DIY - Black Grill / $7 / 10 minutes / (FULLY REVERSIBLE) - Page 2 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

DIY - Black Grill / $7 / 10 minutes / (FULLY REVERSIBLE)
andyffer
01-24-2009

Alright this is my first DIY, so forgive me if it is not the greatest.
But let me tell you, in a way this is the best DIY you will find.

First, an introduction to Plasti-Dip.
This is a spray on rubber. It comes in different colors and forms.
You can buy it in...

Click here to read the entire tutorial

#22

By e92law on 03-06-2009, 11:41 AM

What about trying this on wheels? May be cool for a weekend or something to see if you like the look of flat black?

#23

By MemphisRheins on 03-06-2009, 04:13 PM

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I went to a DIY Car wash today, the plasti-dip held up just fine to the powerwasher, im pretty happy with this

Considering trying to do the rest of the Shadow-lining with this stuff

#24

By andyffer on 03-10-2009, 12:59 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by koreez88

Let's just say, this will chip fast for a couple of reasons
1) You didn't apply enough layers
2) You applied the paint over the chrome without sanding it
3) You didn't use high durability spray paint (plasti-dip won't last long)

I've personally used high thermal matte black paint that is used to paint headers (ultra durable, I've tried a bunch of them)
I sanded the chrome parts prior to applying the coats
I applied like bajillion coats

It all lasted me about 20k miles, which isn't bad at all, considering that 90% of my driving is on highway with speeds over 70 mph. Only recently it started chipping a little bit.

The point of Plasti-Dip is that you dont have to prep.
It is not a permamnent thing. Its can be reversed.

If you want it to last forever and dont care about going back to chrome, then paint it.

#25

By andyffer on 03-10-2009, 01:13 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by e92law

What about trying this on wheels? May be cool for a weekend or something to see if you like the look of flat black?

Lots of people have used it on their wheels.
Here is one from the Mini crew
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3881835&page=2

#26

By OwnAge on 06-24-2009, 07:29 PM

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Hows the paint, still good?
Just saw this thread, thinking about doing the same thing.

#27

By ohaywood on 06-30-2009, 02:43 PM

Great money saver, although when I did this on my Audi, I sanded the chrome first and clear coated after.

#28

By dpwr on 07-02-2009, 06:24 PM

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any ideas where i can get it in canada?
Already tried Home Depot, Lowes and walmart. The dont sell it.

#29

By deanmc on 07-02-2009, 11:34 PM

Andy, thanks for this DIY. Just did it in about an hour. Screwed up on one of the pieces, but just waited for it to dry and peeled it right off. It's already on my car after only one hour of drying. Thanks again, great DIY.

Oh, and for those in Southern California, I got the Plasti Dip at Home Depot, in the spray paint section.

#30

By OwnAge on 07-03-2009, 01:04 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by deanmc

Damn you lucky, freaking Home depot in Canada desnt have it anymore. Im running out of options as well. I'll try ebay

#31

By Curt2000 on 07-03-2009, 02:38 PM

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Went ahead and did the grill mod...took no time at all and it looks great!

I decided to try and tackle the trim and here is my experience. The taping up is labor intensive and tedious.

I did a few coats and let them dry.

Then when I went to take the tape off I realized the rubber stuff was fused to it so I took a hobby knife to separate it but the damage was done. I knew it would never work because you would have to be a pro at taping things up and it would be an all day affair which I'm sure none of us really want to get into. So i did a quick before and after shot...

And peeled it right off!

I got in the car and realized the trim extends inside the door well and there is no way I'm spraying that stuff with my interior exposed...your best bet is to go to a place that professionally does vinyl or signs and having them put a layer of real vinyl over it...

So as far as trying to do blackline trim with this stuff....DON'T DO IT! ITS A WASTE OF TIME!

Like I said before...works great with the grill though!

#32

By OwnAge on 07-05-2009, 08:21 PM

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I finally got the spray. Doing my grill right now. I'm also doing my front license plate cover. Its dark but i want it to be abit darker. If all goes well then Ill spray my side turn signals too

Ill post pics once im done.

#33

By OwnAge on 07-06-2009, 05:51 PM

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FInished the grill. Love the look. I've put 8 coats. 1st 4 were very light, the three after were good ones and last coat was a touch up. Very happy with the result. I also tinted front plate cover but over did it. Will redo it today. Bottom part of the plate cover came out too dark

After two coats

After 4 coats

After 8. Drying.

Done.

Before and After

#34

By denpxc on 07-06-2009, 08:17 PM

Just did this as the first mod on my E90 and love the way it came out thanks a lot for this!

Before:

After:

#35

By Addicted2Boost on 07-08-2009, 02:22 AM

great write up. i just did this mod a few days ago.

#36

By ken714 on 07-22-2009, 05:00 AM

wow!! found my solution! for sure doing this

#37

By jdot on 08-09-2009, 09:30 PM

just curious...how much light output will there be if I use this on my taillights?

#38

By MCMLXXXIX on 08-09-2009, 10:23 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jdot

just curious...how much light output will there be if I use this on my taillights?

give it a shot. 7 bucks. and it peels right off
look at the first post... after one coat, the flash from the camera still reflected through. one coat should do it. try it lol

#39

By teleopti on 08-10-2009, 10:29 PM

this is insane! and when u peel it off it looks like nothing ever happened?

#40

By Metal*07*328i*Head on 08-18-2009, 05:20 PM

This stuff is genius! for sure doing this when I get out of work

#41

By FCPGroton on 08-19-2009, 10:41 AM

That came out well. Cheap, Easy, very nice.

#42

By jdotwu on 08-21-2009, 06:42 PM

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currently working on it...I did 4 heavy coats...pix up later! great diy! I might try it on my taillight tonight or early tomorrow morning

I was looking at my car and thought wouldn't it be funny if someone sprayed this on their window as cheap tint...what tint officer? this is dirt and I peel it off! LOL!

#43

By clintonbmw9 on 09-15-2009, 08:37 AM

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Y Didnt I See This 3 Months Ago Before I Spent 40 Bucks On Ebay Eff Me Urs Looks Just Like MINE

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