Zoolander

iTrader: (8)

Okay....I'm in the process of installing gauges in a DIN panel and right now painting silver bezels flat black. I went with Dupli-Color touch-up grey filler/primer for a base and touch-up black (the kind for exteriors, my thinking was cheap, just the right amount, and built-in brush). The thing is...it's way too viscous to get a good even final coat I think. It's beginning to look better the more it sits, but I'm considering blasting it with spray a couple times which would create a nice coat (I hope). Or it could pool at the bezel/clear screen junction and really mess things up.

Or I could switch to model paint or something. So..... who's done this before and what did you use? Search came up minimal.

Thanks.

-duke

Zoolander

iTrader: (8)

^

Okay, if you would do this, what would YOU do?

BillM

iTrader: (4)

I would use chrome gauge bezels to match the stock gauges.

Schrodare

I would be carefull of how much paint you spray on you dont want it really thick... I would sand it down again with 600 grit till satisfied, and go over it quick with some 800 grit and go get yourself a good spray can any kind will do. First coat throw it on light wait 5 mins second and third coat do nice and even wet coats and you should be happy with the results.. I'm a auto body painter if ya have any other concerns pm me..

gravytraindg

Im a painter to...good advice. the more paint buildup you have the more likely it is to lift or wrinkle.....a light first coat is key!

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

Those duplicolor spray tips can be a little intense, spray from further back and just mist it evenly.

Zoolander

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the tips guys. The silver didn't quite match the chrome of the stock panel...hence the black. Also, the stock chrome/silver look is plenty enough for me.

I ended up just using more touch-up brush and it looks fine after 3 coats and some sanding. I'm actually going to use Plasti Dip on the panel and the gauges next, to get a nice uniform and hopefully stock satin finish.

Will post pics when done.

Rx7_Nut13B

iTrader: (1)

PM "7Dust" he has had it done before

Zoolander

iTrader: (8)

UPDATE. Well....the paint job did not go as expected. I laid it on too thick at the edge around the screen and it started cracking. (Yes, I did not heed the advice above....just got carried away). The sides looked great. I ended up chipping it all off, sanding it back down to bare metal, and using Plasti Dip only. It looks MUCH better than the paint after one coat. Probably one more coat will do the trick. Now hopefully I can peel off the tape without ripping the rubber. Will use a blade.

The thing is...I thought I ruined them and ordered another set out of frustration. But they look great now and I'll know what to do with the new ones. So look for these on the FS section soon.