Faded Paint on H3 Plastic Fenders

[okcrewed]

Just updated to a newer H3, a 2008 Alpha. It is orange, but the plastic parts (fenders, air ducts) are very faded on the flat surfaces. Question is, if I paint these myself, do I take it down to the plastic and start from there; or just prep the faded paint and spray over that? Had a paint shop estimate the work at $2300, so thought I might try it myself and see how it turns out. Looking for some experienced responders. Thanks!

 

[rascole]

Sand enough to remove the clear coat is all you need to do. I've done a couple trucks with Raptor but never paint, will be nice to see your results.

 

[okcrewed]

Thanks, it's worth a try on one fender to see if it takes.

 

[okcrewed]

I don't know, no experience here, but these faded surfaces don't appear to have any clear coat left. Can there still be clear coat over this faded paint, and if so, how do I know?

 

[Korby7]

If it were me, I’d give these panels a good cleaning and use a light grit 3M scotchbrite (grey) to prep the shiny areas for clear, lightly getting the “faded” areas but not too much. A wipe down afterwards with a wax and grease remover will initially show you close to what it would look like sprayed with clear. Use a good adhesion promoter before spraying the clear.

 

[alrock]

Agree with Korby. I think you got to it in time but the paint may be thin so do be careful.

 

[H3Hummer]

Was on my to do list ..... Raptor paint on Fenders

 

[okcrewed]

All good input, much thanks! Four fenders = four potential test areas. I have a spray can of the correct paint, as well as base coat and clear coat. I'll give it a try and post results here.

 

[crwalkerasla]

I'm about to RAPTOR part of my rig. Was advised by a professional paint/body man to use the larger kit that comes with its own spray gun vs the individual rattle cans. You'll get much better results. Set pressure between 30-50psi. The further back you spray from, the finer the texture will be.

 

[rascole]

I'm about to RAPTOR part of my rig. Was advised by a professional paint/body man to use the larger kit that comes with its own spray gun vs the individual rattle cans. You'll get much better results. Set pressure between 30-50psi. The further back you spray from, the finer the texture will be.

Kind of true. For a smoother texture, you need to thin the Raptor out with urethane reducer. The Schutz gun flows a lot and may be too much for spraying a fender. The popular choice is the cheap purple gun from Harbor Freight. I thinned with 10% reducer on my H3 at 50 psi and 20% on my son's Silverado at 50 psi. The Silverado is slightly smoother, but you do have to wait the same percentage longer between coats to flash. I recommend the large tintable kit and color match. Do some testing on some smooth plywood to find your perfect combo.

 

[H3Hummer]

All good input, much thanks! Four fenders = four potential test areas. I have a spray can of the correct paint, as well as base coat and clear coat. I'll give it a try and post results here.

Gonna do it by spray can to

 

[650Hawk]

I did one of my hood vent covers with the GM paint...turned out pretty nice and shiny...till I added the stupid GM clearcoat that everyone here said I HAD to use. That shit gave it more of a matte finish.