How to Paint Cladding on an Avalanche
by Jenny Carver
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a cross between a pickup truck and a full-size SUV. The back glass and wall is able to be opened, giving access to the bed of the vehicle. To give the cab and bed area a more connected look, there is black or dark grey plastic cladding added to the roof that comes down to the sides and along the top of the bed. The same type of cladding material is used along the lower portion of the entire vehicle. You can paint the cladding on an Avalanche for a matching or contrasting look.
Step 1
Sand every inch of the cladding that is to be painted. Use the 200-grit sandpaper with your hand to sand the cladding until it is dull and slightly smoother to the touch. It should not be sanded until it is completely smooth.
Step 2
Clean the sanded cladding with a wax and grease remover and a microfiber towel to remove all sanding dust and any oily residue from your hands.
Step 3
Place masking paper and masking tape around the edges of the cladding so that the spray paint won't touch the painted surface of the Avalanche.
Step 4
Spray one or two thin coats of self-etching primer on the cladding. This allows the paint to adhere to the cladding, causing less peeling or cracking in the future of the paint. Allow fifteen to 20 minutes for the self-etching primer to dry completely.
Step 5
Paint the cladding using two thin coats of automotive paint. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for each coat to dry thoroughly.
Step 6
Add two to three coats of clear coat paint, allowing 30 minutes between each coat for drying time. Allow the last coat to dry completely, about one full day, before touching or driving the Avalanche.
References
- Street Trucks magazine; Paint Booth; Craig Fraser; June 2010
Tips
- Automotive spray paint or automotive paint used in a spray gun can be used. Self-etching primer, paint and clear coat paint can be found in both types.
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper, 200 grit
- Wax and grease remover
- Microfiber towel
- Masking tape
- Masking paper
- Etching primer
- Paint
- Clear coat paint
Warnings
- Never paint in an enclosed area. Always paint outside or in a well-ventilated paint booth.
Writer Bio
Since 1997 Jenny Carver has served as editor and freelance writer for many offline and online publications including lovetoknow.com, autotropolis.com, "Hoof Beat News," "Import Tuner" and others. Carver owns a custom automotive shop where she has been doing paint and body work, custom interior work and engine building for over 11 years.
