Painted Pillar Trim

*BigRondo* · 06-26-2010, 02:45 PM

After reading several threads on painting the faded black pillar trim I decided to give it a go.

Be sure to check out my other write-ups:

How To: Replace Blend Door Actuator in 3rd Gen Ex

How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Door Panel

How To: Install Signal Mirrors On 3rd Gen Ex

How To: Restore Faded, Yellowing Headlights

How To: Replace Multifunction Switch in 3rd Gen Ex

How To: Replace 3rd Gen Ambient Air Temperature Sensor

How To: Test a Relay

How To: Remove/Replace 3rd Gen Center Console

I have only done the rears so far. I will update this thread when I do the side pillars. I decided to leave the rear pillars on the vehicle since they are riveted on and opening the liftgate and glass allows for easy masking. The sides are relatively easy to remove so when I get to that stage I will take them off. Here is how it went:

This is a shot of what they used to look like:

I masked off the area prior to sanding so I didn't end up sanding something I didn't want to like the body. I first sanded with 600 grit then I wet sanded with 800 grit:

Next step was masking off the area really well:

Then I applied the paint. I used Krylon Fusion Gloss Black. I did not use primer. I applied 4 coats with 30 minutes between the 1st & 2nd coats and 15 minutes between subsequent coats:

I let it dry overnight before removing the masking. This is after 4 coats:

This is what it looked like after removing the masking the next day:

It has been almost 3 weeks and it appears to be holding up really well. It doesn't shine like the original did but it looks 1000% better than it did. After about 2 weeks while cleaning the truck I accidently got Windex on it and thought I had ruined all my work. The Windex left ugly marks on the paint. I was thinking that if Windex does this then it is not going to last at all. I had some Meguiar's Cleaner Wax left over and that did the trick. I planned on waxing it anyway to protect it from the elements.

I was dreading doing this because I figured it was going to take forever and be a real PITA. It wasn't bad at all. I did the other side the next night and figure it was about 2 hours a side. Hope this helps all you guys that can't decide if you want to do this to go for it. You won't be disappointed!!

DVRDOWN · 06-28-2010, 04:27 PM

Looks good! You could always consider spraying a few coats of Duplicolor Edging Clear to bring back the gloss and protect the paint. It comes in a rattle can, so just spray a few coats after the paint is dry. Just a thought! Check it out here: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/pro_specialty.html

*BigRondo* · 06-28-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVRDOWN

Looks good! You could always consider spraying a few coats of Duplicolor Edging Clear to bring back the gloss and protect the paint. It comes in a rattle can, so just spray a few coats after the paint is dry. Just a thought! Check it out here: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/pro_specialty.html

Thanks, I was thinking about putting clear on but didn't know what to use. I'll look into the edging clear. Do they sell it at the parts stores?

DVRDOWN · 06-28-2010, 09:41 PM

I would think so, especially the stores that carry duplicolor products. Just check around, I've never used it myself, just seen it used on various auto shows. Let me know what you find and how it goes, I live in S. Florida so my clear has all but completely flaked off.

*BigRondo* · 06-28-2010, 09:49 PM

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

tjnissen · 11-14-2010, 03:50 PM

thanks for the info, I'm in Iowa so this we'll be a spring project! I've used Rust-Oleum "Gloss Protective Enamel" around the trailer hitch area and the shine was good, close to the other black finish, FYI.

Semper FI

Infinity08 · 11-14-2010, 06:37 PM

I was looking at those trim panels, and I'm considering doing all mine with bedliner. Should go on even, and have a nice rugged look to it.

*BigRondo* · 11-14-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjnissen

thanks for the info, I'm in Iowa so this we'll be a spring project! I've used Rust-Oleum "Gloss Protective Enamel" around the trailer hitch area and the shine was good, close to the other black finish, FYI.

Semper FI

Good luck. I'll be doing the sides in the spring. Semper Fi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinity08

I was looking at those trim panels, and I'm considering doing all mine with bedliner. Should go on even, and have a nice rugged look to it.

I'd like to see some pics of the finished product!!

FordFTW · 11-15-2010, 03:09 PM

Great idea & looks good!

*BigRondo* · 11-15-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFTW

Great idea & looks good!

Thanks

Posted via Mobile Device

*bcbid* · 11-15-2010, 03:33 PM

This is the Rust-Oleum I used on my luggage rack. Nice and Shiny..seems to be lasting..

*BigRondo* · 11-15-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbid

This is the Rust-Oleum I used on my luggage rack. Nice and Shiny..seems to be lasting..

Brian, where did you get the rustoleum? Did you use it on the plastic and metal parts? I need to do my luggage rack too!!

Thanks

*bcbid* · 11-16-2010, 01:53 AM

I picked it up at Menard's (they are like Home Depot) I also painted my windshield wiper arms with it. Not a real good before and after picture.

*BigRondo* · 11-16-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcbid

I picked it up at Menard's (they are like Home Depot) I also painted my windshield wiper arms with it. Not a real good before and after picture.

Thanks man! I'll look into it.

jimspinnin · 11-17-2010, 04:34 PM

How do you get the side ones off?

*BigRondo* · 11-17-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimspinnin

How do you get the side ones off?

I haven't done the side ones yet. That's a spring project. If you peel the weather stripping out of the window channel, you will have access to the screws holding the side pillars on.

If you need some pics, I'll take them and post 'em up tomorrow afternoon.

jimspinnin · 11-18-2010, 12:12 PM

Thats up to you, I will have to wait until spring to do mine also but was just curious how they came off.

*BigRondo* · 11-18-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimspinnin

Thats up to you, I will have to wait until spring to do mine also but was just curious how they came off.

I'll see if I can get some pics up tonight.

Posted via Mobile Device

WvRigRat05 · 01-05-2011, 06:38 PM

not too bad, I bought replacements from the dealer for the sides and had my buddy paint the rear ones, ive always had bad luck w paint. i did my oilfield bumper on my silverado and it didnt hold up too long so im getting it redone in the spring.

*BigRondo* · 01-05-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WvRigRat05

not too bad, I bought replacements from the dealer for the sides and had my buddy paint the rear ones, ive always had bad luck w paint. i did my oilfield bumper on my silverado and it didnt hold up too long so im getting it redone in the spring.

Thanks, I'll be doing the sides in the spring. The rears where pretty easy. Been 6 months and they still look great!!

06-28-2010, 04:27 PM	#2
DVRDOWN Wannabe Elite Explorer West Palm Beach, FL '02 XLT Flex Fuel 4x4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 62 Vehicle Specs	Looks good! You could always consider spraying a few coats of Duplicolor Edging Clear to bring back the gloss and protect the paint. It comes in a rattle can, so just spray a few coats after the paint is dry. Just a thought! Check it out here: http://www.duplicolor.com/products/pro_specialty.html __________________ 2002 XLT 4x4 4.0 Flex, 115K miles

06-28-2010, 09:41 PM	#4
DVRDOWN Wannabe Elite Explorer West Palm Beach, FL '02 XLT Flex Fuel 4x4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 62 Vehicle Specs	I would think so, especially the stores that carry duplicolor products. Just check around, I've never used it myself, just seen it used on various auto shows. Let me know what you find and how it goes, I live in S. Florida so my clear has all but completely flaked off. __________________ 2002 XLT 4x4 4.0 Flex, 115K miles

11-14-2010, 06:37 PM	#7
Infinity08 Wannabe Elite Explorer Charlestown, IN '08 Sport Trac LTD Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 555 Vehicle Specs	I was looking at those trim panels, and I'm considering doing all mine with bedliner. Should go on even, and have a nice rugged look to it. __________________ 2002 Mounty 4.6 AWD stock

11-15-2010, 03:33 PM	#11
bcbid U.S. Marine ,MI 1993 Eddie Bauer (4X4) Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 465 Vehicle Specs	trim paint This is the Rust-Oleum I used on my luggage rack. Nice and Shiny..seems to be lasting.. Attached Images __________________ PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY,U.S.M.C., SEMPER FI...Brian This is "Bouncing Betty", my 1993 Explorer..... http://www.explorerforum.com/photopo...1721&protype=1 1993 Eddie Bauer (4.0 stock)

11-16-2010, 01:53 AM	#13
bcbid U.S. Marine ,MI 1993 Eddie Bauer (4X4) Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 465 Vehicle Specs	Menard's Home Center I picked it up at Menard's (they are like Home Depot) I also painted my windshield wiper arms with it. Not a real good before and after picture. Attached Images __________________ PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY,U.S.M.C., SEMPER FI...Brian This is "Bouncing Betty", my 1993 Explorer..... http://www.explorerforum.com/photopo...1721&protype=1 1993 Eddie Bauer (4.0 stock)

11-14-2010, 03:50 PM	#6
tjnissen Wannabe Elite Explorer Clinton, IA 03 XLT Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	thanks for the info, I'm in Iowa so this we'll be a spring project! I've used Rust-Oleum "Gloss Protective Enamel" around the trailer hitch area and the shine was good, close to the other black finish, FYI. Semper FI

11-15-2010, 03:09 PM	#9
FordFTW Wannabe Elite Explorer Mi Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 12 Vehicle Specs	Great idea & looks good!

11-17-2010, 04:34 PM	#15
jimspinnin Wannabe Elite Explorer Villas, NJ 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 69 Vehicle Specs	How do you get the side ones off?

11-18-2010, 12:12 PM	#17
jimspinnin Wannabe Elite Explorer Villas, NJ 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 69 Vehicle Specs	Thats up to you, I will have to wait until spring to do mine also but was just curious how they came off.

01-05-2011, 06:38 PM	#19
WvRigRat05 B Buckhannon,WV 2002 Eddie Bauer 4x4 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 14 Vehicle Specs	not too bad, I bought replacements from the dealer for the sides and had my buddy paint the rear ones, ive always had bad luck w paint. i did my oilfield bumper on my silverado and it didnt hold up too long so im getting it redone in the spring.