bwFX42006

I was wondering if anyone has ever painted their stock fender flares? The ones on my 06 FX4 are pretty faded, I was planning on using some filler and sanding them smooth, then painting dark shadow grey to match my rocker panels? I thought I read somewhere on the forum that someone had done this recently? Any tips or suggestions would be greatly beneficial.

nnuzzo141

I repainted my flares and cowl to satin black on my 06 fx4 also. Didn't sand them down tho, just made sure really clean. Depends if you want them to be real smooth out keep that texture to them. I would definitely take them off tho, little annoying to do but makes painting much easier

bwFX42006

Agreed, I have some touch up paint to do around the fenders anyway, was going to paint the flares and do the touch up all in one

jetpuck73

I sprayed my with plasti dip and then painted them the same color.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

^^How long ago and how did they hold up? Pics?

Really the easiest way is to spray a coat of adhesion promoter then with 5-6 coats of high build primer, then sand smooth. Finally lay down a couple coats of color then clear. SEM makes great products to do this with. Or take them to a body shop and let them rape you......lol

fx4mikeg

Hey guys, I'm an auto body painter for a living. What summers22 said is is a great way to do it. Just add these steps to the process to ensure your paint or primer adheres to that raw plastic.
1. Wash them with hot soapy water.
2. Wipe down with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Scuff with a red abrasive scuff pad (available at any auto parts store).
4. Wipe down again with the alcohol.
5. Then use the adhesion promoter.
6. After that proceed with paint or primer if you choose
I just wanted to tell you these steps to prep that raw plastic to adhere paint products because paint does not like to stick very well to stuff like that because most plastic parts are made from a mold. The mold release agent that's still in the plastic is what causes the issues. Anyways the scuffing and the adhesion promoter are key! I do this daily, it works! Thanks

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

Yeah sorry, I should have added those steps, always clean with a good degreaser soap, such as Dawn dish soap, then dry and wipe down with isopropyl alcohol. Its a good idea to wear latex gloves for all these steps as well.

Mod (Ret.)

And using Krylon Fusion paint for plastics is great stuff after the prep work has been completed.

bwFX42006

Thanks for all the advice....will be doing this shortly and will post pics when I'm done.

powerranger262

I did this to my Ranger years ago, using the same steps that fx4mikeg posted.
This is Krylon fusion satin black on the flares, valance, toolbox, and bedrails. I didn't clear them, because it was turning out blotchy. Held up great, even without the clear.