Repaint lens edge trim?

[911pcars]

I couldn't find this in the archives.

Are there any effective methods of refurbishing the black trim on the Euro lenses? The black is chipping off in several spots.

I've heard (not confirmed) black spray paint does it. Does all the old paint have to be removed first? If so, what's the best method?

Thanks,
Sherwood

[cnielsen]

takes a long time but you can use a Q-tip with carb cleaner on it. Be careful to not get it on the yellow or red part as it will strip that color too. It does take a little scrubbing so kick back and watch an episode of First Gear while you do it!

Then you can paint with any black paint.

[Todd Simpson]

OK, how about silver?

[cnielsen]

I know hobby shops sell some of that chrome paint and you could just repaint the edges with that instead of the black. You can just buy a small jar and paint it with a hobby brush. The shine comes from the plastic, not the paint itself.

[pwd72s]

The carb cleaner didn't hurt the plastic? More years ago than I care to admit, I built a model from the kits popular at the time, grabbed a can of dad's spray paint, painted the car I had "kustomized", and watched the plastic soften & wilt.
We learn as we go....

[pjv911]

Yes Paul is correct . Carb cleaner will definetly melt the plastic .

Kurt Williams

[70SATMan]

I use Easy Off to strip enamel off plastic models. Would probably work for the lenses too. Course I'd practice on a cracked lense first to be sure.

[kilodawg]

I did this last winter and it works perfectly to restore the black trim to as new condition. Since the paint is apllied to the inner surface of the lens the job is a piece of cake.

First remove all the black paint that you can that is in any way shape or form flaking off. Just do this with a fingernail, toothpick whatever works for you. I think I used the broken end of an old modeling paint brush which worked real well. It was the right size and the wood was soft enough not to bite into the plastic but to scrape off the paint. I distinctly remember I didn't use any solvent. It's important to remove all of the old paint that comes off easily and thereby has already "backed away" from the plastic. This is the key to ensuring an overall uniform finish at the end.

When you are done with this stage you should still see enough of an outline to paint in the new edging. I used the brush bottle black auto touch-up paint that they sell in any auto parts store. Apply it carefully and take your time to ensure you get good total coverage. Thats the key. Go around it once (takes about 20 minutes) let it dry well and hold it up to the light to see where you may need to re-apply. Let it dry good and then re-install. it will look as new.

[Wayne 962]

Testor's black gloss paint would probably work very well. I've even used that as wheel paint before, and it held up for many years...

-Wayne

[cnielsen]

I have used carb cleaner numerous times to do this and it does NOT melt the plastic. I flake off all that I can first but then I scrub the stubborn pieces with carb cleaner on a Q-tip.