Clean And Paint The Plastic Grille On The Front Of Your Truck

26 August 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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If you recently painted the trim on your truck and would like to coat the plastic grille located on the front of your vehicle with the same color of paint, utilize the following steps. Once you have completed the job, your truck will have a uniform and well-cared for appearance.

Materials

  • power drill
  • pry bar
  • scouring pad
  • soapy water
  • water hose
  • towel
  • drop cloth
  • automotive paint
  • clear sealant
  • electric paint sprayer

Remove The Grille And Clean Its Surface

Use a power drill to remove hardware that is secured to the corners of the plastic grill. Use the tip of a pry bar to loosen the edges of the grille if you cannot remove the entire piece by pulling it loose with your hands. Clean both sides of the grille with a scouring pad that has been dipped into soapy water. The scouring pad will assist with roughing up the plastic coating on the grille, which will help the fresh paint adhere in an easier manner. Rinse the grille off with a water hose, wipe its surface off with a towel, and lay it on a drop cloth.

Apply Several Coats Of Paint

Fill an electric paint sprayer's reservoir with automotive paint that is the same color as the trim on your truck. Hold the sprayer's nozzle several inches away from the grille. Apply a light, even coat of paint to the plastic. A light coat will prevent paint from dripping. Wait for the paint to dry. Apply another coat of paint to the same side of the grille. Wait for each coat to dry before adding an additional coat. Once the color of the paint is as deep as the trim, flip the grille over and add the same number of coats to it. 

Apply A Coat Of Sealant

Use a water hose to rinse out the paint sprayer's reservoir. Fill the clean reservoir with clear sealant that is designed for vehicles. Apply one coat of sealant to each side of the grill. Wait for the sealant to dry.

Reattach the grille to the front of your truck by lining it up and pressing it firmly against your vehicle. Insert a hardware piece in each corner of the grille and tighten all of them with a power drill. Do not overtighten the hardware pieces because it could cause damage to the plastic that surrounds them. Maintain the newly-painted grille by cleaning it, as needed, with soapy water and a soft cloth.