Painting the grills

[Sam]

Hey there.

Looking at my clio the other day and thought the plastic looked a bit dull on it.

I was thinking of painting the grills, fog surrounds and rear bumper insert to freshen them up.

Anyone done this? What colour you go for? What's the closest colour to standard?

Thanks, Sam!

 

[Ian_s]

Ive thought this too, mines got a blue tint to it, back and black and similar makes no difference.

 

[JackJack]

Think satin black would look right.

 

[Glenn182]

I want to spray mine soon, anyone got any pics of before & after?

 

[Darren S]

Wouldn't they stone-chip REALLY easy though? Especially on the grille, more so than the fog-light surrounds?

D.

 

[Mobby]

Be a Pig to sand down :rasp:

 

[Daz.]

Just buy new ones you cheapo's!

You've only just noticed in what 5 years? Buy a new set, by the time you notice again you'll have probably sold the car anyway

 

[ali_warriner]

Wouldn't they stone-chip REALLY easy though? Especially on the grille, more so than the fog-light surrounds?

D.

Totally agree with this. Buy new ones and sell your current ones.

 

[guysy]

http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars/exterior-coatings/c4-permanent-trim-restorer/

Is what id use...

 

[Glenn182]

Totally agree with this. Buy new ones and sell your current ones.

Can't believe i didnt think of that :S

How much is a new grille & how much do second hand ones sell for?

 

[Glenn182]

http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars/exterior-coatings/c4-permanent-trim-restorer/

Is what id use...

Thats some good stuff

 

[ali_warriner]

Well I sold some second had grille's and fog surrounds last year on ebay and got suprisingly good money.

Taking into account the time/effort and cost of primer/paint etc. it isn't worth it in my opinion.

After a quick search.

New Upper grille: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Renault-Sport...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c186af4b9


second hand grille: http://www.cliosport.net/forum/show...cover-and-172-sport-grill&highlight=172+grill

 

[Jekyll]

im currently selling front lower grill for a 172/182 on ebay.....

 

[jesus]

Don't buy new ones, just spray them gloss black. Looks ace!

 

[skny]

that C4 stuff works wonders, well on the video at least, I am going to give it a try as my 197s grills are also faded... if that works I am going to be really pleased! anyone tried any other of their stuff?

 

[Tigger]

What grade sandpaper have people used to get a good key for the paint, without leaving any scratch marks?

 

[gdw]

that C4 does look pretty good like certainly seems ALOT better then the AG Bumper Care product.

 

[maymay]

i think blue is better~~

 

[-J-]

that C4 stuff works wonders, well on the video at least, I am going to give it a try as my 197s grills are also faded... if that works I am going to be really pleased! anyone tried any other of their stuff?

I have not used a bad product from gtechniq yet!

The Alloy wheel Sealent (C5) and the Bodywork Sealent (C2) are amazingly good!

 

[Wick]

What grade sandpaper have people used to get a good key for the paint, without leaving any scratch marks?

Brillo pad lol!! Seriously, Dr J used one and then recommended the same for me! Primer then Satin black...

 

[Tigger]

Neat job that ^ mate

Would never of thought of the brillo pad but is a good idea, rough enough to get the primer/paint to key.

Halfords Grey primer and satin Black I'm guessing?

 

[James28]

Probs be better off using plastic primer first maybe.

 

[VIICarCare]

did mine on both clio's .... rough up the grill, clean, prime then apply your chosen paint. Satin was my choice.

 

[Wick]

Neat job that ^ mate

Would never of thought of the brillo pad but is a good idea, rough enough to get the primer/paint to key.

Halfords Grey primer and satin Black I'm guessing?

Cheers, but I can't take full credit!!

I used Hycote grey plastic primer and a satin black rattle can... Looks miles better!

Brillo pad is just enough to rough it up but doesn't key too deep, just be sure to wash off all the plastic filings/dust before spraying!

 

[batesey]

how do the front grills come off? anyone got a guide as id like to do it this weekend, thanks

 

[Wick]

From memory:

2 plastic head screw/stopper things that are obvious when you open the bonnet, located in the top corner of each side of the grill, should prise out with a flat head screwdriver...

Move the bonnet shut sensor thingy....again obvious from looking when your there...

Then work your way around the grill, it is just clipped/pushed in all the way around from the edges right in to the middle of the bumper where the diamond is. You may find that road grime etc has wedged it quite tightly, so you might require some gentle persuasion with a hammer wrapped in a rag etc to get it off...

To re fit reverse the above after spraying. I take no responsibility if you crack it or put holes through your bumper lol! That's just how I did it!

 

[Tigger]

The reason why I was asking about the primer, I sprayed my boot handle and a few other small bits last summer without using a primer and it has held on ok

 

[ElkWorks]

got gloss grilles on mine, looks good

 

[Tigger]

Did you use the primer too?

 

[VIICarCare]

I would Trev, gives the final colour summat to bond to