custom headlight covers
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=80400
Printed Date: May 01, 2024 at 10:02 PM
Topic: custom headlight covers
Posted By: satfrk32
Subject: custom headlight covers
Date Posted: July 17, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Sorry I know this isn't fiberglassing, but does revolve painting. I have headlight covers for my car. They have a carbon fiber look to them, with 3 clear circles for light to shine through. Everything is made out of plastic. My question is, I'm painting the headlight covers to match the exterior paint of my car but obviously not painting over the 3 clear plastic holes. However...I know that probably within a month paint that is around the outside of the holes will start peeling off from wind / particles. Is it possible to paint around the clear spots and then clearcoat the entire headlight cover including right over the clear sections? ------------- cheers!
Replies:
Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: July 17, 2006 at 2:15 PM
In a sense, anything is possible, from what it sounds like, all you will need to really pay attention to is how you masking off the section you don't want paint on.
You have a digital camera lying around? Take a few photos, put them up here, then I will better understand why you are trying to do.
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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.
Posted By: satfrk32
Date Posted: July 18, 2006 at 8:03 AM
Here you go, you can see I masked off 2 circles already with masking tape (so when I sand paper the plastic for the primer it won't ruin the tape). The middle circle isn't masked off yet. 
------------- cheers!
Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: July 18, 2006 at 10:29 AM
Looks like you are good to go. The paint will be fine as long as you use the right primer for it.
Like Velocity said...
Velocity Motors wrote:
JUst make sure that you use the proper products to do the job. Many people do not know that they are suppose to use a plastic preping solvent before primer and also to use a flexible primer and paint on the plastic parts ( plastic does flex ). Allowing the proper cure time also will help with the longevity of the finish.
... Taken from Big interior problems------------- I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.
Posted By: satfrk32
Date Posted: July 18, 2006 at 11:56 AM
Thank you for the help. ------------- cheers!
Posted By: philliphamby
Date Posted: August 07, 2006 at 1:30 AM
depending on what kinda plastic it is made out of some clear plastics (like headlights) you can clear and it will not turn white. i have used clear in like say neon headlight to make them clear again when thay turn white from fade. also if you clear over the the hole thang after paint you wont have the paint lines. it will all be smooth. what i would do is mask off a small section that you will paint and clear it to see if it will turn white. if it does then it wont matter becouse it will be covered with paint.
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give a man a fish he will eat for a day. teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.
Posted By: satfrk32
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 12:41 PM
Got the headlights done, just wanted to show the final product to you guys. Appreciate the help! ------------- cheers!
Posted By: Melted Fabric
Date Posted: August 08, 2006 at 3:11 PM
Nice results. That is a Saturn? Looks more aggressive. Good work guy.
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I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best -- that is inspiration.
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