What type of paint?

[swifty]

I have one of the Austin Montego spoilers mounted on the boot of my wedge, but the paint is a bit cracked. I want to strip and repaint it, but these spoilers are made of rubber/foam. Anyone out there got any suggestions on how to do this? Is there a special paint-stripper and special flexible paint that I need to use? thanks , Martin Swift

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[FI Spyder]

Plastic bumpers require special plastic primer and paint with plasticizer in it so it will flex. Probably what you would use on rubber parts as well but I'm not certain. I've only painted rubber parts black with special rubber bumper paint which comes only in black. I'd check with your favourite auto paint place to get a definitive answer.

There are special paint strippers for fiberglass that won'y eat the gelcoat but I'm not sure about rubber.

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

[Underdog]

This may sound crazy but I've had good results with sandblasting urethane bumper covers. The sand will take off the paint but for the most part bounces off the rubber leaving it undamaged. There are strippers made for urethane bumpers but my luck with them wasn't good. The paint stripping ability isn't great and they can still swell some plastics.

As for refinishing, there are special adhesion promoters for plastics & urethane. Once they are applied as a tie coat, normal automotive finishes will adhere. The use of a flex agent depends on how much the part will be flexed/distorted. Something like a lid spoiler shouldn't see any impact. Unless the material is really soft and easily distorted with finger pressure, I wouldn't bother with the flex agent.

Like Spyder says, the paint store should help you. Hopefully we helped you to know what to ask for.

Jim Underwood
72 MGB BRG
80 TR8 Persian Aqua
If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.