When you paint the plastic bumper or wing for example, do you need to make sure that it is done with a different type paint then what you would use on the body?
In the past I have had my RX7 front bumper repainted and I have notice chipping that occurs much more quickly then when it was in its original condition. I have noticed this on 2 repair jobs on my front bumper for my Volvo too. Is it a fact that the plastic cannot be repainted well at all? I am asking becasue I am considering buying parts from others to put on my car and want to make sure that I can get them painted and looking good in the end.
Thanks

 

From what I understand, the paint stays the same. The key seems to be mainly in the primer. With plastic parts, you need an "etching" primer designed for those parts on your car. Naturally, good prep, sanding etc is also essential.There is a really good thread in the second gen archive on painting. Have a look.

Edit: Look for "Project: paint the 7" thread

 

The paint stays the same, but flex agent has to be added to all coats. Otherwise you get cracking. You can always tell when a body shop cheeps out and doesn't do it right, because in a few years the paint will start to peel at the edges and sharp points.

Chipping is always a problem on bumpers. 3M makes a clear film that can be applied over the paint, and it works very well. If properly used, there's virtually no way to tell.

 

the primer to be used is a "non-metal" primer. you can get it anywhere rattle can auto paint is sold (canadian tire for example). it's a clear primer, and what you need to do is apply the colour coat while the primer is still WET. this basically makes the colour coat more flexible. however, don't do more than 2 colour coats on the one primer coat. if you need to do more, reapply another primer coat...

 

As ususal, Aaron has it right. For a quality job, the colour coat must have a fex agent mixed into it.

Since my car was black I was just able to use a "bumper black" rattle can from CT. Not perfect, but decent and cheap.

 

You guys are making me worried about the painjob that was done on my car.

Further details on this 3M product?

 

it doesn't have to be 3M. a few other people sell it and it does the exact same thing

just look for something along the lines of "non-metal primer"

 

Here's a local place that uses the 3M Chip Guard coating
http://chipguard.com/

They have some good info on the product.
I know they don't list the RX-7, but they do custom jobs too. I was planning on getting my 1st gen done this summer, but it's kinda not needed now...

 

I have a brochure at home I'll bring to the next meet. Another Insight owner has it applied to her car, and I have been very impressed.

 

I've seen it at the Autoshow a couple times. Impressed me too. I probably have the same flyer as Aaron