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Painting that ugly grey trim on a 3rd gen EX

Jmedina613

Member
Joined
January 29, 2015
Messages
42
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2
City, State
Clermont Florida
Year, Model & Trim Level
2002 Ford Explorer XLT
Hey guys ive been searching for the best way to paint my ugly grey bumper/trim
and to my surprise there isnt too much information on here that i was looking for.

My first question has to do with paint.
I nailed it down to 4 candidates.
1. a) Krylon Fusion
b) Rustoleum Bumper & trim paint
c) Dupli Color trim paint
and finally
d) Truck bed liner
Please feel free to let me know which one i should choose or which one is recomended.

My second question has to do with prep work.
2. Based on the options above, i know for some i wouldnt need to do to much, (just a good cleaning) but will i get better results if i sanded the trim for the krylon fusion, for example, even if i dont have to?

And my last question has to do with HOW to paint them.
3. Taking off the trim, or Taping it off?

Thanks guys!
 



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I've painted trim on several different vehicles.

I leave it on the vehicle unless I can remove the trim with fasteners. If you have to pull up and pry the trim off- leave it as that could lead to more damage on such old trim.

I prep it with brake cleaner and a rag. Go over it several times.

I like rattle can bedliner (Rustoleum or Dupicolor). It goes on with a matte finish so it's easy to make it look uniform. Never had a problem with it coming off.
 






I have and xls and I was just thinking about getting the whole car wrapped in like a matte grey / matte black. Not sure how much it costs but that ugly grey trim really gets to me.
 












vinyl wrap is actually a great idea! never thought of it!
 






Hearing more about vinyl wrap lately instead of paint, report back once you've done yours.
 






I did mine in black bed liner, it didnt take long to dry, but for it to fully cure took at least a week(still completely drive-able after like an hour, but after that week you could practically take a grinder to it without damage) I love it and it looks really good to me. plus its really easy to get a good finish with. I dont remember what brand i used, it was from autozone is about all i remember.
 






I'm def interested in doing something. I think I'd like a metallic black or semi gloss or low gloss but not flat black. Something to really clean it up and make it look nice.
 












hey guys, i ended up painting it with krylon fusion spray paint. I must say it looked really good, my buddy was drooling over the job i did. BUT if your going to do this method, do yourself a favor and clear coat it. Mine has already faded alot from sitting in my drive way getting hit directly by the sun everyday. I think the next step for me would be too bed line it. i Dont think that would ever fade. (probably wrong)
 






Well if it fades just hit it with some matte black or color of choice
 






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