Repainting grille
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick, WA
If you are talking aboot painting the whole grille, chrome and all, it won't stand up to rocks, etc in the chromed area. I repainted a Suburban grille to match aboot 8 yrs ago, and there numerous small shiny spots showing, not too noticeable except up close, but they will chip.
I just recently painted my Ex grille inserts black and it looks pretty good, better than the XLT silver!! Hoping it will stand up well over the next few yrs.
I just recently painted my Ex grille inserts black and it looks pretty good, better than the XLT silver!! Hoping it will stand up well over the next few yrs.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Coolidge, AZ
If you are talking aboot painting the whole grille, chrome and all, it won't stand up to rocks, etc in the chromed area. I repainted a Suburban grille to match aboot 8 yrs ago, and there numerous small shiny spots showing, not too noticeable except up close, but they will chip.
I just recently painted my Ex grille inserts black and it looks pretty good, better than the XLT silver!! Hoping it will stand up well over the next few yrs.
I just recently painted my Ex grille inserts black and it looks pretty good, better than the XLT silver!! Hoping it will stand up well over the next few yrs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
Likes: 150
From: In the field...
Grill Paint
Google Microfinish and get the paint in any quantity you wish.
Buy primer in the same range (gray or blue for your EX)
Clearcoat the finish
If you buy the rattle cans get one primer, two color and one clear
Two primer coats.
Four light coats (color) are better than two heavy coats
Three Clear coats
The honey comb grid section should be easily removed from the main outer section (frame).
The Blue Oval should also come out, less to mask.
Prime, Paint, Clear, Dry, Cure.
Four screws on top, 2-4 clips along the bottom R&R of the grill is two minutes.
Re-assemble the grill attach grill to EX.
Buy primer in the same range (gray or blue for your EX)
Clearcoat the finish
If you buy the rattle cans get one primer, two color and one clear
Two primer coats.
Four light coats (color) are better than two heavy coats
Three Clear coats
The honey comb grid section should be easily removed from the main outer section (frame).
The Blue Oval should also come out, less to mask.
Prime, Paint, Clear, Dry, Cure.
Four screws on top, 2-4 clips along the bottom R&R of the grill is two minutes.
Re-assemble the grill attach grill to EX.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
Likes: 150
From: In the field...
You will definitely need more paint a lot more, most will be waste.
I would remove them and paint them separately even if the same color.
Hang them on a wire and flip the ends between coats, the honey comb will need to have paint directed at it in different angles for adequate coverage.
If you paint over a seam that moves and flexes (like our grills) it will look horrible. It will crack at the seam and start to peel.
Hopefully Snowseeker can chime in with some advice he is probably a better painter than I am.
I would remove them and paint them separately even if the same color.
Hang them on a wire and flip the ends between coats, the honey comb will need to have paint directed at it in different angles for adequate coverage.
If you paint over a seam that moves and flexes (like our grills) it will look horrible. It will crack at the seam and start to peel.
Hopefully Snowseeker can chime in with some advice he is probably a better painter than I am.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, Canada
The inserts would be such a pain I would think.
90% of the paint would just go through while trying to spray it??
90% of the paint would just go through while trying to spray it??
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,266
Likes: 150
From: In the field...
That is why I said "a lot more paint".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Taking a nap
Just another opinion from the cheap seats.
I'd suggest refraining from a "rattle can" top coats & primers.
A respectable finish calls for quality prep & materials.
I would also not suggest a clearcoat finish.
Consider an Acrylic Enamel w/ Gloss Hardener added as the most cost effective approach. Some shops will sell a pint, but I'd buy the quart just to have in case something else needs color.
I've shot many w/ Imron, and with proper prep (yes, even on plastic chrome) adhesion is never an issue, and chips dont happen.
This latest I did in Black Awlgrip (over chrome), and I can assure you, the rocks will break before the paint does.
Both reflectivity & depth are very good, and are far superior results that even the most accomplished rattle can operator will achieve.
Clean it (*wax & grease remover), scuff it w/ 220 or finer, prime it, scuff it w/ 4-600, clean again & tack, hang it securely. Apply 3) light coats 20 min apart. Use proper reducer for the temp, wear your respirator, and clean your weapon so you cannot tell what color came out of it.
Thats my .02 while on pain meds-
I'd suggest refraining from a "rattle can" top coats & primers.
A respectable finish calls for quality prep & materials.
I would also not suggest a clearcoat finish.
Consider an Acrylic Enamel w/ Gloss Hardener added as the most cost effective approach. Some shops will sell a pint, but I'd buy the quart just to have in case something else needs color.
I've shot many w/ Imron, and with proper prep (yes, even on plastic chrome) adhesion is never an issue, and chips dont happen.
This latest I did in Black Awlgrip (over chrome), and I can assure you, the rocks will break before the paint does.
Both reflectivity & depth are very good, and are far superior results that even the most accomplished rattle can operator will achieve.
Clean it (*wax & grease remover), scuff it w/ 220 or finer, prime it, scuff it w/ 4-600, clean again & tack, hang it securely. Apply 3) light coats 20 min apart. Use proper reducer for the temp, wear your respirator, and clean your weapon so you cannot tell what color came out of it.
Thats my .02 while on pain meds-
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
chaser1602
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Oct 11, 2010 08:02 PM