00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

I am picking up a stock grille today and I am planning on painting it so I don't have to throw down the money for a SLP bowtie grille. I would like to attempt painting it myself, but I am worried about the slits, air gaps, or air holes whatever you want to call them on each side. Idk if I will be able to completely reach all of it with a rattlecan.

I am wondering if I paint it myself and don't like how it came out, can I THEN take it to a shop to get it professionally done, or will me trying it first mess up the shop?

Also, any of you living in Texas, what exactly are the front license plate laws? I would like to go with out completely, but if necessary I will put it in my window so the new grille is visible.

wrapyourtool

iTrader: (1)

idk the exact license plate laws but i know for sure youll will get pulled over by having it in the window, but then again ive had two differnt cops tell me differnt things, one said the window was fine other said it needs to be posted on the front. i painted my stock grille with a rattle can with a nice glossy paint and it turned out pretty well, if your planning on going black again, the inside air ducts will turn out fine and with shadows from your car you wont even be able to see them.

Socket

iTrader: (6)

With all paint work prep is key. There are a many articles out there on how to paint correctly, it's not too hard, just take your time, don't skip any steps and keep stuff clean.

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

exactly. you shouldn't have any problems with it. heres somebody else who did the same: http://ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113667 -if you aren't sure about the process of using spray paint go search for berger panel how-to's, or CETA mod how-to's. those are 2 of the most spray painted items on these cars

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I am keeping it black just making it a gloss black with clear for that SLP Bowtie shine hahaha, but it looks like it is very doable.

The question that I really would like answered is if I attempt it myself and am not satisfied with it, could I take it to a shop to get it professionally done?

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

you should be able to. if you dont like it just sand it down as best you can and take it down to the shop. i doubt they'll have a problem with that. but nothing is 100%, each shops policies are different

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Alright, well I have a very reliable shop where I know the owner, so it shouldn't be a problem. I would just like to attempt it myself, but don't want to mess up the grille.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

What grits should I start with and move on to to get it sanded ready for primer?

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

what color are you going to paint it? i just put a few coats of clear enamel on mine so it has that "just armor-all" look all the time.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

im going to paint it a gloss black with clear to get that SLP look sorta.

hlaalu

iTrader: (3)

oh ok, then yeah you definitely want to take your time sanding down the texture. start with an 800grit and work up from there. use a filler primer, let that dry over night and sand that until it's smoother then a baby's bottom then you are ready for paint and clear. looking forward to seeing how it comes out.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Hopefully I'll be able to get some pics up soon, Im about to start the sanding in a bit. I'll keep you guys posted and maybe someone else will chime in with some info.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

After sanding and before i do the primer, should I wipe the grille down and wash it? or should I blow it with an air compressor to get all they excessive plastic left over from sanding?

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

wash and rinse it really good.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Does plastic work like wood to where when you rinse it in water it "raises" and all the imperfections pop up? After washing it do I need to sand again, or wash, dry, primer, sand, primer, paint, clear? Is that the correct steps or do I even need to sand after the first coat of primer?

I know its a lot of questions but I want this to turn out the best way I possibly can get it to.

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

you should be okay with the initial sanding. wash it, and let it dry good and apply a coat of primer. if any areas look noticeably bad, or need some sanding, go ahead and re-sand them till they look good. then re-wash it, let dry and add one more coat of primer, let dry, and go into paint. if it does not require any extra sanding, add a second coat of primer and do the rest like i just said.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

so you will want 2 coats of primer? When washing do I use soap and water, or just rinse it real good? Also, do you think going from 60 grit to 280, using 60, 100, 120, 150, 180, 280 as good as I can get on the sanding part? or should I sand more?

crimson_bird

iTrader: (4)

if you'd like it smoother than what you have now, continue sanding with finer grits. if it looks good after the first coat of primer, than you should be okay to paint it from there.

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Soap and water to wash it, or just rinse it and wipe it down?

00RedMaro

iTrader: (2)

Oh well, I was too eager to wait for a response so I just washed it with soap and water, and MAN it's smooth. I'm a tiny bit a perfectionist, so I think I'm gonna go ahead, let it dry tonight, prime it tomorrow, and then sand it anyways just to make sure, and then prime again.

I'll keep you guys updated, hopefully it turns out like I have it pictured in my head.