Marcus Chen
Painting your car's side-view mirror is a fun DIY project that can save you a lot of money. This guide will take you through the process of painting the side-view mirror of a 1999 Honda Accord. First, you will need to find the paint code for your car and purchase the paint. You can either get this done at an automotive parts store or a paint shop. If you want to do it yourself, you will need to buy a spray gun, air compressor, paint, and clear coat. Once you have the paint, you will need to remove the mirror and lightly sand the surface. After sanding, you can start spraying on the paint. It is recommended to apply several coats of paint, with the final coat being a wet coat. Make sure to wear a mask and paint in a well-ventilated area. Let the paint cure for a week before reinstalling the mirror.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car Model | Honda Accord |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| Mirror Type | Side view mirror |
| Mirror Position | Left driver side, passenger side, right side |
| Mirror Colour | Black, silver, gold |
| Painting Method | Spray paint, aerosol can |
| Paint Type | Automotive paint, OE paint, Dupli-Color paint |
| Primer | Yes |
| Sanding | Light sanding, wet sanding |
| Clear Coat | Yes |
| Installation Time | Less than 30 minutes |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the mirror
Sanding the side-view mirror of your 1999 Accord is an important step in the painting process. It helps create a rough surface to which paint can better adhere. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding your side-view mirror:
Prepare the Surface:
Before you begin sanding, ensure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, oils, or wax coatings. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the mirror several times to achieve this. This step is crucial as plastics can be challenging to paint due to the mould release embedded in them.
Tape Off the Mirror:
Use painter's tape to cover any areas of the mirror you do not want to be sanded or painted. This includes the portion that bolts to the car, usually the black part of the mirror. Taping provides a clean, crisp line between the painted and non-painted areas.
Choose the Right Sandpaper:
For sanding a side-view mirror, you will need fine-grit sandpaper. Sandpaper with a grit between 120 and 220 is recommended. Avoid using anything too abrasive, especially if your mirror is plastic, as it can cause gouges.
Sand the Mirror:
Start sanding the mirror with the 120-grit sandpaper, making even passes across the entire surface. Try to achieve a consistent, uniform finish. This initial sanding step is meant to rough up the surface and does not need to be too fine. For a smoother finish, you can follow up with a second sanding using 220-grit sandpaper.
Clean and Prepare for Painting:
After sanding, wipe down the mirror with alcohol again to ensure it is clean. If you intend to apply a primer, some sources recommend wet sanding the primer with 320-grit sandpaper for an even smoother finish.
Sanding your side-view mirror is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail and patience to achieve the best results. Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses and a respirator, when sanding.
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Using primer
Painting your side-view mirror is not an extremely difficult job, but it does require patience and time. Once you have purchased or chosen your primer, follow these steps:
Firstly, tape off any part of the mirror you do not want sanded or painted. This will ensure the mirror lasts a long time and that you get an even finish. Then, get some 120 & 220 grit sandpaper and start roughing up the paint with the 120-grit paper. Try to make the sanding even across the whole mirror. When done, clean the mirror off with either IPA (alcohol) or a damp cloth to ensure no debris is left on the surface.
Next, get your primer and spray a nice even coat over the area you want to be painted. Allow this to dry, and then take the 220-grit paper and sand the primer down, but not completely. Sand enough to get the surface nice and smooth. You can also use a primer adhesion promoter for plastics, such as Dupli-Color CP199.
Once the primer is dry, you can start with your colour coats. It is recommended to use a mask when applying the paint as the fumes can be potent. You can use spray cans, but this will not look as good or last as long as true automotive paint. You can also use a spray gun and air compressor for a more professional finish.
Finally, once the colour coats are dry, you can add a clear top coat. You can use a clearcoat protector spray, or a Dupli-Color Clear Top Coat. You can also wet sand the clear coat with some fine 400-grit paper in between coats, but this might not be needed for a mirror.
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Painting the mirror
Before painting, you will need to prepare the mirror surface. This involves sanding the mirror to roughen the surface and ensure the paint adheres properly. Use sandpaper with a grit of around 120-220 and try to make the sanding even across the whole mirror. You should also mask off any parts of the mirror you do not want to be painted.
Once the surface is prepared, you can begin painting. If you are using a spray gun, follow the instructions on the paint can for the correct application method and flash times. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and wearing a mask to avoid inhaling fumes. Apply several coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
After painting, you will need to apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Again, follow the instructions on the product for the correct application method and drying times.
Finally, allow the paint and clear coat to cure for several days before reattaching the mirror to your vehicle.
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Applying the clear coat
Preparation and Practice:
Before applying the clear coat, it is essential to prepare the work area and practice your spraying technique. Use masking tape and newspaper to cover surrounding areas and protect them from over-spray. It is recommended to practice spraying the clear coat on a test card, cardboard, or a large piece of cardboard to get a feel for how it sprays and to ensure an even application.
Sanding and Cleaning:
If there is an existing clear coat on the mirror, it is crucial to remove it before applying the new one. Use fine-grit sandpaper, around 2000 grit, to lightly and firmly sand the damaged clear coat until it is removed. Ensure that you do not damage the base coat underneath. Clean the area after sanding to ensure there is no residue left behind.
When applying the clear coat, use a spray gun or an aerosol can. Hold the spray gun or can 6 to 8 inches away from the surface of the mirror. Spray thin, wet coats of clear coat paint, ensuring that each layer dries before applying the next. Apply the first coat lightly to prevent cracks, and then apply two more full coats that look wet to the eye. It is recommended to plan for 2-4 coats of clear coat for the best results.
Drying and Curing:
Once you have applied the final coat, let the clear coat dry and cure undisturbed. Avoid touching or disturbing the clear coat during this time. The curing time can vary depending on the climate; in warmer climates, 30 days may be sufficient, while in colder climates, it is recommended to wait for 45 days to ensure the paint hardens properly.
Maintenance and Care:
After the clear coat has cured, it is essential to maintain and care for it properly. Gently wash your car regularly, being careful around the clear coat to prevent scratches. Wax your car after 30 days to bring out the shine and color, and continue to wax it every 2-3 months. Avoid excessive buffing and rubbing, and always use a non-abrasive formula to polish the clear coat.
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Reinstalling the mirror
To reinstall the side-view mirror on your 1999 Honda Accord, you can follow these steps:
First, if you have a power mirror, put your wire through. For a manual mirror, simply begin by bringing the wire through and starting your nuts. When tightening these, be firm but avoid over-tightening.
Next, plug in the mirror wiring and anchor the mirror by bolting in the 8mm bolts. Ensure that the bolts are not extremely tight.
Now, connect the wiring harnesses to the door panel. Then, connect the door handle latches and lift the door panel into place.
After that, connect the switch wiring harnesses and push in the switch panel. Insert the Phillips screws into the door pull.
Finally, push on the triangle panel. For a more detailed explanation of this step, refer to the 1A Auto website, which provides a video tutorial for reassembling the door panel of a 1998-2002 Honda Accord.
By carefully following these steps, you can successfully reinstall the side-view mirror on your 1999 Honda Accord.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to buy or have access to a spray gun, air compressor, paint, and clear coat. Next, tape off any part of the mirror you do not want sanded or painted. Then, sand the surface of the mirror with 120 and 220-grit sandpaper. After that, you can start painting. Apply 4 coats of colour, getting progressively wetter with each coat. Finally, apply 4 coats of clear.
Yes, it is recommended to use primer when painting your side-view mirror. You should spray 2 coats of primer and then lightly sand it before applying the paint.
It is recommended to use automotive paint or OE mirror paint to achieve the best results. Spray-bomb paint will not look as good or last as long.
The cost of painting a side-view mirror depends on whether you do it yourself or take it to a shop. If you do it yourself, the cost of materials will be around $30. If you take it to a shop, it could cost around $100.
The painting process itself should take around 3 to 3.5 hours. However, you should let the paint cure for a week before putting the mirror back on your car.
