Leo Martínez
Body side moldings can be added to vehicles to enhance their appearance and protect their paint jobs. They come in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles, and can be purchased and installed by car owners themselves. Painting fake body side moldings can be done with spray paint or by hand, and requires supplies such as adhesion promoters, clear coats, sandpaper, and masking tape. The process involves prepping the surface, applying primer, painting, and allowing adequate drying time. Some people choose to paint faux moldings in their homes as well, which can be done using tape and multiple shades of paint.
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting Fake Body Side Molding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Aerosol spray can, adhesion promoter, clear coat, plastic prep, sandpaper, masking tape |
| Preparation | Remove side molding, ensure good ventilation, clean with soap water, apply plastic prep, sand, clean again |
| Technique | Spray from a distance, use thin coats, create a catch for paint drips, use newspaper/plastic bags underneath |
| Colors | Three shades, with the outer edge being the darkest and narrowest |
| Tape | Green frog tape is recommended to avoid paint bleeding |
| Cost | Around $70 for two cans of basecoat |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping and supplies
Painting fake body side moulding is a great way to enhance the look of your car. It's a simple process that can be done by anyone, even those with no previous painting experience. The key to success is taking your time and ensuring that each step is followed carefully and completely. Here is a detailed guide to the prepping and supplies you will need for this project:
Prepping:
Before you begin painting, it is crucial to prepare the surface of the car. First, remove any existing side moulding if present. This can be done by loosening the taillights, removing the side triangle piece with a flathead, and unscrewing the bolts holding the moulding in place. Next, clean the surface with soapy water and a cloth, ensuring it is thoroughly dried. Then, apply a plastic prep solution to the surface with a cloth, using it sparingly, and wait 15 minutes. After that, scruff the area with sandpaper and clean it again with light soapy water. Finally, wait 10 minutes and apply an adhesion promoter, being mindful of good ventilation during this step.
Supplies:
- Aerosol spray paint: Choose a colour that matches or complements your car's existing paint job. You may need multiple cans depending on the size of the area you are covering.
- Adhesion promoter: Bulldog Adhesion Promoter is a recommended option, available at automotive paint stores or online.
- Clear coat: Duplicolor Clear Coat can be purchased from auto stores.
- Plastic Prep: This can be found at local paint stores or automotive suppliers.
- Sandpaper: Specifically, 400-grit sandpaper, available at hardware stores.
- Masking tape: 3M masking tape is recommended to protect the areas surrounding the painting surface.
- Ventilation: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area or indoors with proper airflow.
Note: The supplies mentioned above are specific to painting car body side moulding. If you are painting fake body side moulding on a different type of surface, the supplies may vary.
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Removing the side molding
Firstly, it's recommended to work in a well-ventilated indoor space, as humidity and extreme temperatures can negatively impact the paint. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands and use a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting to gently heat up the side molding. This will help to soften the adhesive and make the removal process easier. Be cautious not to overheat the area, as this can damage the paint.
Once the area is sufficiently heated, use a plastic putty knife to lift one end of the molding. Apply upward pressure to slowly peel back the molding. It is recommended to use a plastic tool rather than a metal one to avoid scratching or damaging the car's paintwork. Continue applying gentle upward pressure as the molding begins to lift, and it will eventually come off completely, along with the adhesive mounting tape.
If there are any remaining chunks of adhesive, use the heat gun again to soften them and then remove them with your fingers. Be careful not to burn yourself, and only heat the adhesive enough to make it pliable. Alternatively, you can use fishing line or dental floss to saw through the adhesive tape and remove any remaining residue.
Once the molding and adhesive are removed, clean the area with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly. Inspect the paintwork for any damage and, if necessary, use an adhesive remover to get rid of any stubborn residue. However, be cautious when using adhesive removers, as they can damage plastic components. Always test on a small area first and avoid getting it on any plastic parts.
Removing side molding can be a delicate process, and it may be advisable to seek professional help if you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of the steps. It is important to take your time and work carefully to avoid any potential damage to your vehicle.
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Applying adhesion promoter
To apply an adhesion promoter, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure the surface is prepared. Clean and degrease the surface thoroughly to optimise plastic adhesion. This is an important step as it ensures any excess dirt, dust, grease, or wax is removed.
Next, lightly scuff the surface with a scuff pad or grey automotive scuffing pad. This process will remove any excess gloss and create a rough surface for the adhesion promoter to bond with.
Now, you can apply the adhesion promoter. Adhesion promoters are available in spray form or in containers, depending on the size of the area being treated. When applying, ensure the coat is very thin and even across the entire surface. The recommended thickness is 8 micrometers or 0.008 millimeters.
After applying the adhesion promoter, follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. It is important to work within the indicated time frame as the adhesion promoter needs to be tacky for the next layer to adhere properly. If you wait too long and the adhesion promoter dries completely, there will be nothing for the next coat to grab hold of.
Once the adhesion promoter is dry, you can move on to the next step, which is typically applying a plastic primer.
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Painting techniques
Preparation
Prepping is essential for a successful paint job. Start by cleaning the surface with soapy water and allowing it to dry. Next, apply a plastic prep solution with a cloth, using a light touch, and wait 15 minutes. Then, scuff the surface with sandpaper to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to. Finally, clean the surface again with a cloth and light soapy water, and let it dry.
Priming
Before painting, it is important to use a primer to ensure the paint adheres well and has a smooth finish. A Bulldog Adhesion Promoter is recommended for this purpose, as it is specifically designed for use on rubber surfaces. Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
Painting
When it comes to painting, there are a few options. For a simple and cost-effective solution, spray paint can be used. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and use long, sweeping motions when spraying, ensuring thin coats to avoid drips and runs. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. For a more precise job, a paintbrush can be used, especially for raised details. Masking tape can be used to protect the surrounding areas, and it is recommended to go over the taping with your hand to ensure it is firmly in place.
Multi-Colour Techniques
For a more intricate design, multiple colours can be used. In this case, it is important to plan the design and use the appropriate colours in the right places. A base colour can be applied first, followed by a darker colour for the outer edges, creating a sense of depth. For a freehand look, painters' tape is not necessary, but for more precise designs, it is essential. To prevent paint from bleeding through the tape, it is recommended to paint a thin coat of the base colour over the edges of the tape to seal it.
Finishing
To protect the paint job and ensure its longevity, a clear coat can be applied. This will add a layer of protection and enhance the overall finish.
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Finishing touches
Once you've completed the painting, there are a few final steps to ensure a clean finish and protect your work. Firstly, carefully remove the masking tape. Go over the edges with your hand to ensure they are secure and there are no paint drips. You can also use newspaper or plastic bags to catch any potential drips. If you do get paint on unwanted areas, you can wetsand it off or use claybar.
If you're happy with the result, you can now apply a sealant. Chemical Guys M Seal is a popular choice, but any wax or sealant will work. You can also use a glossifier for added shine. If you're painting a car, a clear coat is recommended for added protection.
For indoor projects, such as painting faux molding around door frames, you can reuse the tape for any touch-ups or future projects. It's worth noting that green frog tape is preferred by some as it doesn't bleed as much as regular blue painter's tape.
With these final steps, your fake body side molding should be complete and protected.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paint, adhesion promoter, clear coat, plastic prep, sandpaper, masking tape, and gloves.
First, prep the surface by cleaning it with soap and water and allowing it to dry. Next, apply plastic prep to protect the surface. Then, scuff the surface with sandpaper and clean it again. Apply the adhesion promoter and then paint the surface.
You can use a paintbrush or spray paint. If using a paintbrush, use the side of the brush for easier application. If spraying, make sure to stand far back and use long sweeping motions to avoid runs.
Use masking tape to cover the areas you don't want to get paint on. Go over the taping with your hand to make sure it's firm. You can also fold the tape to create a "catch" for any paint drips.
This depends on the look you are going for. You can use a color that matches your car's existing paint job or choose a contrasting color to make a statement. You may also need multiple shades of the same color to create a sense of depth.
