Painting lower body and bumper

[Californian]

I have a W140 S Class Diesel . The lower panels on the driver's side was severely scratches. I think these four lower panels on 4 doors are of the same plastic materials as the bumper. I am thinking of covering the car enough so I can spray paint these panels and the bumpers. Any reccommendations ? Should I sand first ? What kinda paint should I use ? Thanks very much for your help..

[MTI]

Yes, you should sand, primer and paint the panels with a paint that has a flex additive so that they can absorb contacts without cracking.

[memario213]

are the lower door panels on the 92-93 s-class different than th 94-99 s-calss

or are they all just plastic??

because i have a 93 500sel/s500 it has a brown two tone paint and the front bumber feels like a plastic material. i dont know if it is faded or if it dosent have any clear.

i see some black s-classes and their bumpers dont look like plastic at all. is that just because of the color ???

thanks

[Californian]

SHould I sand with a machine or hand sanding is OK ? Does the primer has to be sprayed as well ? Does the primer have to be the same color or can it be just white ? Thanks. What kind of paint could I use ? Could be it like the Glossy paint in Home Depot ? Thanks

[Californian]

Bump,

Could someone here help me out ? Have you done DIY painting before ? ANyone ?

[ytr1903]

You should spray the primer as well as the top coat. In theory, the primer can be any color that you want it to be. In practice, it is nice to have a primer that approximates the top coat. Your best bet is to go to an auto parts store that specializes in automobile paint. Ask them the same questions that you are asking here. They will be able to help you and at the same time sell you the products that you will need. Be prepared for sticker shock on the products, though. Also, the parts can be hand sanded with about 400-600 grit wet or dry paper. As MTI wrote, a flex additive will be needed and the shop can help you with that issue also.

Tom

[Californian]

If I do two coats of the same paint, does that mean I have a primer coat ? Thanks.

[ytr1903]

No. Primer paint has more "binders" in it that facilitate holding on to the substrate to which the primer will be applied. The paint that is used as a top coat is developed for cosmetics and protection from the elements. Two different animals. Just to reiterate, get thee to a good auto parts store that handles paint. They will help you both in general questions and specifics.

Tom