How To Paint Your Door Handle(s)
Firstly, I would just like to point out I have no great knowledge behind the mechanics of spray paint and/or the skills required to spray paint effectively. I did not sand following instructions, only my judgement. This was done with little knowledge preparation so therefore, if you prepare more than i did, you will achieve a better finish than me. With this in mind, I personally think I achieved a good finish and therefore will share what I did.
Firstly, I would just like to point out I have no great knowledge behind the mechanics of spray paint and/or the skills required to spray paint effectively. I did not sand following instructions, only my judgement. This was done with little knowledge preparation so therefore, if you prepare more than i did, you will achieve a better finish than me. With this in mind, I personally think I achieved a good finish and therefore will share what I did.
Preparation
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Preparation
What you will need:
Wetdry Sand paper (~1000, ~400)
Plastic Primer
A clear laquer
Some spray paint (if you are matching your car you should get this mixed specially)
Microfibre Cloth
Ideal Conditions:
"First, you should only paint when weather permits. This is assuming, of course, that you do not have a large climate controlled spray booth to do this in.
Your ambient temperatures should be between sixty (60°) and ninety-five (95°) degrees Fahrenhiedt. Or eighteen (18°) to thirty-five (35°) degrees Celcius.
The relative humidity should no more than 70 percent. Contrary to popular opinion this has nothing to do with the paint drying and everything to do with how it looks when dry. Relative humidity above seventy percent will cause the paint to dry "cloudy" from the trapped moisture"
http://liambean.hubpages.com/hub/Spray-Method-of-Painting
Masking
This, in my opinion, is the most important part. If you do not mask correctly, the whole job is ruined the second you spray your first drop.
Take time to get a perfect edge around the handle, using a credit card or equivalent to ensure your masking material 'tucks' in the edges.
To mask the keyhole, I used a 5p coin wrapped in masking tape.
Remember that the paint will drift in the wind so ensure you cover more than just around the handle.
Preparation
What you will need:
Wetdry Sand paper (~1000, ~400)
Plastic Primer
A clear laquer
Some spray paint (if you are matching your car you should get this mixed specially)
Microfibre Cloth
Ideal Conditions:
"First, you should only paint when weather permits. This is assuming, of course, that you do not have a large climate controlled spray booth to do this in.
Your ambient temperatures should be between sixty (60°) and ninety-five (95°) degrees Fahrenhiedt. Or eighteen (18°) to thirty-five (35°) degrees Celcius.
The relative humidity should no more than 70 percent. Contrary to popular opinion this has nothing to do with the paint drying and everything to do with how it looks when dry. Relative humidity above seventy percent will cause the paint to dry "cloudy" from the trapped moisture"
http://liambean.hubpages.com/hub/Spray-Method-of-Painting
Masking
This, in my opinion, is the most important part. If you do not mask correctly, the whole job is ruined the second you spray your first drop.
Take time to get a perfect edge around the handle, using a credit card or equivalent to ensure your masking material 'tucks' in the edges.
To mask the keyhole, I used a 5p coin wrapped in masking tape.
Remember that the paint will drift in the wind so ensure you cover more than just around the handle.
Sanding and Priming
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Sanding & Priming
For this part, grab your ~400, ~1000 wet and dry sandpaper, and your primer.
Sanding (~400)
Simply, sand the door handle down until it is rough to touch. This will allow the primer to bond properly with the surface.
After sanding, ensure you wipe clean with a microfibre cloth to remove any dust etc.
Primer
After sanding, apply the coats of primer.
It is important that you do not attempt to 'thicken' parts of the primer which seem to still show the plastic underneath, the next coat will cover that.
Also, leave the correct drying time between coats.
Tip: if you angle the can right you can cover all sides of the handle:
Sanding (~1000)
After applying the primer, sand the handle down until smooth to touch. This is essential as the colour will show any inconsistencies in the surface.
Again, wipe clean
Sanding & Priming
For this part, grab your ~400, ~1000 wet and dry sandpaper, and your primer.
Sanding (~400)
Simply, sand the door handle down until it is rough to touch. This will allow the primer to bond properly with the surface.
After sanding, ensure you wipe clean with a microfibre cloth to remove any dust etc.
Primer
After sanding, apply the coats of primer.
It is important that you do not attempt to 'thicken' parts of the primer which seem to still show the plastic underneath, the next coat will cover that.
Also, leave the correct drying time between coats.
Tip: if you angle the can right you can cover all sides of the handle:
Sanding (~1000)
After applying the primer, sand the handle down until smooth to touch. This is essential as the colour will show any inconsistencies in the surface.
Again, wipe clean
Painting
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Painting
The part where you hold your breath. I strongly advise testing first or this could happen:
As with the primer, consistent smooth even strokes are best for ensuring the smoothest possible coat.
Once you have added a few coats, leaving sufficient drying time, laquer the handle to help prevent peeling and to help protect from the elements.
I used two coats of laquer.
Please note: to achieve the best possible result, you could now go ahead and sand further with ~wetdry 2000 however I was happy and did not see the need to continue (see useful links)
Painting
The part where you hold your breath. I strongly advise testing first or this could happen:
As with the primer, consistent smooth even strokes are best for ensuring the smoothest possible coat.
Once you have added a few coats, leaving sufficient drying time, laquer the handle to help prevent peeling and to help protect from the elements.
I used two coats of laquer.
Please note: to achieve the best possible result, you could now go ahead and sand further with ~wetdry 2000 however I was happy and did not see the need to continue (see useful links)
Result
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The result
After a good wax and clean:
The result
After a good wax and clean:
Useful Links
Useful Links
http://www.ehow.com/how_2062197_spray-paint-like-pro.html
http://www.rustoleumspraypaint.com/how-to-guide/how-spray-paint
http://www.ehow.com/how_7223763_paint-car-door-handles.html
