Painting trim on tail lights.

I will be receiving some 89 tails to put on my 92 and want to paint the chrome trim pieces black most likely a gloss black. Was wondering what some of you have done to clean them up and paint them. Whats the method you used so I dont see chipping in the near future. I have an idea but just want to check in with you all.

 

[iceman69510]

In my younger days, I used some blackout tape material for this type of purpose. Worked good, but will require cutting to width. It is more of a satin black, but would probably match the rest of the trim on the car better.

Otherwise, scuff and paint.

 

[jepherz]

+1 on iceman's comment. Use 3m trim tape. Else, if you really want to paint, you'll have to scuff it with scotchbrite and soapy water, and use a good adhesion promoter like Bulldog.

 

Good information guys. Ive never heard of the blackout tape material. Does local auto parts stores sell this or is it something I have to order?

Update: I ran over the auto parts to see if they carried some stuff similar to what you are talking about. I found some 3m black duct tape, comes in a small roll. While I was there I was thinking... how do you make the tape go around the edges without causing any sloppiness?

 

[CP]

I used blue painters tape to cover the lenses of my 89 tails and then painted the trim black. Came out great.

 

[jepherz]

Quoting KevinDunaway:
Good information guys. Ive never heard of the blackout tape material. Does local auto parts stores sell this or is it something I have to order?

Update: I ran over the auto parts to see if they carried some stuff similar to what you are talking about. I found some 3m black duct tape, comes in a small roll. While I was there I was thinking... how do you make the tape go around the edges without causing any sloppiness?



It's plastic, so you can stretch it around bends. Sort of like electrical tape. I used the 3m trim tape on my chrome stripping on one of my cars. If you can picture the contour of the tape around the corner of the front/rear bumper, I can tell you that there are no wrinkles or anything.