Paint or wrap mirror caps after adding mirror turn indicators?

GoFrogs · 09-09-2023, 08:24 PM

Adding mirror turn indicators to a base WRX...

is it easier to wrap the new mirror caps (w/the indicator cutout) w/a brushed aluminum/nickel film, or use a spray paint designed for plastic?

I'm going for an Audi RS look with the brushed metal-look mirror caps.

I've never really wrapped any car body parts and the mirror caps aren't exactly flat. Plus, the mirror caps tend to get a lot of bug hits and will get dirty often here in Ohio.

I'm thinking the paint should be easier to apply and take of in the long term, but still comes with its own challenges when applying it to a plastic mirror cap.

Both the wrap (1'x5' roll) and can of paint are about the same price. Thoughts or suggestions?

Yes, I know carbon mirror caps are available, but that is not my design direction. Who knows, maybe down the road, but not at this time.

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GoFrogs · 10-24-2023, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoFrogs

Adding mirror turn indicators to a base WRX...

is it easier to wrap the new mirror caps (w/the indicator cutout) w/a brushed aluminum/nickel film, or use a spray paint designed for plastic?

I've come to the idea that just painting the new blank/primered caps is easiest.

A few coats of color and a few coats of clear and be done with it. No sticky sheets to deal with and if I mess up, I just sand and redo.

:beer:

GoFrogs · 07-16-2024, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoFrogs

I've come to the idea that just painting the new blank/primered caps is easiest.

A few coats of color and a few coats of clear and be done with it. No sticky sheets to deal with and if I mess up, I just sand and redo.

Change of plans...

I am going to wrap the mirror caps with some VVivid Cold Fusion (TM) colored PPF (7mil thickness). Of course for the price paid for the unpainted caps (in the kit), and the vinyl wrap/PPF, I probably could have just got painted or hydro-dipped caps and been done with it.

The mirror caps I received in the kit are a light gray plastic. I'm not professional, when it comes to wrapping; so how difficult can it actually be? Also, have you priced good spray paint lately?

Pics to follow as I begin my journey down the wrapped mirror cap path.

Rexfan1212 · 07-19-2024, 12:51 AM

Scratchwizard.com has factory matched paint that comes in spray cans. It is about $62 for one can of basecoat with one can of clear coat. They also have paint for spraying with a gun starting at about $128 per pint, but that is just for the basecoat. Clear coat is extra. I have used both their cans and quarts of basecoat and clearcoat with good results. Also, if you're not trying to match factory paint, TCPglobal is one of my favorite vendors for paint and supplies. They have very reasonable prices and a great selection. Try tcpglobal.com if you are interested. You can get great results when wet sanding and hand polishing the clear coat. Good luck!

GoFrogs · 08-13-2024, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexfan1212

Scratchwizard.com has factory matched paint that comes in spray cans. It is about $62 for one can of basecoat with one can of clear coat. They also have paint for spraying with a gun starting at about $128 per pint, but that is just for the basecoat. Clear coat is extra. I have used both their cans and quarts of basecoat and clearcoat with good results. Also, if you're not trying to match factory paint, TCPglobal is one of my favorite vendors for paint and supplies. They have very reasonable prices and a great selection. Try tcpglobal.com if you are interested. You can get great results when wet sanding and hand polishing the clear coat. Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestion.

No, I am not trying to match factory paint. My goal was to match the brushed aluminum-look (color) of the Audi S/RS cars.

The PPF wrap I purchased is gunmetal and is a medium gray. However, on the website, it looked lighter in color. I guess I should have just got a silver or chameleon/iridescent wrap to get the look I was going for.

No time lately, so I have not started my mirror project.

GoFrogs · 09-03-2024, 01:12 PM

Well, I am the king of indecision...

Skeptical of the VVivid gunmetal ppf wrap in the pic above (colorwise; not performance wise), I went ahead and bought some VVivid gloss silver wrap (slightly thinner than the ppf) to put over the caps.

Of course at this stage, I've spent at least 2, maybe 3, spray paint cans worth if you include the silly shipping costs. (Was pint the better route?

)

Hopefully soon I can get the caps wrapped because after that, I will start the actual installation of the mirror turn lamps.

09-09-2023, 08:24 PM	#1
GoFrogs Scooby Newbie Member#: 507317 Join Date: Oct 2019 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: SW Ohio Vehicle: 2019 WRX Pure Red	Paint or wrap mirror caps after adding mirror turn indicators? Adding mirror turn indicators to a base WRX... is it easier to wrap the new mirror caps (w/the indicator cutout) w/a brushed aluminum/nickel film, or use a spray paint designed for plastic? I'm going for an Audi RS look with the brushed metal-look mirror caps. I've never really wrapped any car body parts and the mirror caps aren't exactly flat. Plus, the mirror caps tend to get a lot of bug hits and will get dirty often here in Ohio. I'm thinking the paint should be easier to apply and take of in the long term, but still comes with its own challenges when applying it to a plastic mirror cap. Both the wrap (1'x5' roll) and can of paint are about the same price. Thoughts or suggestions? Yes, I know carbon mirror caps are available, but that is not my design direction. Who knows, maybe down the road, but not at this time. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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07-19-2024, 12:51 AM	#4
Rexfan1212 Scooby Newbie Member#: 536328 Join Date: Dec 2023 Vehicle: 2015 WRX Silver	Scratchwizard.com has factory matched paint that comes in spray cans. It is about $62 for one can of basecoat with one can of clear coat. They also have paint for spraying with a gun starting at about $128 per pint, but that is just for the basecoat. Clear coat is extra. I have used both their cans and quarts of basecoat and clearcoat with good results. Also, if you're not trying to match factory paint, TCPglobal is one of my favorite vendors for paint and supplies. They have very reasonable prices and a great selection. Try tcpglobal.com if you are interested. You can get great results when wet sanding and hand polishing the clear coat. Good luck!

09-03-2024, 01:12 PM	#6
GoFrogs Scooby Newbie Member#: 507317 Join Date: Oct 2019 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: SW Ohio Vehicle: 2019 WRX Pure Red	Well, I am the king of indecision... Skeptical of the VVivid gunmetal ppf wrap in the pic above (colorwise; not performance wise), I went ahead and bought some VVivid gloss silver wrap (slightly thinner than the ppf) to put over the caps. Of course at this stage, I've spent at least 2, maybe 3, spray paint cans worth if you include the silly shipping costs. (Was pint the better route? ) Hopefully soon I can get the caps wrapped because after that, I will start the actual installation of the mirror turn lamps.