How to Paint Plastic Grills

by Jenny Carver

Spraying paint onto the plastic grill of a car may look nice at first, but the paint will crack, peel and come off after only a few days or weeks. Adding a few steps before spraying the paint ensures the paint sticks well and that it will last for years. Anyone can paint plastic grills and have them look professionally done.

Step 1

Place masking tape around the plastic grill if it is still attached to the car. If it is separated, place the grill on a flat surface that won't be harmed by paint, or place newspaper underneath the grill.

Step 2

Sand the grill using a red scuff pad. This scuffs the surface and removes the glossy layer on top of the plastic material. Most plastic grills have a glossy, smooth surface, and the light scuffing allows for better adhesion. Sand in between any bars and in any corners of the grill.

Step 3

Wipe the grill with wax and grease remover and a towel. This removes any grease from fingerprints or old wax from cleaning products that can harm the paint.

Step 4

Spray the entire grill with a moderate coat of adhesion promoter spray. Keep the sprayer 8 to 10 inches from the surface of the grill and spray into the corners. Let the adhesion promoter dry for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Apply three to five coats of paint to the grill. Hold the paint sprayer 6 to 8 inches from the surface of the grill. Keep the coats light so there are no runs in the paint. Let each coat dry for five minutes.