Worth spraying plastic car parts???

[cjhillman]

I want to spray the metal/plastic bumpers on my Escort which I think they should be a satin black?
My main question is am i going to get a good finish spraying the plastic bits using Plastic Primer with a satin black top coat? or should i just do the metal bits and use the plastic shine stuff to match in the plastic??? 
I will be using aerosols to spray them.

eg:

[mikeymk]

I had a MK3 Escort in the early '90s and sprayed the bumpers then. It was a vast improvement (i also did the black treatment around the pillars as per XR3i, though it was a beige 5dr - the result was a matter of opinion but i thought it looked great!).

For the metal, obviously a good flat with metal primer and a few coats of satin black.

For the plastic end caps, as i always suggest and swear by, do not use acrylic! It doesn't flex. It cracks and flakes in time or with any pressure applied.
Instead, use vinyl paint. Yes it's more expensive, but it lasts - spray direct to plastic, it doesn't need plastic primer as long as you've properly degreased the plastic. Acetone (nail varnish remover/adhesive cleaner) is a bit strong, 2K thinners is better but with either get it done fast, don't keep going over it.

I only have a 'before' pic of the Escort..

[jgtr]

Paint the metal parts, satin black rattle can will give an excellent finish if your prep is good. For the plastic parts just dye them. Lots of dyes out there specifically for this purpose.
You can spray the plastic parts but it will ruin them long term as they will eventually fade and will then have to be replaced as they have been painted, unless you do them properly in which case they won't look standard and will stick out like a sore thumb. Other option is as you only have small plastic parts is to regulary apply a trim dressing, should only take 5 mins every few months.

[quantum stop]

paint the metal bits as for the plastic i use linseed oil to rejuvenate the plastic parts with very good results.don't paint the plastic it just peels off and looks awful

[retroade]

Linseed oil is the answer to your plastics, cheapest fix ever and the best way to do it. Regular dressing with bumper and trim gel will protect them from drying out again as well as keep them looking minty fresh.

Satin black is fine for the bumpers, as with all paint the key to a perfect finish is perfect preparation. Clean, degrease, prime, flat back, prime again if not happy, flat back some more and finally top coat. There are no short cuts, you'll get out what you put in.

[steveo3002]

^ BOILED linseed oil is the one you want

[Barrass]

BOILED linseed oil is the best bang for your buck.
make sure you thoroughly rinse the cloth you use and do not store it in direct sunlight it can actually spontaneous combust