Need help/suggestions with painting the grill

[ShelbyDee]

So, I'm wanting to start a paint job just have no idea the best way to go about it. I've read through a few things and watched some youtube videos, but it seems like everyone does their own very different techniques. This would be the first time I've done any body work on a vehicle, so I need all the help and suggestions I can get.

I'm wanting to remove the grill and the grill inserts and paint them a different color. I've seen people suggest plasti-dip, paint guns, spray paint, etc. Some sand, some say don't sand, etc. This is why I'm needing some help lol. What is the best method in your opinion? I'm also wanting to slap some paint on the tow hooks. Same question applies! Thanks in advance!

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[Lunentucker]

In the end good painting practices apply, regardless of what you're painting. I would definitely sand to degloss. You don't want rough, but you do want smooth and non reflective. Then wipe with thinner or alcohol before spraying.

If you're tenuous you may want to consider buying another grill and doing your first paint job on that.

 

[ShelbyDee]

In the end good painting practices apply, regardless of what you're painting. I would definitely sand to degloss. You don't want rough, but you do want smooth and non reflective. Then wipe with thinner or alcohol before spraying.

If you're tenuous you may want to consider buying another grill and doing your first paint job on that.

Any spray paint? Do I need a clear coat can as well?

 

[Lunentucker]

Any spray paint? Do I need a clear coat can as well?

Get a spray paint designed for the application and material. You can clearcoat, but you'll need to let the spray paint fully cure, fine sand and then clearcoat.

 

[RickF]

I used Rustoleum "Gloss Red" to do this. I started with actual Plasti-dip brand, and the red was very orangey and pale--almost salmon-like. The Rustoleum is much closer to the factory red on the hood decals and tow hooks. Taking the front end apart is extremely easy--just be sure you have a set of coated or plastic panel tools because screwdrivers can scratch. It's really pretty idiot-proof; put down several coats to get a nice thick finish and if you don't like it, peel it off and try something else. This is what you see in the "side by side" picture--the peelable Rustoleum.


You can also take the insert to a paint shop and have it done for about $80-100 with a proper multi-step process finished with clear coat. That's what you see in the 3/4 view with the doors off; I got tired of the peelable paint needing to be redone and had it done professionally. The look is similar either way; this way has proven to be more durable.

 

[ShelbyDee]

I used Rustoleum "Gloss Red" to do this. I started with actual Plasti-dip brand, and the red was very orangey and pale--almost salmon-like. The Rustoleum is much closer to the factory red on the hood decals and tow hooks. Taking the front end apart is extremely easy--just be sure you have a set of coated or plastic panel tools because screwdrivers can scratch. It's really pretty idiot-proof; put down several coats to get a nice thick finish and if you don't like it, peel it off and try something else. This is what you see in the "side by side" picture--the peelable Rustoleum.


You can also take the insert to a paint shop and have it done for about $80-100 with a proper multi-step process finished with clear coat. That's what you see in the 3/4 view with the doors off; I got tired of the peelable paint needing to be redone and had it done professionally. The look is similar either way; this way has proven to be more durable. View attachment 246993

Looks great! So the Rustoleum you used would peel eventually? I've heard great things about using plasti-dip.

 

[RickF]

Looks great! So the Rustoleum you used would peel eventually? I've heard great things about using plasti-dip.

The Rustoleum I used is designed to be peelable; it's just their version of Plastidip with a deeper red. It is supposed to be good for about 6 months; I started to notice some little blemishes from stones and thin spots from trying to clean smashed bugs.

I thought Plastidip's red was a poor match for the factory red--it was too orangey and pale.

Any peelable paint will look good for several months, and it's something you can redo in a couple hours. I even thought about changing the color seasonally but ultimately decided to go with the permanent paint--so red it is.

 

[RickF]

I didn't answer part of your original question about paint prep. I did not sand the grill insert. I only cleaned it well with soap and water and then wiped it with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. The peelable paint adhered fine. I'm not sure what the body shop did when they painted it professionally.

The trick with peelable paint is to apply a lot of thin coats in fairly rapid succession--you eventually want a thick film on there. I recall using the better part of two full cans to do the whole piece. If you do it right, when you peel it off it will come off easily and completely and the peeled paint will look and feel like a popped balloon (I know this because I did the red Plastidip first and disliked the color and took it off the next day to try the Rustoleum). If you go too thin, it will not come off as easily and you may have to use a solvent to get the residue off. Seeing as this residue/overspray was only on the areas that would be covered when I put it back together, I just left it there.

 

[DocMike]

Plasti dip is great for temp solutions.
But once it starts to peel, it will look like crap.
Guy at my work shot his whole car in plasti dip. It was flat baby blue. It looked great til it didn't.
Good way to test it out and see if you like it for cheap...
But like @RickF suggests if you want it long term get it done correctly.

 

[ShelbyDee]

Plasti dip is great for temp solutions.
But once it starts to peel, it will look like crap.
Guy at my work shot his whole car in plasti dip. It was flat baby blue. It looked great til it didn't.
Good way to test it out and see if you like it for cheap...
But like @RickF suggests if you want it long term get it done correctly.

So do you think it's best to get it done at a body shop? Or what do you mean by "correctly"? What's your suggestion?

 

[DocMike]

You have a beautiful Jeep. Get some estimates and get it done by a pro. Maybe try the plasti dip once see if you love it, then go get it done permanent.

So do you think it's best to get it done at a body shop? Or what do you mean by "correctly"? What's your suggestion?

 

[Iowafarm]

I used Rustoleum "Gloss Red" to do this. I started with actual Plasti-dip brand, and the red was very orangey and pale--almost salmon-like. The Rustoleum is much closer to the factory red on the hood decals and tow hooks. Taking the front end apart is extremely easy--just be sure you have a set of coated or plastic panel tools because screwdrivers can scratch. It's really pretty idiot-proof; put down several coats to get a nice thick finish and if you don't like it, peel it off and try something else. This is what you see in the "side by side" picture--the peelable Rustoleum.


You can also take the insert to a paint shop and have it done for about $80-100 with a proper multi-step process finished with clear coat. That's what you see in the 3/4 view with the doors off; I got tired of the peelable paint needing to be redone and had it done professionally. The look is similar either way; this way has proven to be more durable.

Well you have me sold on this one. Hope you don't mind but I and going to copy you.

 

[RickF]

Well you have me sold on this one. Hope you don't mind but I and going to copy you.

Awesome. The red really "pops" and (I can see from your profile that you have a Rubicon) it picks up those tow hooks nicely. It's an easy afternoon project. You might try the Rustoleum Gloss Red peelable spray paint first to see if you like it--it will hold up for several months. If you do like it, you might peel it off and have a paint shop do it with more durable paint.

Share a pic when you're done.

 

[Iowafarm]

Awesome. The red really "pops" and (I can see from your profile that you have a Rubicon) it picks up those tow hooks nicely. It's an easy afternoon project. You might try the Rustoleum Gloss Red peelable spray paint first to see if you like it--it will hold up for several months. If you do like it, you might peel it off and have a paint shop do it with more durable paint.

Share a pic when you're done.

Probably won't get it gone until mid July. I am in the middle of spraying right now and on the 5th of July I leave for Sedona, Joshua Tree, Bryce Canyon, and finally Moab. Can't wait. And honestly I am so impressed with what I see in your p8cs 8 m just going to have body shop do it and be one and done. I have the same color you go and really like the look. Won't see as much on mine s8nce I have winch in the WY, but I still think it will look pretty damn good.

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