Painting front and rear valance

[southern_runner]

I'm working on this 2003 4Runner, trying to get some little things taken care of. I've sorted a lot of the mechanicals so I'm working on some minor things. I don't like the silver valance front and rear, so I wanted to paint them black.

I have no idea how painting will hold up long term compared to a wrap, but I don't have a lot invested in this ride so a rattle can job will do.

I cleaned, sanded, and cleaned the surfaces again before painting. I used an automotive paint, three coats, and then a clear top coat. We'll see how she holds up. I also used some flat black BBQ grill paint on the top rails because the silver was showing through in a lot of places, they turned out great.

Here's some before and after of the valances:

 

[firebirdguy]

sounds like you did a decent job, prep is 90% of the work when painting. if its cleaned & scuffed the new paint should hold up fine, but be aware since thee front one is down low & gets the brunt of rocks & debris it probably will eventually get dinged & chipped & may show some silver but would be easy to touch up if/when needed.

 

[Bluesky 07]

PlastiDipped my front one years ago and it’s still holding up. There are some scrapes & scratches but they’re only visible up close.

 

[southern_runner]

I might have tried the plastidip, but didn't want to have to remove the bumpers to get the valance off. I never checked the front, but it looked like you had to remove the whole rear bumper for that rear valance.