So how do I paint my headlights? Lol is it as simple as just spray them? Or do I have to sand and stuff. Also what type of paint to use? Do I have to clear coat? Any advice is appreciated

 

Just got done re-painting some retros that were the standard chrome originally, then painted red over the chrome, the painted black over the red. (pain the the ass to strip all that off)
Long story short, unless you want the paint to peel off like it did on those retros I'd scuff them. I used 400 grit paper and it seemed to work well. There's probably a better way to do it but that worked for me.

As far as clear goes, that's personal preference. My buddy wanted them nice and glossy so we went with about 4-5 coats of clear.

I think any sort of plastic paint will work but I used the dupli-color stuff you can find at Napa, Orielly, etc..

 

Did you use clear on yours? And do you have any pics?

 

Would also like to know if scuffing is 100% necessary

 

You don't even need to use sand paper, you can get urself a ball of stell wool and just go at it. I would scuff them though. Once you start painting you will not see any of the scuffs. I usually lay down a filler after I scuff, then I go from there

 

like this stuff?

Dupli-ColorŽ TP70 - Trim Paint | O'Reilly Auto Parts

I cant use like a plastic primer and then regular paint over it? or does this paint give me that flat look

 

That's true. Sandpaper isn't necessary. But definitely scuff them. You'll regret it if you don't.

Here's the finished product on the retros. Scuffed with 400 grit sandpaper. 4 coats of black and 4-5 coats of clear.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmmueller22/8477102100/

 

looks good can you have the turn signal painted like that?

 

Did you just put the projector and shroud in there for the picture? lol they look way off

 

Those switchback turn signals are bright enough where you can have it painted. Idk how stock bulbs would handle it painted though.

And I used these type of spray cans:
Dupli-ColorŽ Perfect Match™ BMZ1159 - Touch-Up Paint | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Nope that's how they are sitting for the most part. Pictures at an angle so that might be throwing them off. Got em in the car last week and they are aimed pretty damn well.

 

ohh i used one of those on my valve cover and it came out looking nice. i just needa redo it cuz i didnt clear coat and its coming off

 

I definitely wouldn't skip the sanding/scuffing step. It doesn't take long and it will really help the paint stick better. It would suck the get done the headlights just to have to take them apart again if paint starts peeling.

 

wait so it doesnt have to be paint for plastic?

 

I'd definitely say scuff it and use those types of spray cans. The have a nice nozzle for a rattle can haha.

 

yeah i like the nozzle

 

Just a quick tip...if you want an easy way to remove the chrome from the headlight housings and headlight bowl soak them in outdoor strength bleach, which you get from Home Depot/Lowes. To remove the chrome from the shrouds use a mix of muriatic acid and hydrogen peroxide. I have a thread on the how to section of you want to see the before and after pics.

As the users above said above make sure you scuff the surface, I scuffed, painted, and cleared my headlights.