Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics Prep for a paint job

Hey guys, I've looked up old subjects and couldn't find really usefull information on this subject. I'll be painting the front bumper of my car very soon. I've attempted once with my little knowledge and screwed up so I'll be getting some more paint next week and starting over but I need to make sure I don't screw up this time.

What needs to be done in order to paint the plastic bumper: primer, layers of paint and then clear coat. I was told to do the following but after seeing the results I know it was not right. I did:
Primer, waited 15 min
Paint, waited 15 min
Paint, waited 15 min
Paint, waited 15 min
Clear Coat twice. That's it.

Now the bumper does not have a glossy feeling. It had a better feeling before I painted. Anybody that has a clue would be welcome to input their suggestions. Thanx a 1000.

did you wet sand it?

I dont know if you do that with clear coat or not...

BTW..how is the custom side skirt coming?

yes you do wet sand with clearcoat, id sand it with 1200-1500 grit for the clearcoat then just wheel it out. for the primer id wet sand with 600 and for the paint its not necessary to wetsand, at least i didnt have to.

Wet sand with 400 grit sandpaper til the shine from your clear coat is gone and any scratches too. Then primer...maybe 1 hour wait. Base color should dry quickly then clearcoat it. You need to wet sand it to get out the imperfections in the clear. then buff it with a rubbing compound (3M). Use a polish to get it nice and shiny again.
don't wax for at least a month after.

AND when you spray clear coat it has to be WET but not dripping, otherwise you just get spatter everywhere (which is what you are feeling), if you read the back of some cans of clearcoat is says to sand and then spray it on thickish so it's wet.
Good Luck.

Thanx guys. Very usefull information.

For the polish, would Turtle Wax Clear Coat Polishing Compound be good?

To answer Fuseface, I've lost my job 3 weeks ago so I'm trying to not spend too much. As soon as I find a job I'll be 2 hands in there. Eheh Can't wait... Fiber glass comes expensive after a while... about 50$ per side.

its not as good as 3M Rubbing compound so u may have to apply alot more and work harder to get same results. Its expensive stuff (15.99 for a big bottle) but it is life saver when it comes to scratches.