Prep/Paint Spoiler

[bringit]

What is the best way to prep the spoiler, and what type of paint should I use for a '95 model. I intend to remove it to replace the 3rd brake lamp assembly.

 

[Phoenix]

Do you want it to look good?

If so probably for under 100$ you can bring it to a paint shop.

Unless you have all the equipment to paint properly of course.

 

[sperold]

Try automotivetouchup.com after you have taken the paint code off the door. A little expensive,and you can ship 4 cans for the price of 1, but it is a perfect match.
Finish it off with clear coat, but you can get that locally.
Rattle can paint has a bad rep., but you won't be disappointed.

 

[EL SHO]

I've been wanting to repaint the rear spoiler on my car too (Opal Frost), but more important maintenance things have come across.

If you buy them from automotivetouchup.com please let us know how the spoiler looks when ready

 

[Irish Pride]

What is the best way to prep the spoiler, and what type of paint should I use for a '95 model. I intend to remove it to replace the 3rd brake lamp assembly.

Sand it down with some 400 grit paper, 2 coats of primer, and then 3 or 4 coats of paint. Apply the paint fast in light overlapping coats waiting 20 minutes in between coats. Wet sand with 1000 and 2000 grit paper for a smooth finish. When i did my spoiler and front bumper i just bought the color match paint at the auto parts store. Its a very good match. I did my entire front bumper with 2 cans. Its not sho room quality but you need to get right up on it to tell.

What part of Tennessee are you located in?

 

[Macgyver]

As an auto body professional I highly recommend going with Phoenix's suggestion. An auto body shop will paint, clear and cure it. The finish will be much more durable than anything out of a can. Having said that, I've painted a 93 Camaro quarter panel with cans after some seriously intensive prep work, lots of clear, followed with wet sanding an buffing. I had excellent results, but that was over 10 years ago. I know today's rattle can paints aren't nearly as forgiving. I attempted to do the front bumper on my SHO in the manner I just described and all went well until I attempted to buff it. It came right off. That's why I'm shooting my entire car now at my shop.

 

[Irish Pride]

IMO, on a car 17 years old you really dont want a professionally painted spoiler. Unless the rest of the car is showroom quality all you will do by having the spoiler professionally painted is highlight how bad the rest of the car looks. You want the spoiler to blend in with the rest of the car. A rattle can paint job should be enough, but thats just my opinion.

 

[Macgyver]

IMO, on a car 17 years old you really dont want a professionally painted spoiler. Unless the rest of the car is showroom quality all you will do by having the spoiler professionally painted is highlight how bad the rest of the car looks. You want the spoiler to blend in with the rest of the car. A rattle can paint job should be enough, but thats just my opinion.

I don't disagree with this statement at all. Been there, done that. However, a rattle can job can mismatch as badly as a quality job. With rattle cans you're limited to just a few shades, so hitting the color is a gamble. Many shops can match the discoloration caused by age. If the rest of the car looks good, then I feel it's OK to go the extra mile to get the color match. By the time you spend the money for the primer, color, clear, sandpaper and then factor in your time the body shop looks better. I've done it both ways with good results. Many SHO's don't warrant the extra cost of a body shop. Some may.

 

[93rev2sev]

Either match the color with professional products or go flat black.

 

[bringit]

Thanx everyone for your time and advice.

 

[sperold]

You should not bad-mouth automotivetouchup until you try it yourself.
I touched up a spot on my red 95 in the middle of a panel, and I defy anyone to find it. While it was going on.... I thought I had made an expensive mistake, when it was fully dry, it disappeared.
Don't knock it till you try it.