Marcus Chen
BMW E36 side skirts are often painted grey, but some owners opt to remove or repaint them. Removing the paint can be done through scrubbing, sandblasting, or using a liquid product like Castrol Super Clean Degreaser. Repainting the side skirts can cost between $150 to $700, depending on the quality of the shop. Some people also choose to fit M3 side skirts, which can be purchased for around $100.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of painting | Painting side skirts is not a simple DIY job and may require a professional paint shop |
| Cost | Painting side skirts will probably cost around £100 |
| Surface | The side skirts have a textured surface rather than a smooth one |
| Paint | There is paint underneath the textured coating on the side skirts |
| Colour | Side skirts come in high-gloss black but can be painted any colour |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Painting E36 side skirts yourself
Adding side skirts to your E36 is a great way to improve the aesthetics of your BMW. The E36 came with solid rockers, and BMW offered slip-over side skirts in a few different variations. The most common are the sport or lux side skirts, which came on most 328i's and M3 luxury package models. The more sought-after "twist" side skirts came on sport package E36 M3s or were special-ordered.
Before painting your side skirts, you'll need to install them. This involves drilling holes in your car to attach the side skirt, which can be a scary process. However, with the right tools and measurements, it can be done successfully.
Here's a step-by-step guide to installing your E36 side skirts:
- Measure and mark the locations for the holes: Use a 6" scale and mark exactly 0.5" down from the bottom of the body line between the door and the rocker panel starting point. Do this at each of the marked locations.
- Drill the holes: Use a centre punch at each location and then step drill the holes, starting with a smaller drill bit and gradually increasing to the final size of 10mm or 23/64.
- Deburr the holes: Use a deburr tool to remove any sharp edges from the drilled holes.
- Prime the holes: Spray the bare metal with a primer spray paint to prevent rust.
- Install the grommets: Once the paint is dry, press the green grommets into the holes. They should fit snugly, so you may need to lightly tap them with a hammer to get them flush.
- Attach the side skirt: Push the side skirt against the car, lining up the pre-drilled holes in the skirt with the holes in the car.
Now that the side skirts are installed, you can begin the painting process. It's important to note that achieving an exact colour match and a factory finish can be challenging. You may need to spray beyond the skirts onto the doors and wings to achieve a consistent finish.
If you're confident in your painting skills and want to proceed, here are the general steps to follow:
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the side skirts are clean and free of any debris or grease. You may need to sand the surface lightly to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better.
- Prime the surface: Apply a thin coat of primer to the side skirts, following the instructions on your chosen primer product. Allow the primer to dry completely.
- Paint the side skirts: Use a paint that is compatible with the material of your side skirts (typically plastic or fibreglass). Spray paint or automotive touch-up paint may be suitable, depending on the size of the area you're painting. Always follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying times.
- Clear coat: Once the paint is dry, you may want to apply a clear coat to protect the paint and add a glossy finish. Again, follow the product instructions for proper application and curing times.
Remember, painting a car, or parts of a car, can be challenging, and achieving a perfect finish may be difficult for beginners. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it's best to consult a professional or seek advice from a trusted body shop.
How to Paint Half a Room: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Matching side skirts to body colour
Painting your BMW E36 side skirts to match the body colour can enhance the look of your car and give it a factory finish. While it is possible to paint the side skirts yourself, it may be tricky to get the colour to match exactly, and it may be better to use a professional body shop.
If your car is a single colour, you may want to consider painting the sill under the doors to match the body colour. However, this can be difficult to get right, and it may be more effective to paint the doors and wings to give a more seamless finish. It is also important to consider the texture of the surface you are painting. If your car has a smooth, painted finish, you may need to sand down any texture on the side skirts before applying primer, paint, and a clear coat.
There are some DIY guides available online, which can provide more specific instructions for your model of car. Alternatively, you could purchase pre-painted side skirts that have been painted by BMW in one of their German facilities, ensuring an exact colour match. When ordering, you will need to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) so that the paint can be matched accurately.
If you decide to paint the side skirts yourself, it is important to choose the right paint and prepare the surface correctly. You may need to sand down the side skirts to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. It is also important to use a primer to help the paint stick to the surface and to apply a clear coat to protect the paint and create a glossy finish.
Attaching Paper Protectors: Preserving Your Art
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Mineral White Metallic Touch Up Paint Pen Kit for BMW [Clear Coat Included], A96 Color Match for Scratches, Rock Chips, Bumper Dings, Easy Scratch Repair & Rust Remover for BMW Owners](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71UbRfS4Q4L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Sanding textured coating
There are different techniques and tools that can be used for sanding textured coating. Some people prefer to use a power sander, while others opt for a more traditional method of sanding by hand with sandpaper. It is recommended to use a respirator and protect the surrounding area with plastic tarps as the process can be very dusty. The type of sandpaper used also varies, with some sources recommending 180-grit sandpaper for light sanding. In terms of the application process for the skim coat, it is generally recommended to use a trowel or a drywall knife to spread the joint compound evenly over the surface.
For those looking to remove texture from walls, sanding is a viable option. It is important to note that this process can be time-consuming and messy, especially if you are working with drywall. Multiple coats of compound may be required, and each coat must be allowed to dry completely before moving on to the next step. It is normal to notice air bubbles in the compound as it dries, and these can be addressed during the sanding process.
Additionally, there are alternative methods to consider when dealing with textured walls. One option is to match the existing texture by using a drywall patch and joint compound, and then mimicking the texture using techniques learned from online resources or experimentation. Another option is to use an aerosol spray product that mimics the texture, which can be effective in covering mesh or patching areas. These alternative methods can be useful when trying to avoid the time and effort required for sanding and skim coating.
Live Painting in Illustrator: Keep Your Layers Intact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a body shop
Painting your BMW E36 side skirts can be a tricky process, especially if you want to match the colour to the rest of your car. While some people choose to attempt this themselves, using a body shop is a more reliable option.
One of the main challenges of painting side skirts is achieving a consistent colour and finish. The paint needs to be applied evenly and with the correct technique to avoid brush marks or an uneven finish. A professional body shop will have the necessary equipment, such as spray guns and paint booths, to ensure a consistent and high-quality finish.
Additionally, matching the colour of your BMW E36 side skirts to the rest of the car requires expertise in colour matching and paint mixing. The paint code of your car can be used to mix a colour that closely matches the original. Body shops have experienced painters who can mix the paint to achieve the best possible match.
When taking your car to a body shop, it is important to communicate your expectations clearly. Discuss the desired colour, finish, and any other specific requirements you may have. Request to see examples of their previous work on similar projects to get an idea of the quality and attention to detail you can expect.
Cutting a Paint Doc: Transfer Tricks for Microsoft Word
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost of professional painting
Although it may be tempting to paint your BMW E36 side skirts yourself, a professional paint job is likely to achieve much better results. The cost of professional painting varies depending on several factors, including the vehicle size, paint quality, and the amount of preparation required.
A basic paint job can cost as little as $500, but high-quality or custom work can easily exceed $10,000. The average cost of a standard sedan repaint is around $3,000.
When deciding on a professional painter, it is important to consider the warranty offered. Many shops provide multi-year warranties for their work, but the coverage can vary, so be sure to ask questions in advance.
Another option to consider is vinyl wrapping, which is often a more affordable alternative to painting. Vinyl wraps come in various colors and designs, and they can be removed or replaced as desired. They also protect the original paint of your vehicle.
While the cost of professional painting may be significant, it can dramatically improve the appearance of your vehicle, boost its resale value, and allow for personal customization.
Hopper's Nighthawks: Exploring the Artist's Influences
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use a scotch brite pad and spend hours scrubbing. You can also use Castrol Super Clean Degreaser, which can be bought from Walmart. Soak paper towels with it and put them on the skirts for 30 minutes, then start scrubbing gently.
Yes, the paint underneath the grey paint will be faded and has likely not been clear-coated.
It depends on the shop. A good shop will charge around $200 for proper prep and good paint plus clear. A cheap place may do it for $50 or less, but the quality may be questionable.
You can paint them any colour you like, but it may be best to match the colour to the rest of your car. Matching the colour can be difficult, so it may be best to leave it to a professional.
Yes, you could buy M3 side skirts that fit over the top of your stock rocker panels.
