dgiancola

Just bought my 04 FX4....this truck is flawless so i want to do this right. truck originally had chrome covers on the mirrors (thanks to here found a way to get those off) and the truck also has an aftermarket plastic chrome colored grill. to me the fx4 should be matte colors and the only bright colors should be body paint...no chrome...im wanting to paint this grill a matte black color? will this turn out ok if i do it right? or should i spend 150 bucks on a different grill? im open to all painting ideas....thanks guys

boilerup15

I can't help ya, but I have a chrome aftermarket grill that I'm wanting to paint black. I am going to stay tuned to this thread.

givecjadollar

I painted mine with engine enamel, it looks real good but its shiny..

dgiancola

what kind of prep did you do? I know cleaning is VERY important before painting plastic. any primer? its one of those things that so quick to do and if it looks bad after a few months i could just get another grill!

givecjadollar

I used degreaser and sprayed it then washed it off, most of my prep time was spent very carefully masking it. The actual painting was no time at all. I didnt use primer but I did do one very light topcoat first which I let dry completely then I sprayed on slightly heavier coats to my satisfaction. Just remember to cover everything. That stuff can travel farther than youd expect.

westtnfx4

X2^^^

tplotz

i did the chrome surround of the grille and headlights with just a flat black enamel for plastic. degreaser is key, then wipe with alcohol (i used snowboard base cleaner) then you can use a self etching plastic primer, or a spray with primer built it. watch out for running. i want to get a one peice grille / headlight surround with black mesh but no one makes them! only vertical bars (n) but good luck

dgiancola

good deal! I was planning on doing it this weekend but i forgot about anniversary! ill use the tips and get it done though....thanks guys!

skizriz

I just painted mine with Krylon Fusion. No primer needed, minimal surface prep, and google it to try and find a bad review.

I simply cleaned it very good with dish detergent, and scuffed what I could with a Scotch Brite pad. I used satin black, and shot some clear on it after I was finished.

Here's my post. I did the grill, front bumper, and tail lights. Next step will be the bed rail covers, and around the rear window.
It gives the truck a whole new look.

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/krylon-fusion-paint-58448/

dgiancola

wow that paint job looks great for a do it yourself! im kinda tossed right now though....getting different opinions from friends now...my truck is red on gray two tone and the only chrome on the truck is the step rails and the aftermarket vertical "lincoln style" grill....i think it would look better with grill painted black....what do you all think??? i need to get some pics up soon...just picture red on gray two tone fx4 reg cab short bed.....