Paint prep

[Big T]

So I got this hood for my wife’s 4Runner:

Very good condition, but the 4Runner is Magnetic Grey, so this will need to be repainted.

For prep, do I just sand down the existing paint and spray base and top coats over it? Or do I strip it down to bare metal, spray primer then base and top coats? What about the underside of the hood? Just sand and spray base coats?

 

[ak diesel driver]

The bottom side will need to be thoroughly degreased, then the paint scuffed so the new will stick. The topside will be similar but you shouldn't have to worry about degreasing quite so much. As long as everything with the old paint is good (no chips etc) it just needs scuffed so the new paint has something to stick to.

 

[ak diesel driver]

I usually wipe down with brakekleen just before painting

 

[Big T]

The bottom side will need to be thoroughly degreased, then the paint scuffed so the new will stick. The topside will be similar but you shouldn't have to worry about degreasing quite so much. As long as everything with the old paint is good (no chips etc) it just needs scuffed so the new paint has something to stick to.

What grit sandpaper do I use to scuff it?

 

[Will L.]

Scuffing underneath can be a pain. Good excuse to get a dry ice blasted!

 

[ak diesel driver]

personally I'd use coarse scotchbrite pads, especially for the underneath, as it will conform. On the top no less than 220 maybe 320

 

[jrsavoie]

I usually wipe down with brakekleen just before painting

I always thought brake Clean left a residue, so everything I'm worried about having something stick to, I used acetone or electronic cleaner.

Guess I've been wrong for quite some time

 

[ak diesel driver]

It's always worked for me.

 

[MrMarty51]

It's always worked for me.

Yup, me too for a lot of years.