I was in the process of ordering a set of custom grills for my TC, but I realized the only thing really driving me crazy about the OEM was the giant Scion Logo in silver on the grill.

So instead of spending $60+, I decided to go to the auto store, get some flat black spraypaint, and just do the job myself.

I bought Dupli-Color Flat Black Automotive Paint. I was reading the label several times to see if I needed to buy like a primer or clear coat or something to make sure the color stayed once sprayed on. The directions said nothing about doing this, so I assumed it was designed to be used by itself.

So I went home, pulled out my top grille, and followed the directions, doing 2 light coats, spaced by 10 minutes each, then a heavy wet coat. It looked absolutely beautiful, but the can did say while you could handle it after 2 hours, it would take days to completely set.

A week later, and I can run my hands on the grill and gather black residue. Albeit, it's a small amount, but it doesn't appear to be staying on.

Did I miss a step? Should I have gotten some kind of finishing coat?

If this went well, I was going to work on painting my TC waterfall flat black as well, but I'm definitely not going to touch it until I figure out what went wrong here.

Any feedback is appreciated, thanks!

 

did you prep it at all, scuff/sand and clean it?

 

I did clean it really well, but no, there was no scuffing or sanding. I assume that's where I went wrong.

 

Flat black spray is like chalk, no protect coating at all. I did the same with my TC OEM grill emblem and after a few days I saw alot of stone chips....yuk. Try spraying again and maybe apply a clear coat to seal it, though it will be shiny.

 

Resand and Plastidip?

 

I may try to do another couple coats, then throw on a clear coat. The thought of sanding off the layers I originally applied as well as the factory ones, is not enticing.

Either that or just suck it up for a 50.00 Ebay set... Meh.

 

Black plastidip. It's a piece of cake and it eats road rash for breakfast!

 

More coats+clear coat won't make it stick. The lack of scuffing and cleaning afterwards is why its not staying on. Adding to it will only make it worse.