Paint advice/steps (Charles?)

[dgc67]

Was lucky enough to get my mirror knocked off the car during the holidays.  Luckily the person was good enough to leave a name/number.  Long story short I have a used mirror to replace it with but it is the wrong color.  I thought I would just paint both mirrors black since I will never match the factory paint.

Can you please give me the steps of sandpaper I should use for the prep and for after the primer coat?  I plan to use black gloss and put some clear coat over it.  It will all be spray can work.  This is for my 98 Civic I am 'holding' for my 14 yr olds first car so it does not have to win any awards, just look decent.

[hootmon]

Was lucky enough to get my mirror knocked off the car during the holidays.  Luckily the person was good enough to leave a name/number.  Long story short I have a used mirror to replace it with but it is the wrong color.  I thought I would just paint both mirrors black since I will never match the factory paint.

Can you please give me the steps of sandpaper I should use for the prep and for after the primer coat?  I plan to use black gloss and put some clear coat over it.  It will all be spray can work.  This is for my 98 Civic I am 'holding' for my 14 yr olds first car so it does not have to win any awards, just look decent.

Gloss Black shows the MOST imperfections.. I would consider a flat / semi-gloss black instead and skip the clear coat.. Just a thought

[Charles S Otwell]

I would use 400 to 600 grit wet or dry before you prime it and then 1000 to1200 to slick up the primer a little. I''m with Hootmon on the black, the semi gloss usually blends better with the rest of the trim, unless you already have high gloss black trim on the car.

[dgc67]

That is a good point Hoot/Charles.  Can I put flat black and still hit it with a coat of clear?

[Jigger]

You should be able to hit it with a clear coat. As long as you sand it down with 1000 or 1200 grit paper and wipe it with a tack cloth.

[dgc67]

started sanding the 'new' mirror today and realized that it did not seem to move correctly.  hooked it up to the switch and it does not work!  Getting the mirror was quite a fiasco and I hate having to go back.  grrrr.  they said I can return it if there are problems.  hopefully they wont snap to the sanding I did, it is in a mostly clear but thick plastic bag.  I used 400 and it is silver, did not do too much.  you think I could hit it with some 1000 wet and make it less noticeable?

I then took the busted parts of my original mirror and epoxied it.  I think it is going to hold.  I have it mounted back and everything.  If it does not then I will cross that bridge when the time comes I guess.

[Charles S Otwell]

you think I could hit it with some 1000 wet and make it less noticeable

If you didn't sand thru the silver you can probably buff the shine back.

[dgc67]

If you didn't sand thru the silver you can probably buff the shine back.

For sure I did not.  Good deal.  I will do that.  thanks for your help sir!