painting the bumpers

[WickedBimmer]

ok... so i know this has been talked about millions of times... and i searched the treads before i asked my questions... so a million people dont have to jump at my throat right away saying to search...

here is my question!!!!

i have a 94 318is... i have hte same grey sideskirts that mostly everyone has...
as well as matching grey front bumper and rear bumper....

so this is my plan... i just ordered my new spray gun, and i am going to paint my front and rear bumper and possibly side skirts...

heres the question... for the side skirts can i do the DIY to take off the grey? or is my car too old a model, and chances is there paint under that grey on my car?
before i start degreasing my sideskirt i want to def. make sure that theres some paint under there and that im not ruining my car...

also... just double checking, but the front and rear bumper are just grey, with no paint under them correct?

and finally, ive never really painted before and this would be my first attempt, so i ordered a relatively good spray gun so im told, and im going to hook it up to my air compressor and "spray away"... is there any suggestions to how to paint and what to by... example primers, prepping supplies etc...


Thank you in advance for all of your responces and help... Wicked Bimmer

and ill be sure to post some before and afters...!

[El Presidente]

yes, you have BCP under the grey.

In order for the job to look good, I would take the car to a paint shop, have them laser match the paint and add a flex agent to prevent cracking, then prep by removing the factory paint with a sandblaster, prime, and paint. Don't forget to clear! Also wait at least 2-3 weeks before waxing and washing to let the paint cure.

[Kevin325i]

Use even regulars strokes with the spray gun. Don't try and just hold it in one spot and hit a "small area" if you've ever spray painted, it's similar to that. Probably want to put a decent coat on, then let it dry, then do another coat, let it dry, then clear coat it. I plan on doing this too myself once I get money for the paint.

Also, if the gun doesn't have one, you may need to pick up a pressure regulator. But I think you only need this if you've got a large compressor and a crappy spray gun.

Kevin

[spieluhr]

post pics and info after your done, as im sure many people are interested in this (including myself)

[skawful]

my shop teacher has painted cars for years, hes gonna help me paint my bumpers and side skirts... ill post pics