Plastic painting issue...

[DrDeezNutz]

I am currently painting some of my chrome plastic covers and here is what I ran into last night... I have read all sorts of posts here about painting and so I decided to try it. I sanded, primed, painted (black, of course), and then last night put a coat of clear lacquer on a couple of the parts. It seems that the lacquer has dulled the gloss of the black paint. Has anyone done this project? And if so, did you run into the same problem? Another question would be, can I just leave it painted and not put a clear coat on? Any help you guys can give on fixing this issue would be great.

p.s. I am going to post this in the mechanical section too but figured I'd start here since it's on my M50.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by DrDeezNutz

painted (black, of course), and then last night put a coat of clear lacquer on a couple of the parts. It seems that the lacquer has dulled the gloss of the black paint.

p.s. This is also posted in the M50 section but just trying to get as much coverage as possible.

The critical question is: What kind of paint was the black? If it is automotive lacquer and the clear was too, that shouldn't happen. How much drying time between the black and clear?

P.S. Posting in (any) one section is usually plenty of "coverage".

[DrDeezNutz]

I used the Krylon Fusion for plastic (gloss black). I got all of the cans from my local O'Reilly. After the final coat of paint, which it looked good at that point, I waited about an hour or better before putting on the clear acrylic lacquer. Should I have waited longer? The can said that it can be handled after an hour.

[diamond_jim]

I'm using satin black enamel and falt clear coat for the chrome plastic parts. Each piece is meticulously done in this manner:

1. Spray part with wax/grease remover. Let sit and clean.
2. Wet sand and let dry.
3. Wipe down with rubbing alcohol and clean cloth.
4. Spray paint adhesion promoter x 2 coats.
5. Spray satin enamel x 3 coats. Wet sand between coats if any blemishes, alcohol and dry.
6. Spray 3 coats flat clear coat.
7. Set out in sun to cure really good.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by DrDeezNutz

I used the Krylon Fusion for plastic (gloss black). I got all of the cans from my local O'Reilly.

I think you need to visit a local body shop or paint store for some advice.

I am not an expert but I have 2 guesses:

The black and the clear are not compatible. Is there any mention of clear coat on the black can ??

You need to let the black dry longer.......even more important if it is not exactly the right kind of paint to start with.

You might be in a pickle now. That "special" plastic paint may have etched itself into the plastic; it might be VERY hard to remove it and start over.

See sentence #1 above.

[ace4aday]

I'll ask the obvious question....Did you use a gloss clear coat? There are matte and semi-gloss clear coats out there that will dull your black's shine.

[1badbaker]

I have been using Satin Black. No clear coat on any of my parts.

[Angusdog]

Do you want a high gloss finish? If so, I'd put say three coats of lacquer on, then wet sand with 1200 then 1500 grit paper. Possibly followed by a buff with G3.

I also found out the hard way that you need adhesion promoter on the chrome, even if you sand it to key it. My first attempt peeled in about three months. I've redone it with a couple of coats of adhesion promoter which so far (a month ) done the trick.

[Hotform]

If you are using a lacquer, then here is an old painters trick that my dad the autobody mechanic taught me and it works great. No sanding.
Buy a can of high gloss lacquer thinner. Spray your regular coats of lacquer on. After the last coat, put just the high gloss thinner in the gun by itself. Give it a light misting coat and the shine will come pouring through. No sanding, and no fuss.
My dad used this method for years and I have also.
If however you are trying to put a clear lacquer over what is basically a regular base coat which is dull, then you may have two paints that are not compatible and the base may be an epoxy type, which requires the clear coat for that type of paint.

[Aussie Steve]

Is the paint acrylic because if it isn't then it could be your problem. You cannot spray lacquer over acrylic because it will react with it. Conversly you can spray acrylic over lacquer but it will dull the finish. You should use the same chemical make up for both coats. Also what gloss level is the clear lacquer. You will have to follow Jims advice regarding painting and coating it really is preperation that gets results.

Good luck

[profane]

I've only used flat, satin, and low gloss black. But I have never used an adhesion promoter and have never had the paint come off of anything.

Can't help with the clear coat though.