Car emblems certainly add a bit of personality and panache to your car’s exterior. The only problem is that factory-manufactured signs can look generic and lack character most of the time. Fortunately, you can spray paint your car emblems to make them look unique and stand out from their counterparts.
Yes, you can absolutely color your car emblems with spray paints. With all the variety of colors and finishes available online and in home stores, you can quickly customize the signs to suit your personality and current mood.
Spray painting your car’s emblems is easy as long as you follow the correct procedure. You should select a paint designed for the sign’s surface and prep and prime it for maximum adhesion. Remember, if you want it to stand the test of time, don’t skip any process steps.
How to choose spray paint for car emblems?
Spray paint is a quick way to upgrade the look of any object, including your car’s badges. Before you visit the home store to pick a can for this project, make sure you understand the surface you want to paint.
Car emblems are either made of metal or ABS plastic. Factory-manufactured signs are mostly made of metal; therefore, select a spray paint designed especially for that surface.
The next point of consideration is the color and finish you’re looking for. Do you prefer to paint them a matte color, or would you rather go for a metallic finish?
Also, keep in mind that painting any object requires a primer, so if you don’t have the budget to buy it, you should look for a 2-in-1 paint that contains both primer and color coat.
How do you paint a car emblem- A detailed guide
Everyone loves the versatility that spray paints offer- no matter what surface you want to repaint or customize, there’s a variant available in the market. Once you have the right paint, you must follow the steps below to color your car’s badges.
Step 1- Remove the Emblem
While it is possible to paint the emblem while it’s installed on your car, it’s better to remove it for superior results. Check how the emblem is attached to your car- it could be bolted or held in place with clips. Remove the nuts or clips from the inside of the car’s body.
Some modern cars have their badges glued on, in which case a hairdryer can do the trick and melt the glue enough to remove the emblem.
Step 2- Sand the surface
Sanding any surface before spray painting helps the paint stick to the object better. Take 220-grit sandpaper and give the emblem a nice rub.
Step 3- Clean with Spirit
After sanding, clean the badge using mineral spirits and a rag cloth. Remember to wipe it with a clean cloth once you’re done.
Step 4- Spray on Primer
A primer helps create a solid base for the color coat. Apply 2-3 layers of primer, allowing a few minutes to dry between coats. When the final primer coat is on, leave the badge to dry for at least an hour.
We recommend you use the Rust-Oleum Automotive Universal Bonding Primer Spray for paint to adhere better to the emblem.
You can skip this step if you’re using a 2-in-1 color coat spray paint.
Step 5- Apply the Color Coat
Start spraying the color coat in thin and even layers, making sure the emblem is covered entirely. Apply 2-3 coats of color to achieve uniform coverage and leave it overnight for the final layer to dry.
Step 6- Re-install the Emblem
Once the paint has fully cured, re-install the car badge the same way you had removed it.
How to paint car emblems without removing them?
Although removing the car badge before spray painting is recommended, you can always paint while it’s still attached to the car. Here are a few quick steps to guide you on the right track.
- Wash the emblem with soap and water. Rinse well.
- Wipe the area with a clean try towel to remove all the water.
- Clean the badge with mineral spirits to remove grease, oil, or wax.
- Use newspaper and painter’s tape to cover all the areas around and inside the emblem.
- Spray 2-3 coats of primer, waiting 5 mins between each coat.
- Wait for at least an hour before going in with the color coat.
- Spray the color coat in thin layers. Remember to hold the can at different angles to ensure complete coverage of the emblem.
- Apply 2-3 layers of paint with 15 minutes of drying time between each coat.
- Remove the tape and newspaper once the paint has thoroughly dried.
Is Plasti Dip good for car emblems?
Plasti Dip works well for car emblems, especially when you don’t want to remove them from the car’s body. Since the formula easily peels off, you don’t have to worry about paint getting on the inside of the emblem’s letters, or designs.
How to Plasti Dip car emblems
Plasti Dip works more or less like regular spray paint, but there are some differences that you should be aware of. Let’s try to understand the formula first. Unlike other spray paints, Plasti Dip offers a thick rubber-like finish that can be peeled off effortlessly.
Since the formula is thick and peelable, you must ensure that you apply it in thick layers on the emblem. This way, you will achieve good coverage and also peel the extra paint easily.
Spray paint at different angles so the edges of the emblem are properly covered. If you fail to do so, the color will not peel off entirely, and you will be left with a sloppy-looking car badge.
When you tape off the area around the emblem, make sure to leave enough space between the edges of the badge and the tape. This will help peel off the extra paint effortlessly later.
Finally, you can use two toothpicks to peel off the paint on the inside of the emblem for a professional-looking finish.
What kind of paint can you use on car emblems?
Here are a few picks that you can use for this project.
Krylon Premium Metallic Spray Paint Resembles Actual Plating
This paint is perfect for a sleek, metallic look and is suitable for most surfaces, including metal, plastic, wood, etc. The high-gloss finish paint is available in seven metallic shades: gold, chrome, copper, rose gold, gray, copper foil, and silver.
Plasti Dip Peelable Paint Multi-Purpose
The Plasti Dip spray paint dries into a thick plastic-like film that adheres well to car emblems. It is a durable, long-lasting paint that doesn’t crack, chip or become brittle over time. Another benefit of using this variant is that you can easily peel off the paint when you want to change the color or finish of your emblem again. The formula allows for quick peeling without affecting the underlying finish.
Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint Metallic
Another great choice for a metallic finish is the Rust-Oleum metallic paint. This paint contains primer and color coat all in one and works on most surfaces, including metal, plastic, fiberglass, etc. The oil-based formula is available in a whopping 21 shades, so you have plenty of choices for your car’s emblems.
Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint Matte
Try this variant of Rust-Oleum paint if you prefer a matte look for your car’s signs. It is an oil-based formula that doesn’t require a separate coat of primer to save some time in the painting process. This paint is available in twenty shades, including some pastel hues that can add a lot of character to the car’s exterior.
FAQs
How long does spray paint last on emblems?
The spray paint on emblems can easily last three to four years without retouching if you choose the proper paint and spray multiple coats on the surface.
Does Plasti Dip come off when you wash your car?
No, you can hand wash your car with soap and water even after you’ve used Plasti Dip on your car. Rest assured, the formula doesn’t come off with water.
Can you change the logo on your car?
Yes, you can change the logo on your car by either replacing it with a new one or spray painting it for a brand-new look.
What paint to use on a Chrome emblem?
Any spray paint that works on chrome surfaces can be used to paint Chrome emblems. Just make sure to use a primer and sealer with adequate sanding action for the best results.
Conclusion
Nothing beats the excitement of adding personal touches to your car. Whether you want to customize your car’s badges, paint the entire hood of the car, or revamp the color of your leather seats, spray paint offers easy and lasting results. With my tips and tricks, you will be able to personalize your car’s emblems quickly and at a minimum cost.