The paint on my door handle is chipped and really crappy looking all around the keyhole. i was just wondering if there is any kind of specific paint that works/matches best for this particular application. thanks

 

Just get a new handle.

 

SpiritR, How much are new handles? How much is paint?

Mean Machine, I'm not sure you need any special type paint and I don't know the paint code. However, I'd think about taking them to a paint shop rather than rattle can them. Not that that's what you were going to do, but spray paint is not good for high wear applications. Also, there is a guy that posts in the forum that can do a CF laminate on your handles. Not sure what it costs or if you are into the CF look, but it's an interesting alternative to paining and doesn't cost as much as replacing the handles.

 

Mark Koch is the guy you are refering to.
His site is www.carbonfiberparts.net

D.

 

I used black lacquer. I sanded off all the old stuff (to get below the chips), then (primered, sanded)x4 times, then about 5 coats of the lacquer with a light sand in between coats. Then wet sand 600, 1000, 1500 grit then polish. Looks great.

I also took it off of the car and separated the handle and handle panel to paint them separately.

Enamel isn't a good option since you can't sand/polish out paint to a good finish.

Dave

 

Used handles are available on ebay all the time. Just keep your eye out for the color you need. If you have a black car, touchup paint works well, too.

 

I don't mean to be contrary, but Acrylic Enamel is far more durable than lacquer. However lacquer is easier to work with for the average DIY type. You don't really need a professional mask to spray a little lacquer. For the door handles I would recomend against a lacquer top coat. It's my opinion that this would chip and scratch badly over time.

Enamel sprayed properly over a well prepared surface and wet sanded/bufffed looks pretty good (yes, it's possible to wet sand and buff enamel). This would be why I would recomend a shop paint the handles. They have the proper supplied air respirators and paint on hand to spray a nice two part enamel.

 

Understood. I figure 2 hours of work, where I also get to clean/grease the handle mechanism, for $8 total cost was worth trying before I send it off for painting. Lacquer isn't quite as tough, but it is easy to buff out scratches that will occur and mine is still looking fine a couple months later. About scratches / chips, I'm careful with my keys and accept that a chip can/will happen at any time on any kind of paint.

If Mean Machine would prefer to get it done once and hopefully forever, then professional enamel is best.

Dave

 

Are the handles steel or aluminum?

 

The handle panel is cast aluminum or steel, and the handle is cast plastic, IIRC.

Dave

 

I just chromed a set..

 

CAST

 

does anyone have any pics of the CF handles on a black FD im not so sure how into the cf look i am but hey make a believer out of me hahahaha though i am kinda looking for a cheap alternative and i imagine cf will be somewhat pricy

 

Yeah they look nice, but sorry no pics