Priya Kapoor
Rocker panels are the part of a car that takes the most daily abuse, from rocks chipping the paint to oil and road contaminants coating the surface. Painting damaged rocker panels can make your car look new again. When choosing a paint for your rocker panels, it's important to consider the level of protection you need against chipping, rust, and corrosion. Premium rubberized textured paint, for example, resists chipping and can be painted over. 3M's Rocker Panel Coating is another option that provides an additional layer of protection against gravel, stones, and other hazards. Once you've chosen your paint, be sure to properly prepare the surface by sanding, cleaning, and masking off the area to ensure a smooth and precise paint job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Premium rubberized textured paint, epoxy primer, undercoating, weld-through primer, enamel, black paint |
| Paint finish | Semi-gloss, satin |
| Paint colour | Black, body colour |
| Paint thickness | 2-3 coats |
| Paint application distance | 10 inches away from the car |
| Paint drying time | 15-20 minutes |
| Paint protection | 3M Rocker Panel Coating |
| Rust removal | 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar |
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What You'll Learn
Using primer and undercoating
When it comes to painting your rocker panels, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to prepare the surface properly, ensuring it is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or rust that could affect the paint adhesion. This includes sanding down the panels to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to.
Once the surface is prepared, using a primer is essential. Primers provide a base layer for the paint to adhere to and can help protect the metal from corrosion. There are a variety of primers available, including weld-through primers and epoxy primers. For rusty surfaces, a rust-neutralizing primer is recommended to prevent further corrosion and create a smooth surface for painting. After applying the primer, it's important to allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
The next step is to apply an undercoating. This adds an extra layer of protection to the metal and can help prevent rust and corrosion. It is especially important if the car is exposed to salt, as salt can accelerate corrosion. There are different types of undercoatings available, including spray-on formulas like the 3M™ Rocker Panel Coating, which is designed to match the texture of factory-applied coatings and protect vulnerable automotive surfaces. This coating is applied directly to the primed panels and can be painted over with common automotive paints.
Some people also choose to use truck bed coating or Fluid Film as an undercoating, but it's important to be aware that these can crack over time, allowing moisture to seep in and cause rust. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly inspect and maintain the undercoating to ensure its effectiveness.
After the primer and undercoating have been applied and dried, you can move on to the painting stage. It's important to choose a paint that is compatible with the primer and undercoating and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. Depending on the desired finish, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
By following these steps and using primer and undercoating, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your rocker panels while also protecting them from the elements.
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Rocker panel coating
Surface Preparation
Before applying any coating or paint to your rocker panels, it is crucial to ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from rust or debris. Use a degreaser or a suitable cleaning agent to remove any dirt, grease, or road grime. If you notice any rust, it is essential to remove it completely. You can use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrape and sand away the rust. Additionally, you may want to use a rust converter or inhibitor to prevent future rust issues.
Primer Application
Once the surface is prepared, consider applying a primer, especially if you are working with bare metal. A weld-through primer is a popular choice, but some prefer an epoxy primer for better adhesion and protection. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and drying time.
Choosing the Right Coating
The type of coating you choose depends on the condition of your rocker panels and your desired level of protection and aesthetics. For a durable and protective coating, consider using a product specifically designed for rocker panels, such as the 3M™ Rocker Panel Coating. This product provides an extra layer of protection against gravel, stones, and other hazards. It is designed to match the texture of factory-applied coatings and can be painted over with common automotive paints.
Alternatively, you can opt for a premium rubberized textured paint that resists chipping and can be painted over. This type of paint will give your rocker panels a satin finish, and it is important to ensure it matches the colour of your vehicle.
Application Technique
When applying the coating or paint, use a spray gun or a spray can for a more uniform and smooth finish. Maintain a distance of about 10 inches between the spray nozzle and the surface of the rocker panel. Depending on the product you choose, you may need to apply multiple coats, allowing adequate drying time between each coat.
Final Steps
After you have finished painting, make sure the paint is completely dry before removing any masking tape or protective coverings from your vehicle. Inspect your work and ensure that you are satisfied with the results. If necessary, apply a clear coat for added protection and shine.
Remember, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear the appropriate safety gear, including a respirator, during the coating or painting process. Always refer to the product instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful rocker panel coating project.
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Painting over rust
Prepare the surface
Start by covering the areas of your car that you want to protect from paint. Use newspaper, packaging wrap, or old ads to mask off the larger areas, and tape to secure the covering in place. You can use any type of tape, but green painter's tape is recommended as it will not leave a residue when removed. Be sure to also cover the floor and any other surrounding areas that you want to protect.
Remove rust and old paint
Use a power sander to sand down the affected area until you reach fresh metal. If you only have a small amount of rust, hand sanding may also be effective. Once you have removed the rust and old paint, use a wire brush to further prep the surface.
Treat the rust
To effectively treat surface rust, use a phosphoric acid product like OSPHO. You can also use an acid-based rust treatment product, or a rust inhibitor like Corrosion Free or Fluid Film, to help prevent future rusting.
Prime the surface
Apply a coat of epoxy primer to the sanded area. This will help the paint adhere to the surface and provide a smooth base for the paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Paint the surface
Spray the paint about 10 inches away from the car, applying 2-3 coats until you are satisfied with the coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the masking tape and coverings from your car. A thicker paint on the rocker panels can provide extra protection and help resist chipping.
Optional: Apply a top coat
If desired, you can apply a top coat for added protection and shine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
By following these steps, you can effectively paint over rust on your car's rocker panels, improving the appearance and protecting the metal from further corrosion.
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Premium rubberized textured paint
Painting rocker panels can be a great way to improve the look of your car. Premium rubberized textured paint is a great option for this, as it resists chipping and can be painted over if desired. This type of paint will give your car a satin finish when it dries, and it blends in well with other black plastic trim pieces.
Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface of your car. Clean the rocker panels with dish soap and water to remove any dirt or grease. You can also use mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the panels and give the paint a better surface to stick to. It is important to wear a proper respirator for automotive painting to protect your health.
Once the panels are clean and dry, use painter's tape to mask off the areas you don't want to paint. Be careful to use a single length of tape to avoid any offset masking lines. You can also use packaging wrap and newspaper to mask off larger areas of the car.
When you're ready to paint, hold the spray can about 10 inches away from the car and apply 2-3 coats of paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and masking. The drying time will depend on the weather and the number of coats you apply, but generally, 15-20 minutes should be enough.
With premium rubberized textured paint, you can achieve a great finish on your rocker panels and improve the overall appearance of your car.
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Covering your car
Once you have decided on the scope of the project, you can start taping your car. Use a green painter's tape to create crisp edges and prevent residue from being left behind. Tape onto glass surfaces, as it is much easier to clean tape residue from glass than from painted surfaces. You can also use packaging wrap to mask off larger areas near the painted section, which will make the process quicker and easier. Then, use newspaper or local ads to cover the rest of the car.
After your car is covered, you can start painting. Spray the paint about 10 inches away from the car, and apply 2-3 coats until you are satisfied with the finish. Remember to wear a respirator when spraying paint.
Once you have finished painting, you need to wait for the paint to dry. In general, waiting 15-20 minutes should be sufficient, but the exact time will depend on the weather and the number of coats you applied. After the paint is dry to the touch, you can start removing the masking tape. Remove the tape along the edge first, then proceed to unmask the rest of the car.
If you are painting over rust, it is important to neutralize the rust before applying paint. You can do this by mixing 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar and applying it to the rusty area with a Scotch-Brite pad. The rust will turn black, and then you can wipe the area down with clean water.
There are a variety of paints and coatings that you can use on rocker panels. Premium rubberized textured paint resists chipping and can be painted over if desired. It will give a satin finish when dry. You can also use a weld-through primer, which will turn to hot galvanizing wherever you burn it off welding, or an epoxy primer, which can be topped with oil to protect the cavity. 3M also offers a rocker panel coating that can be applied over primer and under paint to protect vulnerable automotive surfaces from gravel, stones, and other hazards. This coating is light grey and compatible with common automotive paints.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a premium rubberized textured paint that resists chipping and can be painted over. You can also use epoxy primer and undercoating, or a weld-through primer.
Apply 2-3 coats of paint to your rocker panels, spraying about 10 inches away from the car.
First, cover your car with newspaper, local ads, or packaging wrap. Then, use 120-200 grit sandpaper to sand the area that will be painted. Next, wipe the area with wax and grease remover and a microfiber towel. Finally, place masking tape and paper along the edges of the area to be painted.
You can use a resilient under-the-paint coating like the 3M Rocker Panel Coating to protect your rocker panels from gravel, stones, and other hazards. You can also use undercoating paint or bed coating paint to protect against rust and mud.
