I posted this in the 1st gear forum, but didn't get much response...

I am looking into the factory body kit for my R53, and I really want to paint the plastic fenders. However, when I asked my body shop they said that you can't get paint to stick to the plastic (because it is injected molding), and if you could, it wouldn't last very long.

Has anyone had any problems with painting the plastic fenders? Any problems with long term use?

 

I have mine done, no problems as of yet, its been about 4 months.

 

find a better shop

I know a couple of folks who painted arches in 02 and 03 and they still own the cars and the paint looks fine.

yes, you need to add an adhesion improver to the paint, but that's no big deal....

That said, I AM talking about new arches. If your arches have been treated with any type of "blackener" like GF ArmourAll then the paint may not stick cuz it is hard to get past that stuff. But the ruff surface of the arches means there's a bit of sanding and filling to be done anyway.

But can you paint the plastic successfully - you betcha

 

Painting plastic parts is not an issue today. Your shop is living in the past. We paint injection molded parts everyday as a Tier 2 supplier to the truck industry with no issues. The surface needs to be etched with an adhesive conditioner such as Bulldog, primed, sanded, and painted.

My arches and plastic bumper pieces are painted, driven everyday 100 miles round trip on country roads and they have held up great.

I agree...find another supplier who is applying today's refinishing techniques.

 

Thank you so much for the input! The body shop I am going to is considered the best of the best in my area. My father has owned Porsches most of his life, along with other high end cars, and that is the only body shop he will take the cars to. I was surprised when they told me painting the fenders was a problem. But now I know it isn't

 

Its not i did some for a friend they seem to be fine. I could have shot them better though.....