sand it down (along with the rest of the plastic or w/e it's made of ground effects?)? Or should I just leave those plastic parts how they are and just apply the paint?


I know what i'm doing around an engine, but unfortunately i cannot say the same about dealing with the body or painting a car so tips are gladly accepted.


Thanks in advance guys.

 

You should scuff or sand and thoroughly clean anything you paint. If you go through to rubber/plastic its a good idea to seal it with a primer. Heck you could even get into adhesion promoters and flex prime if you want the ultimate durable finish. Avoid laquer prime on plastic/rubber... it can "bite". If you do use it be sure to build up light dry multiple coats. Hope that helps a bit.

 

Agreed with Dubbz.

I would sand it down an "feather edge" any paint cracks or anything.
Fill small cracks with Icing.
Scuff up the clearcoat that may be on it with a scuff pad to make it non-shiny.
And I would use 180grit then 220 if sanding.

I would deff. use an adhesion promotor.Such as "Bulldog" or "SEM Sand Free" .
Primer will stick much better an make a better job of the paint. As far Primer goes..Deff. use something Flexible for plastic. Can use some "SEM FLEXIBLE PRIMER SEALER".

That stuff will be available at an Allied Auto Parts or maybe even Autozone.

Goodluck!