Painting the CD unit and AirCon unit

**insignia28** · 7th March 2011, 15:03

Hey, I'm inthe middel of spraying the trim in my 02 LS Satin Black, so far i have the air Vents, GID, gaiter surround, ashtray and cubby done. Bu ti am wondering if anyone can give me tips on how to do the control units, what is the best way to paint them so I don't cover the illuminating bits, eg. the numbers on the aircon or the hazard triangle. any tips greatly appreciated.

**Ademusic** · 7th March 2011, 15:39

Don't see how it can be done, even if you managed to spend time masking up every little word and number the chances of removing the mask without damaging the paint is pretty much impossible. I've seen someone who did something like this but sprayed over the letters / numbers on whatever it was they did, which seems completely pointless to me

**ChrisBilly** · 7th March 2011, 20:40

If you separate the buttons from the face plates maybe you could use tinting spray and lacquer for the buttons with illuminated icons. I'd get some bits from the scrap yard to try it out first but can't see why it wouldn't work.

**insignia28** · 8th March 2011, 12:20

That's an idea! and just outta sheer curiousity, i had seen someone on here had sanded their headlights to revitalise them from years of wear, is there a "How to" on that anywhere???

NB just ordered a Transformers Autobot logo for my V grille, I'm a big kid, but its something different lol

**Jezzy** · 8th March 2011, 13:32

Originally Posted by insignia28

That's an idea! and just outta sheer curiousity, i had seen someone on here had sanded their headlights to revitalise them from years of wear, is there a "How to" on that anywhere???

NB just ordered a Transformers Autobot logo for my V grille, I'm a big kid, but its something different lol

You'll find various threads about sanding the headlights in the detailing section (also known as the OCD section). Here's how I did mine:

Sand using wetted wet and dry paper, starting with 500 grit, followed by 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000 and finally 2500. Then use a good cutting compound (e.g. Farecla G3) and some sort of electric tool (won't work quite as well by hand), I used a mop attachment and a cordless drill. Then apply polish by hand (e.g. Autoglym paint polish). Worked a treat on mine.

**insignia28** · 8th March 2011, 13:38

knew i had seen your post somewhere but sure with 250+ pages I could not remember where, yours looked really well. Thanks, I am a bit OCD about my car. have a bit of cash now I can start doing wee bits here and there.