Spray painting plastic

[Luma46]

I’d like to spray paint the lid of my aftermarket top box. I assume it is an ABS plastic (raw unpainted). How do I prep the surface, do I need to use some adherence promoter? Thanks.

[Grumpy Goat]

Some good pointers here.

[Luma46]

Some good pointers here.

Thanks, but oh man, that looks like serious science…?

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks, but oh man, that looks like serious science…?

You know what they say about painting ... it all in the prep ....

I depends on what base you are working with I guess, and also what paint is being used. It may be just as easy to go to a body shop and have it professionally done. They will match the paint well also.

[maxredline]

Thanks, but oh man, that looks like serious science…?

You know what they say about painting ... it all in the prep ....

I depends on what base you are working with I guess, and also what paint is being used. It may be just as easy to go to a body shop and have it professionally done. They will match the paint well also.

There is much truth in just getting it done professionally and I am fighting the thought as a DIY'r. From the research I have done there are some good tools out there that do not cost an arm and a leg to get a guy/girl going. I have read good things about the R500 low volume, low pressure paint gun. Provided you do have a lower mid level air compressor or better and a lot of time on your hands. A decent paint job on bike parts is do able. Of course without a spray booth you have to set up some plastic and a fan to prevent a mess. I have two collector bikes to paint.  I can save some $, buy the tools needed and be ahead (in my head only I'm sure) . Research is ongoing.

[Ray]

I used to do a lot of my own painting (and folks on the forum will tell you I'm hard on plastic surfaces), but discovered about 30 years ago, when paint technology really took off, that it was cost efficient to let the pros handle all the chemicals, prep, and dust in their facilities.

Their paint jobs might look similar from a distance, but look different up close and last about 3 times longer than my backyard efforts.

The clear coat technology is probably the toughest and most important part to get right.

Whatever you do, be sure it's fun.