Painting Lower Valance - '99-02

[Remo]

Not that I have the time or money right now...

...but in the future, I'd like to paint my stock lower valance to match the body of my Expo. I'd really like an aftermarket valance, but that is definitely out of the budget. I have a 2000 xlt and the valance is currently that dull gray and my paint is deep (or maybe medium...I'm not sure...) wedgewood blue.

I was just wondering if anyone here has done it on their 99-02's. I'd like to see some pictures and find out how you guys went about doing it (ie: bodyshop or by yourself; products used, procedure, etc) and how much it cost (in terms of product expenses, labor, time).

Thanks in advance!

 

[AvroAero]

I think I've got the same paint as you. Someone on here has painted their trim on a 2nd generation and it turned out well. Mind you he was black on black.

 

[Remo]

Yeah, I've seen painted 2nd gen's, but in those cases people usually use generic spray cans and it gives the car a two-tone look. I was hoping for an exact match, since I think that would make the valance look best on the 99-02 models. I've seen pictures of Ex's with it done before on cardomain, but I figured I'd ask here first. I just hate how it doesn't match the rest of the paint scheme of the truck.

 

[AvroAero]

You sure they aren't new ones? Or metal aftermarkets? I'd amagine it'd be very difficult to get the plastic to look similar to the panels.

 

[Remo]

Here's what I'm talking about...they are both definitely stock valances, and they are both definitely painted. Each vehicle does have a custom paintjob, but I'd still like to know what they had to do to paint the valances (and the rear bumper step pad, running boards, mirrors, etc).

 

[PaisanNYC]

looks like custom paint jobs all around the trucks to me. not just repainting the lower valences.

 

[bloodzero]

Looks like custom work to me. Buying an aftermarket lower valence then repainting it with the rest of the body to match.

I plan on buying this: http://www.autoaccessory4u.com/99foexstscfr2.html

Gonna cost me around 350 bucks. But it will make it look 100x better.

 

[Remo]

Yeah, I know they both have custom paint jobs--I said that--but those are the stock valances for sure. I just wanted to know what they had to do to prep/paint them.

 

[4x4Dude]

Well if they have custom paint jobs odds are it was painted all at once at a body shop lol

There's always cans of spray paint at wal mart for 5 bucks!

 

[bloodzero]

What is your budget? Cause you are going to have to find a specialty paint shop that knows how to paint plastic well enough not to notice.

 

[Remo]

Well, thanks for all the responses, but I don't think anyone really understood what I was asking...sorry if I was unclear...I was simply wondering if I could just spray paint it directly or if it was more complicated--like sanding, priming, filler, mutiple coats, clear coat, etc.

I know there are companies that make paint specifically for plastics and I also know factory paint can be bought in spray cans. I was just wondering if anyone had actually done it and if they could point me in the right direction.

I probably am not going to buy an aftermarket valance or bring it to a body shop. I just can't afford those options.

Thanks again for the responses, but I guess I really only want to hear from someone who has had experience with this sort of thing.

 

[bloodzero]

Well, you are going to have to do the sanding option. I searched around a little and that's what everyone said the only option is going to be since the paint won't hold very nicely just sprayed onto plastic.

 

[Remo]

Aight, thanks!

 

[Wed Turner]

Originally posted by Remo
Well, thanks for all the responses, but I don't think anyone really understood what I was asking...sorry if I was unclear...I was simply wondering if I could just spray paint it directly or if it was more complicated--like sanding, priming, filler, mutiple coats, clear coat, etc.

I know this is kind of old, but I just joined and wanted to shed some light on this subject. You can actually do this yourself with spray paint cans, you just have to follow a few extra steps.

First you want to get your paint in a can. You will also want to get a can of adhesion promoter. You should be able to find this at most Autozone type stores along with the spray paint cans. You will want some abbrasive pads, like SOS but without the cleaner, a large bottle of rubbing alcohol 91%, and some regular dish soap.

What you want to do, remove what you want to paint and clean it a time or two with regular dish soap. This should get all the dirt off of it, wax, and other stuff. Let the item dry. Than take your rubbing alcohol and clean the item another 2 times to get off any remaining resedue of any kind. After that, you will want to take your abbrassive pads and scuff the surface. You don't have to leave marks or make the thing smooth, just rub it with medium pressure. After that you will want to tack it clean with a moist cloth, the alcohol is a good thing to use again to moisten the cloth. Let that dry good because now you are ready to start laying down the adhesion promoter. Lay the stuff on there per the instructions. Don't go to light on this stuff because it's going to help bond the paint to the plastic. After thats on, follow the instructions on the can for drying time before applying the paint.

This isn't exactally fool proof and it is time consuming, but it will help keep the paint on your valance for a decent amount of time. I've had the valance on my Ranger painted this way for 5 years and there are only a few spots that have chipped off in that time.

 

[Remo]

Thanks a lot! That was exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate your help and welcome to the forum!