I've got a 97 LX Civic, and being one of the lower trim levels none of the trim on the car is painted, namely the strip down the sides, the door handles, mirrors, and the big plastic spot on the trunk lid. I am doing a body job on it when the weather gets a little nicer, and just wondering if I'd need to do any special preparation to paint these plastic parts. Any special primer, or can it simply be cleaned and painted? It does seem to have some level of coarseness to it.

 

bump! i don't think you need any special primer

 

theres this special adhesive uh its like

Bulldog Adhesion Promoter and the Rubberized Primer for a proper
repair. The Bulldog Adhesion Promoter is necessary for proper paint adhesion. The
Rubberized Primer is specifically made for non-metal applications. The rubberized
primer can only be used on non-metal surfaces. Fiberglass parts can be treated
just like metal parts.


(non metal parts)

 

i JUST painted my side moldings and some ABS type r lips. Wash the part. Sand it with 600 grit sand paper. Wash it again. Hit it with an Adhesive Promotor/ Tie coat (most paint shops have it and its not TOO expensive). Follow the directions on that, it says maybe 2 medium coats 3-4 minutes apart. Wait 15-20 minutes afterwards and then paint. All paint varies but I did 3 light coats and it came out perfect to factory.

heres a few pics of the painted lip and sideskirts.... still need to do the side molding, but am contemplating just getting the thin jdm side moldings.

 

nice