Thedarklordisalive

Someone keyed my spoiler so I wanted to fix it. It honestly wasn't horrible or that noticeable from a distance but seeing the scratches every time I got in my car made me feel bad.

I bought 1500 grit wet/dry sand paper, white plastic primer paint, exact 8867 GM silver paint, and acrylic clear coat. After buying the stuff after work, I started painting after 9PM (unaware of time and to impatient to wait). Because of this, I rushed the paint job and it didn't turn out 100%. It is pretty acceptable and matches the rest of the spoiler and car except for two issues.

Issue 1 - There is a thick line/ridge where the factory paint ends and my paint job begins. I masked off precisely where I wanted to paint but I'm not sure how to mask properly. It's only very noticeable when you're near the spoiler.

Issue 2 - Because I didn't remove the spoiler, it was difficult/impossible to paint and prep the lower edge. It has white primer runs on the bottom which can only be seen if you bend down and look under the spoiler.

Solution - First and foremost, I need to remove the spoiler to really do anything. Research on the web has shown that it's not easy to get off or put on. Does anyone know how to remove the wing? I also want to reinstall it, how do I do that?

Once off, I will buff it to see if that will remove/lessen the line/ridge. If that doesn't work, I may have to repaint where the line/ridge and bottom to blend it in or repaint the whole spot.

TL;DR - Have you removed a spoiler and reattached it? Do you know how? How do I fix this crap paint job?

Edit: I have a 2008 Cobalt LS with the smaller spoiler

Dipped_Cobalt

4 bolts
remove them, remove spoiler
end caps have to be removed
then spoiler blade can be removed

you shouldn't feel a ridge, means you didn't sand well enough

locally I take parts to people to paint, 50 bucks got my wing all painted black, professionally.

Thedarklordisalive

What about the adhesive/glue? And end caps?

Dipped_Cobalt

like you said, use heat gun, fishing string.

Thedarklordisalive

Do you know how to put it on? Would I need to reapply the adhesive?

And what are end caps?

Dipped_Cobalt

if you don't use adhesive, it will not sit right (my experience)

end caps? these.

Thedarklordisalive

I totally forgot to mention that I have a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LS so it has that dinky little wing. That means there are no end caps.

Dipped_Cobalt

even easier, just 4 bolts, get the adhesive off, done.

Thedarklordisalive

What adhesive did you apply when you put the wing back on?

Thedarklordisalive

I figured out why I have a line/ridge. Too bad I didn't learn this before I painted it. I guess I'll be resanding and repainting tomorrow.

Dipped_Cobalt

3m dark gray double sided tape.

Thedarklordisalive

Cobalt Wing - Album on Imgur

I finished the wing last week. Fixed the horrible first paint job and it turned out good. Still could have done better but I learned.

Wish I applied lighter coats of paint and heavier and more clear coat.

You can see where the painting starts because the reflection becomes muddy since I didn't apply enough clear coat. I did apply what I thought was too much in one area on the edge but it turned out to be a good amount and it looks factory on the edge and has shine. I may go back and fix it with more clear coat.