Color matching my grill... opinions and input.

[BlueFusion6851]

This is just to see how many of you would think that me color matching my grill would look ok. I'm just trying to get a feel for the looks/possible downsides and what they would be. Here's what I plan to do.

-Cut out the vertical supports so it's just the 2 horizontal bars + toyota emblem.
-Sand the whole darn thing so the paint will adhere
-Apply 3-4-5 coats of DupliColor Cashmere Beige spraypaint
-Let dry
-Apply lots of clearcoat.
-Wetsand
-Stare in awe

The question is...
What grit sandpaper should I use before I paint and for the wetsand?

Thanks for all your input guys!!!

[DAMON]

I would stay away from really low grit sandpaper, something like 200 should be plenty to rough it up for paint, then Id get up to about 1000 for the wetsanding. It should come out fine, if not it is pretty easy to find a used grille for dirt cheap. I say go for it, good luck!

[Tom 2000]

If possible, bake the paint dry in an oven. It will cure to a hard strong finish.

Otherwise, you'll have chips in no time - been there done that. Of course, it would take a large oven to put a front grille in. Even heat lamps would help.

[CJ Otey]

^wouldn't the grill melt in an oven

I would use 320 grit on the grill and then put a couple coats of primer to fill in the imperfections and give the paint a smoother finish and i would use 2500 to wet sand

[bigbird]

depending on the temprature it would be fine. but ud want to suspend it somehow, good luck with that. id use 350-600 grit to start out with and then work finer and finer. DONT FORGET to use adhesive promotor. u NEED to use it if ur painting plastic with color match automotive paint and primer if u want the paint to last. sand, alcohol prep-wipe, adhesive promotor(spray), primer, sand, primer, sand, clean, color. thats what id do.

[DAMON]

if you sand and prime it and all that good stuff you dont need to bake it, mine lasted three years with no chips...

[BlueFusion6851]

Thanks! I'll go with the prime/sand method as I want this to be as cost effective as possible.