Tips for painting Berger Panel?

[98Z28]

I've never painted any body panels before. Any tips before I start painting? Im looking for a satin black finish. Not sure if it is plastic or fiberglass. I'll attach a photo of what I'd like it to look like. I just think the back of my car is too plain. Its a '98 Z28 with black hard top and black mirrors. If this turns out ok I'll probably do the inset portion of the front bumper also. Thanks.

[Silver R/T]

You sure it's fiberglass not stock SMC plastic used for plastic bumpers on most cars. Is it gel coated?
You can scuff it real good with gray scotch brite so paint adheres to it well. Wipe it down with wax and grease remover, tack it with tack cloth to get any lint off and shoot it.
Personally I don't think it will look good as it will look like you were rear ended at some point and can't afford to paint your car

[98Z28]

I've also considered gloss to match the mirrors/roof. The panel says SMC on the back....is that Sheet-Molding-Compound? So plastic?

[Silver R/T]

What Is SMC Plastic? | eHow.com (http://www.ehow.com/facts_7491531_smc-plastic.html)

[trbo355]

Ive painted a bunch of em. Its SMC composite but really doesnt matter as its painted with the same paint as the rest of the car. Scitchbrite the crap out of it and paint it like anything else. Im not sure where to get a cool tough satin finish paint but KC auto would know what to sell ya.

[98Z28]

What kind of finish did you go with?

[1blackta]

hey man you might to check out ls1tech, there are guys on there all the time that are wanting to trade there berger panels for stockers, look in the northwest section, who knows you may get lucky.... depending on what shipping is of course

[98Z28]

Never thought about it!! Good idea! Thanks!

[1blackta]

ya man no problem, good luck, i love the look of the berger panels. on cars that you can notice it of course, thought about doin it to the camaro, but didnt make much sense since it was a black car

[trbo355]

What kind of finish did you go with?

I did a few in gloss black and need to find out what the hot ticket for satin is. Besides Krylon semi flat. LOL

[Silver R/T]

did you get it painted? If you want I can shoot it for you, I won't charge much either

[98Z28]

Actually I haven't yet. What would you charge?

[Silver R/T]

how's $50 sound?

[98Z28]

Sent you a PM with contact info.