Leo Martínez
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a pickup truck and an SUV. One of its distinctive design elements is the black or dark grey plastic cladding that runs along the roof, sides, and lower portion of the vehicle. Over time, this cladding can become discoloured, faded, or chalky, and many owners seek to restore or paint it to enhance the appearance of their Avalanche. Painting the cladding can give it a fresh, new look and is a popular modification that many Chevy Avalanche owners undertake. This process involves several steps, including sanding, cleaning, priming, and applying the correct type of paint and topcoat to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you paint the cladding on a Chevy Avalanche? | Yes |
| How to paint | Sand the cladding, clean it with a wax and grease remover, use a plastic adhesion promoter, apply primer, and then paint |
| Products to use | Gatorback Textured Plastic Cleaner, Gatorback Coatings Anti Fuel Staining Topcoat, Gatorback Textured Plastic Coating, 3M Scotch-Brite Ultra Fine Pad Gray 37448, Dupli-Color Paint, Ace Hardware brand Satin black paint, Cerakote Trim Coat, Self etching primer, Rustoleum universal paint, Boiled linseed oil, Mineral oil |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the cladding
Sanding is a crucial step in the process of refinishing cladding, whether it's on a Chevy Avalanche or other surfaces like wooden cladding. It ensures a smooth and consistent texture, enhancing the overall aesthetic and durability of the finished product. Here are some detailed instructions for sanding the cladding on a Chevy Avalanche:
Removing Cladding Pieces:
Before sanding, it's important to determine if the cladding pieces can be removed. If they can be taken off, it will make the sanding process easier. For the Chevy Avalanche, the triangular sail panel cladding pieces can be removed for sanding and painting.
Sanding Process:
- Coarse Sanding: Start by using coarse sandpaper, such as 60-grit or 80-grit, to remove the existing paint or finish from the cladding. This initial sanding step will leave cuts or scratches in the surface, which is expected.
- Smoothing: Once the majority of the old paint or finish is removed, switch to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 100-grit. Use a sanding block or a palm sander to smooth out the scratches and create an even surface. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth finish.
- Removing "Hairs": During the sanding process, you may notice small strings or "hairs" on the cladding. These can be removed by using a finer grit sandpaper, such as 100-grit or higher.
- Final Touches: After sanding, ensure that the surface is clean and free of any dust or debris. You can use a tack rag to wipe down the pieces and prepare them for the next steps, which may include applying a primer or paint.
Additional Tips:
- Power Sanders: For large or extensive sanding projects, consider using a power sander, such as a commercial-grade 7-inch sander, to make the process more efficient.
- Sanding Blocks: When using sandpaper by hand, it's recommended to use a sanding block to provide a flat surface and prevent gouging the material.
- Consistency: Ensure that you sand in multiple directions to achieve a consistent texture. Sometimes, paint or finish can be more easily removed when scraped in a different direction.
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$94.85
Cleaning the cladding
To clean the cladding on your Chevy Avalanche, you'll need to first remove the cladding pieces. Then, follow these steps:
- Scrub the surface: Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the cladding and remove any surface particles, such as dust or cobwebs.
- Apply soapy water: If there is stubborn dirt, use hot, soapy water with a sponge to scrub away the dirt.
- Rinse with water: Rinse the cladding with water to remove any remaining dirt or soap residue.
- Use a plastic cleaner: Apply a plastic cleaner, such as Gatorback Textured Plastic Cleaner, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will help remove any remaining dirt or stains.
- Scuff the surface (optional): For more thorough cleaning, use a 3M Scotch-Brite Ultra Fine Pad with water to scuff the cladding surface.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the cladding with water again and wipe it dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Apply a plastic restoration product (optional): If you want to restore the colour and shine of the cladding, apply a plastic restoration product, such as CarGuys Plastic Restorer or Meguiars Ultimate Black. These products can help protect the cladding from UV rays and prevent fading.
- Buff to a shine: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the cladding to a shine, if desired.
It is important to note that you should always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations when using any cleaning products or restoration solutions. Additionally, always test any new products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage or discolour the cladding.
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Using adhesion promoter
Painting the cladding on a Chevy Avalanche can restore its appearance. The cladding on a Chevy Avalanche is made of soft, molded-in-colour TPO plastic, which is prone to fading, scuffing, discolouration, and chalking in the sun. While it is possible to paint the cladding, it is important to prepare the surface properly to ensure that the paint adheres well and does not peel or flake.
One way to improve paint adhesion on plastic surfaces is to use an adhesion promoter. An adhesion promoter is a substance that is applied to a surface before painting to improve the bond between the paint and the surface. In the case of the Chevy Avalanche's plastic cladding, an adhesion promoter can melt the outer skin of the cladding and seal it, preventing discolouration from within.
To use an adhesion promoter on the cladding of a Chevy Avalanche, follow these steps:
- Remove the cladding pieces that need to be painted. This is necessary because you cannot effectively sand and paint the cladding while it is still attached to the vehicle.
- Sand the cladding to smooth out the surface and remove any hairs or strings that may be present. Start with 80-grit open-face sandpaper and work your way up to 100-grit sandpaper.
- Clean the sanded cladding pieces with a tack rag to remove any dust or debris. Move the pieces to a clean area or clean up the surrounding area.
- Spray the cladding pieces with a plastic/leather prep cleaner to ensure that the surface is free of any remaining contaminants.
- Apply the plastic adhesion promoter generously to the cladding pieces, following the directions on the product's packaging. Some brands recommend applying primer or paint within 20 minutes, while others suggest letting the promoter dry completely before proceeding.
- Once the adhesion promoter has dried, apply a primer to the cladding pieces. A high-build sandable primer will help fill in any pin holes in the cladding. Allow the primer to dry completely, following the manufacturer's recommendations for drying time based on temperature and humidity levels.
- Lightly sand the first coat of primer with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and fill in any remaining pin holes.
- Apply additional coats of primer and sand in between coats as needed until you achieve a smooth finish.
- Once you are satisfied with the surface preparation, you can proceed with painting the cladding pieces, following the paint manufacturer's instructions.
It is important to note that while an adhesion promoter can improve paint adhesion, it may not be necessary for all paint systems. Some products, such as the B&C Coat mentioned in the Chevy Avalanche Fan Club forum, have built-in TPO adhesion, eliminating the need for a separate adhesion promoter. Always read and follow the instructions provided by the paint and adhesion promoter manufacturers to ensure the best results.
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Applying primer
Painting the cladding on a Chevy Avalanche can help restore its appearance and give it a new look. Before applying the primer, it is important to prepare the surface properly. This includes cleaning the cladding with a plastic cleaner, such as Gatorback Textured Plastic Cleaner, and scuffing the surface with a scuff pad, like the 3M Scotch-Brite Ultra Fine Pad Gray 37448, to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
Once the surface is prepared, you can start applying the primer. It is recommended to use a self-etching primer, as it will help the paint adhere better and reduce the chances of peeling or cracking in the future. Spray one or two thin coats of the self-etching primer onto the cladding, making sure to follow the directions on the product you are using for the recommended drying time. Some brands may suggest applying the primer within 20 minutes, while others may advise letting it dry completely before proceeding. It is crucial to pay attention to the drying time, taking into account factors such as temperature and humidity levels.
When applying the primer, ensure that you cover all the areas that will be painted. It is important to note that the primer may not completely hide the pin holes in the cladding, but a Hi-build sandable primer can help fill them in. After applying the primer, let it dry thoroughly. You can use a sanding block with 100-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the first coat of primer, which will help smooth out any imperfections and ensure a better finish.
After the primer is dry, you can proceed with the next steps, which include painting and applying a clear coat. It is important to follow the instructions on the products you are using and work in a well-ventilated area to ensure your safety. Additionally, consider using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask, to protect yourself from any paint fumes or debris.
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your Chevy Avalanche cladding.
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Painting the cladding
Preparation:
Before you start painting, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the cladding and the work area. First, if possible, remove the cladding pieces that you plan to paint. This will make the job easier and help you achieve better results. If you cannot remove certain pieces, make sure to tape off the surrounding areas to protect them from paint. Next, clean the cladding thoroughly using a product like Gatorback Textured Plastic Cleaner or a wax and grease remover to ensure that the surface is free of dirt, grease, or any other residue. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and safety when using these products.
Sanding:
Once the cladding is clean and dry, you need to sand it to create a suitable surface for painting. Use 200-grit sandpaper and sand the cladding by hand until it has a dull, slightly smoother finish. Be careful not to oversand and make the surface completely smooth. This process will help the paint adhere better to the cladding. After sanding, use a tack rag or a microfiber towel to remove any dust or "hairs" that may be left on the surface.
Priming:
Before applying paint, it is essential to use a primer to ensure better paint adhesion and reduce the chances of peeling or cracking. Spray one or two thin coats of self-etching primer or a plastic adhesion promoter on the cladding, following the directions on the product's packaging for drying time. Some primers may require light sanding after application to fill in any pin holes in the cladding.
Painting:
Now comes the painting process. Select a paint that matches your vehicle's colour and apply two thin coats of automotive paint using a spray gun or a HVLP paint gun. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly, typically for 30 to 60 minutes, before applying the next coat. It is important to follow the directions on your chosen paint for specific drying times and application methods.
Clear Coat:
After the paint coats have dried, apply two to three coats of clear coat paint to protect the paint job and add a glossy finish. Again, allow each coat to dry for about 30 minutes, and let the final coat dry for a more extended period, ideally one full day, before touching or using the vehicle.
Additional Tips:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from fumes.
- Use masking paper and tape to protect surrounding areas of the vehicle that you do not want to get painted.
- When sanding, don't worry about the little strings or "hairs" that may appear on the cladding, as they can be removed during the final smoothing process.
- Consider using a plastic adhesion promoter to seal the cladding, as discolouration can come from within.
- If you are matching a metallic pattern, be careful to get the same finish, or it won't look right.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint the cladding yourself.
You can use automotive spray paint or automotive paint in a spray gun. You can also use Ace Hardware brand Satin Black paint or Dupli-Color Paint.
First, remove the cladding. Then, sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper until it is almost smooth. Next, clean the cladding with a wax and grease remover and a microfiber towel. Then, apply a plastic adhesion promoter and let it dry. After that, apply a primer and let it dry. Finally, paint the cladding with two thin coats of automotive paint.
Clean the cladding with Gatorback Textured Plastic Cleaner. Then, scuff the surface with 3M Scotch-Brite and water. Clean it again, and spray Gatorback Textured Plastic Coating. For Chevrolet models, apply Gatorback Coatings Anti-Fuel Staining Topcoat on the cladding around the fuel filler door.
You can use Cerakote Trim Coat, self-etching primer, or a mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral oil.
