Colour coded bumpers

[semaj]

REcently bought a Nova and want to colour code the bumpers. Can you tell me the best way to do this e.g. spray paint (what kind) etc. :-/ cheers

[ade]

Depends on the state of them and wot the previous owner put on em. Also depends on how long u want it to last. Presuming in good nik, get them off car (consult haynes manual for that - need 2 remove front grill) clean em up. Need to ensure non of that bak 2 blak stuff on em as its silicone based and will repel paint. Degreaser stuff will work. If surface has that mottled feel to it, need to smooth it (if u want), so u can sand it back (bugga to do - get a sander and do gently so u dont melt plastic) or (body filla - dead messy and may crack). I filler primered mine once sanded back to smooth out imperfections - 3-4 layers . allow to dry between layers & dont apply 2 thick. sand back to smooth surface (600 wet dry) then spray with stone chip paint (if u want). couple a three coats. sand back a little to smooth (600 W&D again), then primer. A few coats. cut back (v smooth) then paint. Make sure u leave enough time between coats for it to be dry - see can label for info.
U can use cans (if u cant get access to spray gun) but will take a few - get 500ml ones - NOT HALFORDS! Apply several coats (I applied 6) - allowing enough drying time between layers. As will be high impact area at front the more layers applied the deeper the colour and more resiliant. Apply thinly - allow to dry then gently cut back each layer - 1000 W&D. Build up gradually. Once enough coats on u can lacquer/clear coat it - this will add a protective invisible film over paint protecting it from mild impacts (grit, dirt etc). Again more layers = bigger protection - same rules apply for paint as does for lacquer. You must allow enough time for the whole thing to cure fully - this is the time that all the solvent evaporates from the paint/lacquer. U can speed this up by subjecting to heat (leaving in a greenhouse for example) Avoid direct heat (like a heat gun) as this will burn paint or send it milky. Or u can leave it for a week or so to cure naturally. Avoid driving with it on in shorter time as any impacts will dent paint (still soft). Once dry, polish up with fine rubbing compound and dont apply wax based polish to it for at least 2 months as solvents still in paint take ages to get out - wax will seal them in and may cause the paint to blister/go milky (in my experience anyway).
Alternatively - take to a body shop and give em a couple a hundred quid for a professional job! :)

Ade

I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotamy!

[ade]

use cellulose paint if u can get it - better boding properties (I believe). Can use acrylic based paint (most are nowadays) Motorworld do good range - cant think wot its called though (car plan or something :-/)
The more time you spend on the prep, the better the end result will be.
Take your time...
Ade


I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotamy!

[semaj]

sound chief. Thanks m8

[Jim]

ade...you should look at doing a guide on minor paint work such as this. I've lost count the number of times you've replied to people about spraying bumpers, repairing stuff etc :). I think it would be a welcome addition to the guides section. Just a thought (if you have the time that is).

Jim.

[ade]

dont worry - when my car is taken off the road in June/July time its being totally stripped down n rebuilt - I'll be building a website showing my trials and tribulations as I rebuild it including pics. Planning on lots of stuff - basically converting from 1.2 to GSi (but leaving engine as 1.2 at moment - insurance n that!). Got plans to show respraying, retrimming, suspension, basic engine mods, central locking, delocking, leccy windas, fitting body kits, bumpers skirts, servicing basics etc - should be ready in August if all goes well with full pictures. Happily post anything on Novaload once new site is launched (any dates when this is admin???). I'm still learning bits so will be using my car as a guinea pig! sounds bruital but bodywork can be easily repaired (mostly) - he says... :)

I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotamy!

[Jim]

Nice One Ade, good luck with it, I'll certainly be intrested in reading any tips or ideas you have when you come across problems. I'm planning on doing some minor bodywork to my car over the summer, so I'll be looking for any guides on how to do stuff. Keep us posted when the site goes live.

Jim

[ade]

post yer probs un if I can help I will ;)