Hey all, I'm putting my stock bumper back on. I want to paint the gray bottom trim piece gloss black, and the top trim piece too. I know the top one turns gray no matter how much armor all or whatever we use we put on it. Anyone had any success painting plastic and have it last? My buddy that paints Harleys says it's not possible. I'm hoping he's delusional.

 

I have had good luck with the semi-gloss actual bumper paint, but you can buy black plastic replacements pretty doggone cheap on FleaBay as well.

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...t-t268326.html

It's been almost a year and the paint has held up great. Even with the hot southern Mississippi weather beating on it.

 

I've got some pictures of mine in my gallery. I used the Krylon that is made for plastic and it has held up really well. I think semi-gloss will match the rest of the trim better than gloss.

 

Thanks guys! I'm stoked to get home and try it out. Looked at everyones pics, trucks look great! Krylon it is!

 

Painting plastic is no big deal but since you mentioned Armor All Be catious, Going back 30 years ago the interior product armor al contained silicon (still does ?), if cross contaminated on a surface you are trying to paint it will cause fish eyes in the paint and is very difficult to remove. Do a test section first and if you have problems have some type of thinner to remove paint. Test thinner as well on backside of plastic to make sure it won't melt the plastic.

 

I painted mine about 5yrs ago with plastic paint and now its time to spray it again. Definately cheaper than buying a new one.

 

I painted mine...it changed my mind about going to a sport bumper. I like it a lot. I used Endura, painting it when I did the rest of the truck.

 

I use black shoe polish. Works great, but you need to reapply it from time to time.

 

Any sanding or other prep work? Or just a good thorough scrub?

 

Good thorough scrub.

 

I hit the step portion of the bumper with the light rust removal wheel just to scuff a bit, then all I did was spray with I believe it was the duplicolor bedliner. Dried in about 2hrs and looked great. It was amazing how much that improved the look and how easy it was. Just my opinion...

-J

 

My firend has had good success with a product which I believe is called Back To Black.

I hate regular Krylon since their formula change (from lacquer to alkyd) but their Fusion product, specially for plastic, is phenomenal. Amazing bond.

Prep with denatured alcohol worked well for me on other pieces, not the one you are looking at painting.

Why don't you try to paint the back of it first and see if it bonds? You might need something stronger than alcohol to remove Armor-All (worst product ever).

 

I sprayed mine with black truck bed coating, looks great.

 

I also used bedliner on all trim and the grill, looks nice and flat, matches the rest of the trim and brings a little bit more uniformity to the front end.