RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

The previous owner dragged his feet on the sill getting into the car & over time scuffed off the paint



Is this a DIY job (I have some silver paint made up from Halfords in a can) or should I get it done by a bodyshop?
If it is a DIY then could someone advise on how to go about it ?

Thanks

Ro.

[Edited by RoShamBo - 9/18/2002 9:12:38 AM]

Brun

I say , botch the bits right on the edge and buy some of those rather nice metal sill protectors to cover the rest!

Paulo P

iTrader: (42)

Ro

I would say yes it is fixable but not with halfords paint. Halfords paint looks very **** but if you get a can made from someone like morelli and you know how to spray you could do a job as good as a bodyshop for about £20

Paul

Paulo P

iTrader: (42)

Ro

Also I notice you are not that far from me If you want to know how best to do it or want a hand drop me a line

Paul

DJB

It is possible to do it yourself but not that easy. For starters you'll to check that the Halfords paint is a good colour match otherwise forget it.

If you do go ahead, remove the sill completely and all attached black bits. You are best to paint the whole sill otherwise it'll look like a botch-up job. Sand it down starting with coarse paper moving to medium and then fine paper unitl its completely smooth. Run your finger over the surface and if you feel any defects then this will show after its been painted. You'll need to get wet and dry sand paper to do this properly and you need to finish it with 1200 or higher grade using liberal amounts of water to get the final glass-smooth finish. Once very smooth (and I can't emphasise how important it is get a really smooth, blemish-free surface), dry it thoroughly.

To paint it, ensure that its not too cold (should be > 17 degrees C otherwise the paint can 'orange peel') - spray indoors ideally (garage). Shake can of paint thoroughly then spray on primer layer (usually grey) - keep can moving back and forth to avoid runs/curtains of wet paint. Allow to dry. Then spray on silver coat. Use at least 3 coats allowing about 30 mins between each coat. You then need to spray on the lacquer coat (any car paint lacquer will do), 2-3 coats will do. Allow 24 hrs drying time before re-attaching it to the car.

If you ****-up and get runs, allow it to dry, sand down and start again. Don't try to sand wet or nearly dry paint.

Dave T-S

DJB
You forgot to say to use primer specifically for plastic . Use ordinary primer and it will all flake off again........

dnb

DIY painting is possible, but does require a little practice, so have a go on the cheaper bits first, just in case

As people have stated before, preparation is the key to a good job, closely followed by a good plastic primer if you want it to last any time at all... (of course, the top coat is important as well, but that's nearlt the last job...)

Above all, take your time.

Regacy

is this a job for chips away?

RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys for all the help.
Now need to decide if I am gonna do it myself or not !

Chipsaway quoted me £200 to fix that scuff plus a couple of scuffs on the rear bumper.

Ro.

Brun

So is it actually the sill, or is it the side skirt? Somebody mentioned plastic primer! If it is the sill, i'd still plump up the cash for the metal sill protectors, regardless!

RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

its the plastic skirt - so a sill protector wouldn't be any use.

Ro.

X SOOOBY

if you dont rub all the existing paintwork off you wont have to use plastic primer

also use some laquer 2 or 3 coats did mine and i reckon it came out as good as a paintshop would of done it