PDXplore
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- October 14, 2011
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer XLT Limited
I saw there was already a thread on this but I didn't want to hijack it with all my pics so I'm making my own since I used a different process.
Here is the other thread which will explain how to remove the pillars on pages 3 and 4.
Okay, here is my process:
After removing the 4 pillars from the doors (rear pillars are riveted in and need to be drilled out to be removed).
I used 800 grit paper followed by a rough pad/dish soap.
Finally a wax&grease remover just prior to spraying:
I then sprayed 1 light coat of adhesion promoter:
5 minutes later I started spraying the base coat.
In 5 minute intervals I sprayed 2 light layers of black base coat, you don't want it thick and glossy, just enough to cover the ugliness underneath.
Should look like this just after spraying:
after the 2nd coat dried:
once the base has flashed (15 minutes for this brand), begin with the clear:
This brand of clear called for 10 minutes between coats. This is after 3 coats:
I let the paint cure for at least 24 hours, every brand is different, so read the label.
After 24 hours, I wet sanded with 2000 grit.
Sand lightly and check often, You don't want to burn through, it's very easy to do on small pieces like this.
Notice the "freckles"....
That will be orange peel after buffing so keep going until it looks like this:
Time to bring the gloss back: I'm using a PC7424XP+yellow cut pad+Meguiar's M105 compound:
50/50:
I then switched to a white polish pad and M205 polish:
Result:
back on the Ex:
Wife's happy: :biggthump
I will update this thread on my next day-off with removal/refinish/install of rear pillars.
Here is the other thread which will explain how to remove the pillars on pages 3 and 4.
Okay, here is my process:
After removing the 4 pillars from the doors (rear pillars are riveted in and need to be drilled out to be removed).
I used 800 grit paper followed by a rough pad/dish soap.
Finally a wax&grease remover just prior to spraying:
I then sprayed 1 light coat of adhesion promoter:
5 minutes later I started spraying the base coat.
In 5 minute intervals I sprayed 2 light layers of black base coat, you don't want it thick and glossy, just enough to cover the ugliness underneath.
Should look like this just after spraying:
after the 2nd coat dried:
once the base has flashed (15 minutes for this brand), begin with the clear:
This brand of clear called for 10 minutes between coats. This is after 3 coats:
I let the paint cure for at least 24 hours, every brand is different, so read the label.
After 24 hours, I wet sanded with 2000 grit.
Sand lightly and check often, You don't want to burn through, it's very easy to do on small pieces like this.
Notice the "freckles"....
That will be orange peel after buffing so keep going until it looks like this:
Time to bring the gloss back: I'm using a PC7424XP+yellow cut pad+Meguiar's M105 compound:
50/50:
I then switched to a white polish pad and M205 polish:
Result:
back on the Ex:
Wife's happy: :biggthump
I will update this thread on my next day-off with removal/refinish/install of rear pillars.
once the vinyl dries, it settles and shows all the roughness underneath. Make sure to sand first. Luckily the amount of vinyl I got will do the pillars many times over.
