Painted Panels

[Onefromnone32]

Do they sand the panels down to make them smooth or are they just painted the way they are?

[IN MY]

Do a search and check out the archives. There are several pics of painted panel E's too. I think you do get a different look depending on how it is prepped. I think a clear coat also adds to that glossy, matching finish vs. the more flat look some have.

[Vigor25]

they usually sand it down to smoothen the surface and make it uniform with the texture of the rest of the car

[Onefromnone32]

Yeah thats what I thought. If you didn't sand them down it would look ackward. Thanks for the replies.

[L-M-N-T]

In regards to painted panels, I know that sanding the panels would look best, but, has anyone painted their panels w/out sanding them (or seen one unsanded)? If you've seen one, how did it look? If you've done it, what was the difference in price? If there is a substantial difference (due to prep) is/was it worth it?

[L-M-N-T]

In regards to painted panels, I know that sanding the panels would look best, but, has anyone painted their panels w/out sanding them (or seen one unsanded)? If you've seen one, how did it look? If you've done it, what was the difference in price? If there is a substantial difference (due to prep) is/was it worth it?

[Vigor25]

the 1st gen CR-V SE bumpers are body-colored but i don't think they are sanded....u can feel the rough surface and the colour of the bumper looks uniform from far.....only if u bring yurself right up to the bumper will u notice the bumps...

[L-M-N-T]

Thanks for the reply. I'll take a look at the CRV's. I still don't have an E yet. My wife doesn't like the fact that they only seat 4. I wish Honda or an aftermarket co. would come out with a replacement seat for the back that seats five. I have looked at the Scion Xb (uuugh). I don't think I could ever get used to it's looks. The other drawback is that it appeals to the younger (and sometimes less than honest crowd). Therefore, it might be more of a theft target than the E.

[Vigor25]

yeah not much of a people mover for such a spacious car.....that's one of the reasons preventing my brother from getting this car....

[jonnyanalog]

From what I can remember from painting my black rockers on my ZX3 Focus you first need to get an etching primer; something that will 'stick' to the plastic. Them to get it smooth you could lay on some filler primer to fill in the texture of the plastic. This gets sanded smooth then painted and clear coated. (several coats of primer may be needed.) just my .02

[Anonymous]

Why would you want to paint the panels? I don't get it. Isn't part of the mystique having those ugly stand-out panels to begin with?

[L-M-N-T]

THe panels do have their up side. Now waxing, dent resistant, ets. But ... check out some of the galleries that have painted E's and you'll see why people would want to paint theirs. 8)

[ragnar]

Love my Element ('04 Orange EX 5 Spd), but would like to know of any product (other than Honda's touch-up spray - I don't have scratches) to treat plastic panels. Also, almost need to mask off plastic when I wax to keep it off plastic. Tried silicone spray, but washes off too quickly.