Plastic parts can be the most difficult areas on a vehicle to paint and keep looking good. The problem with plastic parts is that other then bumper covers they normally are designed to be impregnated with color and painting the surface is a restoration option.

Plastic parts are located through out our vehicles and it is important to know and test for the type of plastic before you begin your work.

Once you prep the surface the use of flex agents in most paints is a must. Some products such as vinyl paints and dyes are manufactured to work well with the item you are painting but moldings, bumper covers and other parts are painted with standard paint that must be modified with flex agent.

If you do not prepare your parts correctly and use the right products to paint these parts you almost guarantee callbacks and unhappy customers.

What are the main causes of Paint Failure on Plastic Parts?

Improper preparation of the parts including cleaning, drying and failure to remove the mold release on new parts.

Improper identification of the plastic material. Different plastics need different paints and additives.

Failure to use the proper sealer / primer.

Failure to use the recommended paint.

How do you prevent paint peeling on plastic parts?

Clean and degrease the plastic part before you begin working on it.

Identify the type of plastic the part is mad out of and use the correct preparation methods.

Use recommended Adhesion Promoter primers or etching products.

Use the recommended primer for that plastic type normally with a flex agent.

Apply the correct thickness of primer.

Apply the correct top coats and clear if needed with flex agents.

Final Note

Most of the problem with early failure of adhesion on plastic parts has to do with the prep.

When painting plastic you really need to make sure that you clean every inch of the surface well.

Use a mild soap then a wax and grease remover that will not leave a residue.

After the surface is clean you need to use some method of preparing the plastic for paint. Usually this means an etching type liquid that is wiped on vinyl parts or an adhesion promoter primer.

Finish with paints that are the correct type. Use flex agents if necessary so the paint won’t chip off when the part is flexed.

Fixing a peeling paint job on plastic parts is not as easy as sanding the cars outside surface and repainting. You may find that your poor paint job has ruined the part if it is an interior part by destroying the texture of the surface.

Do the job right the first time and take the time needed to prepare your surfaces correctly.