Priya Kapoor
Painting your Jeep's fender flares can be a great way to freshen up its look and even add a layer of protection against UV rays and oxidation. It is possible to paint plastic fender flares, but it is important to note that it can be a tedious process that requires several steps, professional-grade materials, and a clean, warm, and dry workspace. There are a variety of paints and techniques that can be used, each with its own pros and cons, and it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure a durable finish. You can choose to paint your fender flares yourself or opt for a professional service, depending on your budget and desired results.
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What You'll Learn
Painting plastic fender flares
Preparation:
Firstly, decide if you want to paint the fender flares yourself or have them professionally painted. Professional painting can provide a guaranteed colour match, high-quality results, and a warranty, but it may be more costly. If you choose to paint them yourself, ensure you have a warm, dry workspace and gather the necessary materials and tools. These include paint, primer, a cleaner or degreaser, sandpaper, a tack cloth or rag, an adhesion promoter, and protective equipment such as gloves and a respirator.
Cleaning and Sanding:
Before painting, it is essential to prepare the plastic surface of the fender flares. Start by cleaning the flares with a suitable cleaner, such as dish soap and water, or a high-quality degreaser to remove any grease, dirt, or mould release residue. Once the flares are clean and dry, use sandpaper (220 or 320-grit) to scuff the surface. This process helps create a uniform, matte finish and ensures proper adhesion of the paint. Be sure to sand thoroughly and cover all surfaces that will be painted.
Priming and Adhesion:
After sanding, wipe the flares with a tack cloth or rag to remove any dust. Then, apply an adhesion promoter, following the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly sand the flares again using a finer grit (2000-grit) sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite pad. Wipe the surface once more with a tack cloth to ensure a clean surface. Now, you can apply the primer. Apply one or two coats of polypropylene primer, following the instructions on the product.
Painting:
Finally, you are ready to apply the paint to the fender flares. Choose a paint specifically designed for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion, SEM Bumper Coater, or a similar product that is UV stable and flexible. Avoid using a flat black paint, as mud stains can be difficult to remove. Instead, opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish. You can use a spray paint can or a paintbrush, depending on your preference and the paint product you have chosen. Always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety instructions on the paint product.
Remember, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the products you are using and take your time during each step. Proper preparation and technique will help ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish on your Jeep's plastic fender flares.
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Pros and cons of professional vs. DIY painting
Painting your Jeep's fender flares yourself can be a rewarding challenge, especially if you're into automotive projects. It is also a good option for small touch-ups, such as fixing small scratches or chips, and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in labour costs.
However, there are several drawbacks to the DIY approach. Firstly, it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring not just special skills but also a great deal of patience and time. Secondly, DIY painters lack access to the professional equipment and techniques used in auto body shops, which are crucial for achieving a flawless, durable, and high-quality finish. This includes industrial-grade paint booths, temperature-controlled environments, precision spray guns, and computerized paint-matching tools. As a result, DIY paint jobs are more susceptible to issues such as uneven coating, dust particles, inconsistent application, and lower-quality materials. Additionally, car paint contains chemicals that can be harmful to your health if not applied in a suitable environment, so caution is advised.
On the other hand, hiring a professional to paint your Jeep's fender flares can provide several benefits. Professionals have the expertise, experience, and equipment to ensure a high-quality, flawless, and durable finish. They can guarantee excellent results through their years of technical experience and attention to detail, which can exceed expectations. Professionals also have access to data on various paint finishes, allowing them to offer a wide range of services. They can match the paint colour perfectly, even on older or sun-faded vehicles, and apply it in a controlled environment to eliminate dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to hiring a professional. The cost of a professional paint job can range from $500 for a small area to $3,000 or more for a full vehicle, which may be a significant expense for some people. Additionally, while professionals can fix a bad DIY paint job, it may require additional costs and time for stripping and re-prepping the surface.
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Recommended paints for fender flares
Painting your Jeep's fender flares can be a great way to give your vehicle a new look. It's important to note that painting plastic, which is what most fender flares are made of, can be challenging. To achieve the best results, it's recommended to follow these key steps: sanding, priming, painting, and clear coating.
When it comes to paint selection, there are several recommended options for painting fender flares:
- Krylon Fusion : This paint is specifically designed for use on plastic and is available in a variety of finishes, including satin black. It has been used successfully by many Jeep owners, with some reporting that it has held up well over time.
- Rustoleum Truck Bed Spray : Rustoleum offers a range of paints suitable for fender flares, including their Truck Bed Spray. It provides a durable finish and is known for its ability to withstand mud and washing.
- Plasti Dip : Plasti Dip is a removable coating that can be applied to fender flares. It offers a temporary solution for those who want to change the colour of their flares without committing to a permanent paint job.
- Bumper and Trim Paint : For a blacked-out Jeep, bumper and trim paint in black charcoal can be a great option. It provides a sleek and stylish finish.
- Enamel or Polyurethane Automotive Paint : These types of paint are designed for use on vehicles and offer a more durable and professional finish than traditional spray paints. They can be purchased online or at automotive stores, along with the necessary primer.
It's important to note that proper preparation is key to achieving a successful paint job on your fender flares. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming the flares before applying the paint of your choice. Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times between coats.
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Prepping and cleaning fender flares
Prepping and cleaning your Jeep's fender flares is a crucial step before painting them. It is a tedious process that requires a clean workspace and professional-grade materials. Firstly, you must find a suitable workspace that is well-ventilated and devoid of dust, insects, and other contaminants. A well-ventilated garage or an open space without messy trees or bushes is ideal.
The next step is to clean the fender flares thoroughly. Use a suitable cleaner, such as dish soap and water, to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. You can also use a high-quality degreaser to ensure the surface is free of any oils or residue. Make sure to wipe down the flares with a tack rag or cloth to remove any remaining dust, as even trace amounts can cause the paint to flake and peel.
Once the flares are clean and dry, you need to scuff or sand the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Use 200 or 320-grit sandpaper and move in a back-and-forth motion to roughen the surface. This step is crucial, especially if you have textured flares, as it helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother finish.
After sanding, you may need to apply an adhesion promoter for extra adhesion. Then, give the flares a light sanding once more with a finer grit, such as 2000-grit sandpaper, to smooth out any remaining imperfections. Finally, wipe the flares one last time with a tack cloth to ensure they are completely free of dust and ready for the primer and paint application.
Remember, proper preparation is key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Take your time with each step and don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed.
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Painting techniques for a smooth finish
Painting your Jeep's fender flares is a great way to customise the look of your vehicle. It is possible to paint them yourself, but it requires a lot of preparation and the right tools and materials. Painting fender flares is not as simple as spraying paint over plastic, as the finish is unlikely to survive the first wash.
Firstly, you will need to decide whether to detach your fender flares. If you don't remove them, you can only paint the outside. If you do remove them, you will need to hold the flares to the vehicle's surface and make sure they fit correctly before painting. It is also important to note that smooth flares are easier to paint and are less expensive, while textured flares may or may not be paintable.
Next, you will need to clean the outer surface of the flares with a degreaser to remove any dust, grease, or grime. Dust will cause the paint to crack and peel, and grease and grime will prevent the paint from adhering properly. You can use an all-purpose automotive degreaser, but avoid using a lacquer thinner reducer as this will make the flares hard to paint.
After cleaning, you will need to sand down the fender flares with 200-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections, bumps, or rough spots. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Move the sandpaper back and forth in a smooth motion over the surface of the flares. Once you have finished sanding, wipe the entire surface of the flare with a tack cloth or rag to remove any remaining dust.
At this point, you may want to apply an adhesion promoter to the surface of the flare. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more durable finish. You should then sand the flares again with a very light sanding, using a 2000-grit Scotch-Brite pad.
Now you are ready to apply the primer. Apply one coat of polypropylene primer and then a second coat if needed. Allow the primer to dry completely. Once the primer is dry, sand the surface lightly with 400-600 grit sandpaper to remove any runs, dirt, or other imperfections. If you have sanded through to the base plastic, clean the flare and apply another light coat of primer.
After sanding, clean the flares again with dish soap and water, using a clean, lint-free cloth. Now you are ready to apply the base coat of paint. Shake the paint thoroughly before use and then apply a light first coat, followed by 2-3 medium coats. Hold the spray paint 1-2 inches away from the flares and use short, accurate bursts to fill in the surface. It is important to work in a warm, dry space and to avoid moving the can slowly to prevent a runny or spotty finish. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, and use short wrist flicks when spraying to minimise runs.
You can add additional coats as needed to deepen the colour. Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours so that the paint can harden completely. If desired, you can apply a clear coat for added protection.
It is important to note that if you plan to take your Jeep off-road, painted fenders may not be the best option as they can be easily damaged by rocks and other debris. Additionally, if you want to be able to remove the paint later, consider using a product like Plasti Dip instead of permanent paint.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it will involve several tedious steps, professional-grade materials, and a clean workspace. You will need sandpaper, adhesion promoter, base coat, and clear coat. You will also need a warm, dry place to paint and dry the fender flares.
Krylon Fusion paint is a popular choice for painting plastic fender flares. Other options include SEM trim paint, Plasti Dip, Hammerite, and Duplicolor bed armour.
First, you will need to remove the fender flares from your Jeep. Next, you will need to sand, scuff, or use a chemical paint remover on the flares to create a surface that the paint can adhere to. You may also need to use a primer or adhesion promoter. Finally, you can apply the paint of your choice, typically requiring 2-3 coats for an even finish.
There are pros and cons to both options. Painting the fender flares yourself can be cheaper, but the results may not be as good as if a professional did it. Hiring a professional will likely result in a better colour match and finish, and there may be a warranty, but it will be more expensive.
