Transform Your Ride: A Beginner's Guide to Painting Over Bushwacker Fender Flares

Are you tired of the bland and faded appearance of your Bushwacker fender flares? It's time to give your ride a fresh new look! Painting over your Bushwacker fender flares is a simple and affordable way to enhance your vehicle's appearance. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Progradeautoparts offer a variety of fender flares for your auto. Choose from among variations.

• Fender Flare - Pocket Style - Front / Rear - 1-1/2 in Wide - Plastic - Black - 61 in Bed - Chevy Colorado 2015-17 - Kit
• Fender Flare - Pocket Style - Front / Rear - 1.6 in Wide Front - 1.7 in Wide Rear - Plastic - Black - 61 in Bed - GM Midsize Truck 2015-17 - Kit
• Fender Flare - Pocket Style - Front / Rear - 2 in Wide - Plastic - Black - Toyota Tundra 2007-13 - Kit
• Fender Flares - Pocket Style - Front / Rear - 3-1/2 in Wide Front - 3 in Wide Rear - Plastic - Black - Ram Full size Truck 2010-19 - Kit

to give a prestigious outlook to your auto and paint it properly to get a glossy look.

Before you start, you'll need a few materials. These include sandpaper, primer, paint, clear coat, face mask and masking tape. You can purchase all of these supplies from your local auto parts store or online.

Step 1:Clear the flares and prepare them

If you're painting over Bushwacker fender flares, the first step is to clean and prep them properly to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts. A list of what you should do is provided below:

• Remove the flares from your vehicle and wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any dirt or grime.
• Once the flares are clean and dry, use a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue or oils. This will help the paint adhere better.
• Sand the surface of the flares with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to stick to. Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth.
• Apply a plastic adhesion promoter to the flares to further enhance paint adhesion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and allow the promoter to dry completely before painting.

By following these steps to clean and prep your flares, you'll set the foundation for a successful paint job that looks great and lasts for years to come.

Step 2:Apply the Primer

After cleaning and prepping your Bushwacker fender flares, the next step is to apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres properly and the finish is smooth. A list of what you should do is provided below:

• Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as a plastic adhesion promoter or a plastic primer. Make sure to choose a primer that is compatible with the type of paint you plan to use.
• Apply the primer in thin, even coats using a spray gun or spray can. Hold the can or gun about 6 to 8 inches away from the flares and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly.
• Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes several hours.
• Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface for the paint. Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth.

By following these steps to apply the primer, you'll create a strong foundation for the paint and ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Step 3:Put the paint on

After cleaning, prepping, and applying the primer to your Bushwacker fender flares, it's time to apply the paint.  A list of what you should do is provided below:

• Choose a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces and is compatible with the primer you used. You may also want to consider a paint with UV protection to prevent fading.
• Apply the paint in thin, even coats using a spray gun or spray can. Hold the can or gun about 6 to 8 inches away from the flares and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying times between coats.
• Allow the paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take several hours to a few days depending on the type of paint you use.
• Once the paint is dry, you may want to apply a clear coat to provide additional protection and shine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.

By following these steps to apply the paint, you'll be able to give your Bushwacker fender flares a new look that will last for years to come.

Step 4:Put the Clear Coat on

After applying the paint to your Bushwacker fender flares, the next step is to apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. A list of what you should do is provided below:

• Choose a clear coat that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces and is compatible with the paint you used. Make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before starting.
• Apply the clear coat in thin, even coats using a spray gun or spray can. Hold the can or gun about 6 to 8 inches away from the flares and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying times between coats.
• Allow the clear coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take several hours to a few days depending on the type of clear coat you use.
• Once the clear coat is dry, you can buff and polish the flares to enhance the shine and smoothness of the finish. Use a polishing compound and a soft cloth to gently buff the surface of the flares.

By following these steps to apply the clear coat, you'll be able to protect your newly painted Bushwacker fender flares and give them a high-quality, glossy finish that looks great and lasts for years to come.

Step 5:Masking Tape Must Be Removed

After applying the clear coat to your Bushwacker fender flares, the final step is to remove the masking tape that you used to protect other parts of your vehicle during the painting process.  A list of what you should do is provided below:

• Start by inspecting the flares to make sure that the clear coat is completely dry and hardened. If the clear coat is still tacky, it may not be ready to remove the masking tape.
• Carefully peel off the masking tape from the flares, pulling it away at a 45-degree angle. If the tape starts to tear or leave residue, stop and use a utility knife or razor blade to cut the tape along the edge of the flares.
• Once all the masking tape has been removed, inspect the flares for any areas where the tape may have pulled off some of the clear coat or paint. If necessary, touch up these areas with a small brush or touch-up pen.
• Finally, give the flares a final inspection to make sure that the finish is smooth, glossy, and free of imperfections. If you notice any issues, use a polishing compound and a soft cloth to gently buff out any scratches or blemishes.

By following these steps to remove the masking tape, you'll be able to reveal your newly painted Bushwacker fender flares and complete the painting process with a professional-looking finish.

Caution: While spraying all the time use a face mask to protect yourself from harmful gas.

Frequently Asked Questions on FENDER FLARES

What do I need to know about fender flares?

What do you use fender flares for?

How do I choose a fender flare?

What screws to use for fender flares?

How to Install Bushwacker Fender Flares?

What are the fender flares?

Do fender flares cause rust?

Types of fender flares?

Are fender flares worth it?

Do fender flares prevent rust?

What is another name for fender flares?

Can you drive without fender flares?

What material are fender flares made of?

In conclusion, painting over your Bushwacker fender flares is a simple and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your ride. With a little bit of patience and some basic supplies, you can transform your vehicle into a head-turning machine. Happy painting!