I'm sure this has been asked before, but I can't find an answer. Yes, I did search for it.

I'm going to paint the door handles, side markers, gas cap, and headlight rings. How do I prepare the pieces before painting? I'm guessing sand paper, but what grit? Also, would the Krylon Fusion be the best paint?

 

I always wet sand with 600 grit before painting exterior parts. I don't really know the perfect paint for you but I like the Krylon Fusion myself, thats what I did my grill with.

 

Also use a self-etching primer. It seems most people I run into with self-paint problems did not use a primer. Primer is often the key to good results.

Let us know how the headlight rings hold up.
Others have had chipping.

 

220 grit on the chrome you want it roughed up good. Self etching primer is an absolute must -3 coats, sand 320 grit, 3 color coats, 3 clear coats, sand 1000 grit then rubbing compound comes out real nice. You should try to clearbra the headlight rings or else they'll chip - I'm yet to do my headlight rings for that reason - I've done the rest tho.

 

What self etching primer should I use? I didn't see a Krylon primer, so I was looking at the Valspar for plastic primer. But I didn't see it say self etching...

 

if you go to an auto paint store they'll have it. I just bought a rattle can of self etching primer, I wasn't hung up on the brand.

 

K, got the 220 and 320 grit sand papers that can be used wet or dry. Didn't see any 1000, so I'll have to go to Lowes or Home Depot for that. Got the color and clear coat paints. Still need to find the self etching primer. Might be able to go get the rest of the stuff Monday. I'm trying to do this Tuesday before I leave for AZ for the week, except the front stuff, need to order the clear bra film first. Thanks for all the help!

 

sorry but home depot or lowes wont have 1000 grain...to get that you need to visit your local hobby shops or maybe a Micheals...Your best bet is to got to a walmart..i found it there once when i needed it for doing some work on plexy...

 

Go to an Auto Parts store.

 

first wet sand lightly with 400 grit sandpaper. use high build primer atleast 3 coats. spray a very thin layer of misc. color. wet sand using atleast 600 grit until smooth and the color begins to come off the primer. ( this is a good indication of proper wet sanding ) then paint. thin coats atleast 4-5. then using 800-1000 grit wet snad again. clear coat and additional wet sand now is optional.