the second gen mazda3 comes with some cheap-looking silver trim that shows scratches pretty badly and i want to paint it...not sure what color, but probably something low-key like black or dark gray

some of the silver trim is on the door pull, so i'm most interested in paint that will withstand frequent contact and part of that, i'm sure is the method (sanding, primer, paint, sand, second coat, whatever)

so what do y'all recommend? which paint would adhere to plastic the best and hold up against frequent, direct contact...and how should i apply it?

3/24/2014 9:23:28 PM

Pull out plastic trim/moulding that is removable and use spray paint in a can?

3/27/2014 7:26:00 AM

Plasti-Dip I put that shit on everything.

3/27/2014 9:21:29 AM

^^ well, yeah...but i was under the impression that not all paint was the same (ie. the $1/can stuff probably isn't the same as the $5/can stuff)

my question was more about which brand or formula will hold up to frequent use, and how best to apply (sand, strip, primer, etc)

3/27/2014 3:05:43 PM

pasti-dip

3/27/2014 3:30:14 PM

Some spray paints will eat the plastic and not adhere worth a crap. Plati dip will allow you to change your mind but there are more perminant plastic paints at lowes etc.


Honestly I'd dip it if they have a color you like.... That's the only problem with dip is colors are relatively limited.


[Edited on March 28, 2014 at 6:22 AM. Reason : .]

3/28/2014 6:21:59 AM

i actually had no idea that plasti dip came as a paint...i've only ever looked for it (and used it) as an actual dip/rubberized coating

google suggests that it's pretty popular, though perhaps not the most durable (probably need plastics-specific paint like ^ suggested)

black is fine, though i was disappointed to see they only offer it in matte...but now i see they have a "glossifier", so i might go that route

looks like plasti dip has a cult following

3/28/2014 10:48:46 AM

Krylon Fusion paints will stick to scuffed up plastic like nobody's business. I'd go with that if you see a color choice in their line you like.

3/28/2014 3:33:19 PM

don't put plastidip on any touch surfaces

it's not like the stuff you dip tools with by any means. it will break with a light fingernail bump

3/28/2014 10:13:57 PM

SEM Color Coat system, used it hundreds of times with great success.

3/29/2014 10:39:51 AM

they make paint specifically for this but i cant remember the name of it.

Anyways, go to a place like sherwin williams or actually, an automotive place that sells paint mainly...and they will tell you exactly what paint you need.

3/31/2014 1:02:45 AM

... and it will be SEM

4/2/2014 11:13:52 PM