What's the best way to get the trim and a/c pillars prepped to paint? I have the silver dash trim and I'm considering painting it gloss black.. I also want to paint the a/c pillars black to match the rest of the interior.. But the a-pillar that I have is the Cobalt Addiction triple pod, and it's pre-painted.. So what's the best way to go about doing that..? Should I just kinda rough everything up with a super high grit paper (both the trim and pillars) and then spray..? Or should I not even use sand paper..? Any help would be great.. Thanks!!

 

You should use sand paper and primer before you paint. The paint will stick to the surface better

 

You can go 2 routes....

1...... Get the Krylon stuff for plastics....you don't have to sand, clear coat is optional

2..... sand, prime, paint, and clear coat it

 

How about for the a-pillar that was already painted..?

 

sand, prime, paint

 

You can either sand and paint over the existing paint or you can get a mild paint thinner for plastic and remove the paint.....sand, prime, and paint

 

Honestly, for almost everything I've ever painted before, I have never used primer.. lol. And I rarely sand.. I did my front bow-tie without sanding, and it's held up great.. Do you think I'd be fine with using the thinner on the pillar, then just spraying it..? And for the trim, no need to sand, just clean real well and spray?

 

since the pillars have been painted before, its a good idea to remove the paint. After time it could start to peal off and/or you will have imperfections. I think its a good idea to use thinner to get it off....I use Krud Cutter Graffiti remover.....you can find this at wal-mart in the paint department. Its safe on any surface and works great. I never paint over old paint.....

 

Only the drivers side pillar has been actually "painted". The other ones are all factory paint..