Painting bezel and fiber optic plate

[Roger G.]

Is it a good idea to strip these, then apply an etching primer before painting? Thanks

[Bill L.]

Re: Painting bezel and fiber optic plate

Is it a good idea to strip these, then apply an etching primer before painting? Thanks

Used SEM self etching primer after completely stripping then painted with Krylon Semi Flat on my 70. Results were about perfect. Used a brand new razor blade to clean excess paint off of the chrome. Then use a very little lacquer thinner on a rag for final clean up of chrome edges.

Follow the instructions for the SEM primer carefully. It can only set for so long before top coating.

Bill

[Roger G.]

Re: Painting bezel and fiber optic plate

Bill, did you mask the letters and edges before using the etching primer?

[Bill L.]

Re: Painting bezel and fiber optic plate

Bill, did you mask the letters and edges before using the etching primer?

Hi Roger,

I used thin tape available at auto body shops for all the edges. The tape comes in all different widths. I did not tape the letters. I pulled the tape immediately after priming and used a razor blade between the etching primer and top coat. Did not tape for the top coat but did break out the razor before the paint was too dry but dry enough so the small strip of paint would not stick to the paint when using the razor. If the paint is too dry it becomes brittle and chips rather than coming off in nice clean strip. Keep using a very sharp razor. Make special note of exactly how much of the edges should be exposed. I used a combination of a razor and q tips with VERY little lacquer thinner on the letters.

If memory serves me an exact-o knife was used to get most of the paint off the letters.

Very tedious but worth it. I had a junky shifter plate that I practiced on first.

Bill