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Panels brought back to life

10375 Views 24 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  broken buddha
Hello EOC!

Over the weekend, I decided to take a chance and paint all my panels black. The project started off nice enough, using a plastic adhesion promoter, Krylon Fusion paint, and clear coat.
I finished off the rear end and realized a serious problem. The Krylon wasn't laying flat. It had a sort of zebra effect to it, striped in some areas. So I decided to pay the extra money to get professional Centari one-stage paint, hardener, flexible primer, and put this stuff on with paint gun. Of course, none of this could have been done without removing the Krylon. Ugh. Many application of Lacquer thinner later, we were ready to blast the panels once again.

Luckily, I know a guy that is very handy with a paint gun. He has about 20 years experience behind him, and he is a close family friend. I bought him some dinner and off we went.

My Dad happens to have a garage extension perfect for a makeshift paint booth.

Pictures will be posted shortly!
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Here are the progress pictures.








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And finally..... The RESULTS!






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that looks really nice. good job
Cool!!! Needs cow spots.
wow! those panels really pop now.
hope it holds up over time. looks like it was done well.
I like it! You will have to take some more pictures after a couple months.
Take pictures in a couple months or so, then tell me what the all in one product was that you used exactly. Hopefully the flew primer works and the panels don't crack from wind flex.
Take pictures in a couple months or so, then tell me what the all in one product was that you used exactly. Hopefully the flew primer works and the panels don't crack from wind flex.
Thanks for all the compliments guys!

I don't recall the exact name of the Primer, I'll go hunting for it and post again. I do remember it was a flexible primer made specifically for automotive plastic. The paint is Centari 99A Pitch black with Hardener added.
I like it! Then again, I've also got all the panels painted on mine... Silver rather than black, but the paint job is now 4 months old and nothing to complain about other than standard road debris paint damage.

Tom
That really stands out! Excellent work. Definitely post some follow-up pix later.
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looks nice but too bad its gonna crack and peel
looks nice but too bad its gonna crack and peel
Why would it crack and peel? The panels were sanded before the primer was applied, flexible primer might I add, and the paint I used is for automotive use.
Maybe you read that I used the Krylon, and didn't continue reading that I had to remove it. The paint you see in the pictures is the Centari 99A paint.
AWESOME...!!! *applause* *applause*

Whoa Dallan...!

NICE work man...!!! Hey, if you weren't in UT you'd have one of the most awesome Oakland Raider E's out there (NOD to Darth Raider tho...)

Keep us posted on the future results of the paint and congrats again on the paint job...

LBD
Why would it crack and peel? The panels were sanded before the primer was applied, flexible primer might I add, and the paint I used is for automotive use.
Maybe you read that I used the Krylon, and didn't continue reading that I had to remove it. The paint you see in the pictures is the Centari 99A paint.
I wouldn't worry to much what Rad.... said, since you did prep the panels correctly and used flexible primer and had a professional shoot the color on as well. I have seen cars get re-shoot ALL over with standard primer and bdoy coat , which is not good since the bumpers or plastic panels flex more than the metal panels on a car. But again you took the proper steps to make sure it doesn't happen. Prep and proper primer is always the key to a good adhesion for paint. Looks great!
Yeah, with Centari, and a pro doing the application, you won't have any trouble with the finish. 'bout the best auto paint out there. Toxic to use, and Dupont is slowly doing away with it because of that - but does an amazing job.
Quick Update:

No issues with the paint thus far. Still looking awesome!
Painted panels and hello to the EO group

Hello all. This is my first entry as I am a newbie and I finally got around to saying hello.
The painted panels look awesome and if you have the time and $$$$$ to do this I think it is a great way to make your e look new again however for us less blessed with dollars or a facility, I want to share something I used on my 05 EX and my wife's 03 EX.
I have been using a product called 303 for over ten years now. I was introduced to it from a friend in Oregon who owns a body shop.
Yesterday and today I treated both vehicles to the 303 on the gray and black panels and they look like new.
This stuff has UV protection in it but no silicone so there will be no cracking.
If you all want asomething that will make all of the PVC on your Element look new again check out this stuff it is awesome.
It is also great for leather and vinyl.
How often do you have to apply the 303? I have used Back to Black and need to apply at least 2-3 times per year.
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