Has anyone successfully used a heat-resistant paint for Painting their Spyder's side panels?

[S2Sryder]

I’m hoping to do a refresh on my 22 S2S and would like to brighten or darken the color of the ABS side panels. Has anyone successfully used a heat-resistant spray paint on their side panels? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[UtahPete]

I haven't. But Google says...

For ABS body panels, standard high-heat spray paints (such as 1200°F–2000°F ceramic or silicone exhaust paints) are not recommended because they require a high-temperature bake cycle (like 350°F–400°F) to cure properly, which will melt or warp ABS plastic.​

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Instead, use a specialized high-temperature-tolerant formula designed specifically for automotive plastics. [1] (https://www.seymourpaint.com/product/hot-spot-high-heat-spray-paint-black-12-oz/), [2] (https://www.google.com/search?q=pro...940430753514,mid:576462562972028744&ibp=oshop), [3] (https://www.google.com/search?q=pro...856298611604,mid:576462568165423040&ibp=oshop), [4] (https://www.vhtpaint.com/product/vht-high-temperature-plastic-paint/)​

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Recommended Paint Option​

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• VHT High Temperature Plastic Paint: Specifically formulated to adhere directly to automotive plastics (including engine covers and shrouds) with an intermittent heat resistance up to 200°F (93°C). It resists oil and automotive fluids and does not require harsh heat-curing cycles that destroy plastic. Available in colors like Matte Black, Gloss Red, Gloss Blue, and Aluminum. [1] (https://www.vhtpaint.com/product/vht-high-temperature-plastic-paint/)​

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Important Application Tips for ABS Panels​

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• Check Temperature Needs: True "high heat" paints meant for metal (exhausts, headers, or engine blocks rated at 500°F–2000°F) will flake, crack, or fail to cure on ABS. Only use a paint rated for plastics if your panels experience moderate under-hood or surface heat up to around 200°F. [1] (https://www.google.com/search?q=pro...085739271323,mid:576462898018253375&ibp=oshop), [2] (https://www.vhtpaint.com/product/vht-high-temperature-plastic-paint/), [3] (https://www.google.com/search?q=pro...940430753514,mid:576462562972028744&ibp=oshop), [4] (https://www.google.com/search?q=pro...856298611604,mid:576462568165423040&ibp=oshop)​

• Surface Prep: Clean the ABS panel thoroughly with a wax and grease remover or mild detergent to get rid of mold release agents or residue.​

• Adhesion Promoter: While some plastic-specific paints claim direct-to-plastic adhesion, using a dedicated plastic adhesion promoter base coat can significantly improve long-term durability on flexible ABS body panels. [1] (https://www.vhtpaint.com/product/vht-high-temperature-plastic-paint/)​

• VHT High Temperature Plastic Paint​

• VHT SP820-3 PACK MATTE BLACK High Temperature Plastic Paint - 11 oz Aerosol​

• VHT SP822-2 PACK High Temperature GLOSS BLUE Plastic Paint - 11 oz​

• VHT spb102 Flameproof Coating​

• VHT SP823-3 PACK GLOSS ORANGE High Temperature Plastic Paint - 11 oz Aerosol​

• VHT Brake Caliper Paint​

• VHT SP824-3 PACK ALUMINUM High Temperature Plastic Paint - 11 oz Aerosol​

• VHT SP824-2 PACK ALUMINUM High Temperature Plastic Paint - 11 oz Aerosol​

• VHT SP821-4 PACK GLOSS RED High Temperature Plastic Paint - 11 oz Aerosol​

 

[S2Sryder]

Thanks! Good information.

 

[Woodaddict]

Have you ever heard of "Wrap my Spyder"? They make wraps to wrap panels, from designs to solid colors. Then you can always go back to the original color if you want, just take the wrap off.

 

[UtahPete]

Have you ever heard of "Wrap my Spyder"? They make wraps to wrap panels, from designs to solid colors. Then you can always go back to the original color if you want, just take the wrap off.

I'm not sure it would adhere to the relatively rough ABS, but that's a good idea.

 

[S2Sryder]

Have you ever heard of "Wrap my Spyder"? They make wraps to wrap panels, from designs to solid colors. Then you can always go back to the original color if you want, just take the wrap off.

Yes. I’ve explored that, but I don’t think the vinyl will adhere to the ABS surface, like @UtahPete mentioned. I am considering a wrap for the painted parts. But most wraps only last up to five years before you need to replace them. My ABS panels just look tired even after I've tried to restore them.

 

[TheMariner]

I'm curious... why do your 4 year old ABS panels need restoring? Painted ABS should last much longer than 4 years. Are you sure the panels in question are made from ABS ? Take a panel off, turn it over and look for the raw material code between a > and a <. It's unusual (though possible) that panels with a rough texture are ABS because one of the main benefits of using ABS it it's ability to produce a fairly hard, glossy surface finish either off-tool or after painting.

 

[UtahPete]

I'm curious... why do your 4 year old ABS panels need restoring? Painted ABS should last much longer than 4 years. Are you sure the panels in question are made from ABS ? Take a panel off, turn it over and look for the raw material code between a > and a <. It's unusual (though possible) that panels with a rough texture are ABS because one of the main benefits of using ABS it it's ability to produce a fairly hard, glossy surface finish either off-tool or after painting.

I think he's talking about those flat black panels that are ubiquitous on vehicles of every sort these days because they take scuffing and abuse better than the painted panels.

@S2Sryder maybe you could be more specific about what panels you want to paint?

 

[TheMariner]

I think he's talking about those flat black panels that are ubiquitous on vehicles of every sort these days because they take scuffing and abuse better than the painted panels.

@S2Sryder maybe you could be more specific about what panels you want to paint?

Most of those sorts of panels use a mar-resistant material, like a rubber modified Polypropylene, not ABS. Checking the back of the panels for the material code is a must.... guessing may be disastrous. Paint or wrap doesn't like adhering to PP... especially if it's textured.

 

[UtahPete]

I’m hoping to do a refresh on my 22 S2S and would like to brighten or darken the color of the ABS side panels. Has anyone successfully used a heat-resistant spray paint on their side panels? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Which panels are you referring to? How can you be sure of their material content (i.e. ABS)?

 

[S2Sryder]

I think he's talking about those flat black panels that are ubiquitous on vehicles of every sort these days because they take scuffing and abuse better than the painted panels.

@S2Sryder maybe you could be more specific about what panels you want to paint?

yes, the ubiquitous black panels are what I am referring to

 

[Snoking1127]

yes, the ubiquitous black panels are what I am referring to

Have you tried Aerospace 303?

 

[UtahPete]

yes, the ubiquitous black panels are what I am referring to

See post #9. They might not be ABS.

 

[S2Sryder]

See post #9. They might not be ABS.

Thanks UP. I’ll need to research further.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

yes, the ubiquitous black panels are what I am referring to

You may also like to consider this. Personal experience. 5 stars.

CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Restoration Kit

Cerakote Trim Coat is a ceramic coating, not a trim dressing, for automotive trim restoration and protection guaranteed to last 200 washes! Bonds to the pores of unpainted plastic trim, restoring it to its original appearance.

cerakoteceramics.com