Painting plastic mirrors, Enamel or Laquer

[jimmyess333]

I've decided to try my hand at painting my mirror housings body color.
The truck is bright white so color matching shouldn't be too much of an issue.
The issue I DO have is I only have experience painting metal.
Is the procedure the same? (Rough up, prime, paint)
The other question is do I have to use a special paint?
I have both Enamel and Laquer in rattle cans, both of which worked well for me in the past on metal motorcycle gas tanks.
The Laquer usually looks better but I'm thinking the Enamel will resist cracking better on Plastic.
Any thoughts or experience with this?

 

[rockwerks]

use primer for plastic and then paint for plastic. I use rustomeum brand with great success. (even on fiperglass RC boats)

 

[Fast Fords]

when i did my mirrors, it was just regular rattle can from the parts store. i got the exact match stuff; just grabbed the paint code off the door sticker. you are right though; sand it, prime it, paint it. I cleared mine too, that way it was partially resistant to bugs/stones/human bodies etc.
when you sand it, make sure its really really smooth. I went 200-400-600, then i hung them up and washed them to get all the dust off. the goes primer, then sand....400-600..re-wash, dry, then paint. wait for 20-30 min then clear it, alternating 10 minutes between coats so it "flash dries".

 

[jimmyess333]

All good stuff!
Thanks for the replies.
When the weather breaks I'll give it a try.
Fast Fords, how long ago did you paint the mirrors?
Hows it holding up?

 

[Fast Fords]

All good stuff!
Thanks for the replies.
When the weather breaks I'll give it a try.
Fast Fords, how long ago did you paint the mirrors?
Hows it holding up?

over a year ago, and then i sold the truck..held up amazing; just remember that you are gonna get chips from road wear an tear..overall, it was quite a durable job...