PPG Paint Pointers: Pre-Primed Parts

Pre-Primed Parts

Paint Pointers - Technical Tips from PPG
The use of plastic parts has increased tremendously in modern vehicles. In some shops, more than 50% of repairs include a bumper cover. Repairing and repainting these parts requires special attention.

Plastic parts that come from the manufacturer pre-primed should always be tested before painting. Painting on top of “unknown” primers can lead to performance concerns such as adhesion between the primer and plastic, compatibility with your topcoats, lifting, and even poor flexibility.

To test the primer, use a clean towel with solvent and rub the part in an inconspicuous area to see if the primer will wipe off. If the primer comes off, remove all of the primer from the plastic part and follow your bare plastic painting process. It’s good practice to remove these sensitive coatings to avoid any potential headaches. With “unknown” primers, it is impossible to know how they may hold up down the road.