Q&A: Painting tips needed on a plastic shroud cover on a small engine……?

Question by Shwig: Painting tips needed on a plastic shroud cover on a small engine……?
I have a B&S small engine with a plastic shroud and I need tips on how to paint it properly. It is injection molded plastic, black and I am going to camo.

Best answer:

Answer by quillologist
Is the surface smooth? If it is, rough it up with 80-grit sand paper. Clean the surface really well, and then wash prime, or use a self-etching primer, then regular primer. Sand with 180 initially and then reprime if necessary. You’ll want to finish sand with 400 grit. If it has a “bumpy surface,” you’re not going to be able to rough up the surface. After you do the priming, just use a scotchbrite pad to sand. I painted my truck last year, including the inside plastic molding, which had the bumpy surface, and the plastic windshield wiper arms, which had the smooth surface. Paint is still on there and looks good.
If it’s too close to the engine, it will burn off.

What do you think? Answer below!

2 Responses to “Q&A: Painting tips needed on a plastic shroud cover on a small engine……?”

  • acidcrap:

    You got a few different routes to go. Sure you can use etching primers, paints with flex additives, etc. But something tells me your not going to want to spend a ton on these items. I would suggest useing Krylon Fusion spray paint. It’s designed for painting plastic. Follow the instructions on the can & you should be set. They also have a pretty good selection of colors where you can make various types of camo patterns from a woodland, desert, or even urban.

  • Karl S:

    Hi,

    http://forum.paintyourlife.com/ is a forum related to painting. They have pro artists that are answering all questions

    related to painting.

    So join free there and post, get your answer directly from pro artists for free.

    Karl