How to transform your car with a spray can

Not a fan of the silver badges or chrome trim on your car? Blacking them out is one of the easiest ways to give an older car a fresh, modern look, and it is a job you can do yourself in an afternoon with the right products and a bit of patience.

What you will need

A 2K black aerosol, or a 2K topcoat and hardener if you are using a spray gun, fine sandpaper (around 800 grit), a tack cloth to pick up dust, masking tape and paper to protect the surrounding panels, and a pair of gloves. If you are spraying indoors or in a garage, wear a respirator, 2K products contain isocyanates and should always be used in a well ventilated area.

The process

Start by giving the badges or trim a light sand to key the surface, then wipe them down with the tack cloth to remove any dust. Mask off the panel around each piece so overspray does not land on the paintwork. Apply two to three light coats of 2K black, holding the can or gun around 20 to 25cm from the surface, and allow a few minutes of flash time between coats. Once the final coat is on, leave it to cure before handling, the can or product instructions will give you an exact time.

Pro tip

If you want a more durable, professional finish, ask our team about the Bodyian 2K range. It is the same product panel shops use for spot and panel repairs, and it holds up far better over time than a basic rattle can. An aerosol hand-grip also makes it much easier to get an even coat if you are working with spray cans rather than a gun.

Browse the full automotive paint range online, or come and see the team in Moolap and we will help you pick the right product for the job.

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