[Alden]

Ok... I had some black escalade handles given to me free, so I decided to install them on my truck. Now my truck is dark metallic gray, but the black escalade handles looked better on it, compared to the stock handles.

I decided to try to paint the handles myself. I bought a cheap airbrush kit and used a bottle of touch-up paint I have. I tested it on my old handles after I sanded part of it down smooth. After it dried, the color came out as a silver color, not the dark metallic gray.

So what's the problem. I used about 3-4 coats, and it looks the same.
I didn't use a primer or a clear coat.
The paint needs to dry a lot darker than it is.
Do I need to use primer?
Do I need a clear coat?
Does airbrushing not work on plastic?
Does car paint not work with a air brush system?

Sorry, I know this is a dumb question, but all help is appreciated. I don't care about my old handles, but if I paint my escalade handles using this method, I want it to look good.

 

[grounded]

Could be the wrong color. Some of GMs colors have multiple shades so getting a match by paint code is hit or miss. The best way to get a true match is to have a paint shop scan the paint on your truck to mix the proper color.

 

[Silvlowrdr]

word to what grounded said. My truck is black and gm gave me some blue touch up paint. Go to a paint shop and even if they dont scan it, get them to make u some paint, it will spray better than that touch up paint. def prime it because paint doesn't adhere to materials good, just primers. get a high build primer so you can spray a few coats and sand that smooth instead of sanding the shit out of your handles.

 

[grounded]

word to what grounded said. My truck is black and gm gave me some blue touch up paint. Go to a paint shop and even if they dont scan it, get them to make u some paint, it will spray better than that touch up paint. def prime it because paint doesn't adhere to materials good, just primers. get a high build primer so you can spray a few coats and sand that smooth instead of sanding the shit out of your handles.

He shouldn't need high build, the escalade handels are smooth already.

 

[Alden]

Thanks for the input guys.

I had a paint shop mix the paint for me, and they used the code in my glovebox. I've touched up scratches with it, and the color is right on. I also had the paint shop paint my fender flares to match, and they used the glove box code, and they matched perfect. I should have just had them do the escalade handles while they were at it. I thought since the handles were already smooth, it would be really easy to paint them.

The paint came out almost a silver/light grey, and it's not even a metallic color.

I think it's just the cheap airbrush kit I used.

Am i supposed to use an air-less paint gun, or should the airbrush method work?

Would primer make the color change, because I'm not having trouble getting the paint to adhere to the handles... it's just coming out a wierd color.

Thanks again guys.

 

[grounded]

You sould primer before paint, but I can't see where that would change the color to make it lighter...if anything painting over black should darken the color(but only if it's a semitransparent color than requiers a white base to get the correct color.).

 

[bcubed]

Have them paint the handles ... the handles will get touched everytime you get in the truck, so lots of wear and tear .. you will want them to be able to withstand that.