Corner Lenses

[kwconch021]

ive got an 06 silvy crew cab white.

i want to paint the corner lenses in my headlights white to match my truck.

how do i go about doing this? would it honestly be easier and less of a headache to [and worth the money to have it done right] have my local shop that i trust ?. so i wont have to deal with making sure the housing seals correctly, as ive never attempted this before.

i also want to black out the signal lamps underneath the headlights, tail lights, and third brake light, paint the chrome grill and mirrors to match the rest of the truck. I'm thinking he would charge me around 2-300 for it all.

i had another truck just like the one i have now and i painted the mirrors with a spray can color matched to OE. it wasnt too tough but i was a little impatient and took the masking tape off a little soon, so it kinda crackled and chipped around the seam. my clear coat couldve been a little thicker. I dont mind doing it agian but i hate the fact that the entire door panel must come off to get to take the mirror off the door. and this would be an all day process, to let it dry correctly, even with the heat of the florida keys.

also, how would i ensure that no peeling, cracking, etc wil lhappen around the seam? should i use an exacto knife to help remove masking tape after its completely dried? or just drag it out all day like mentioned above ^^^^


Sanding--- if i want a shine to a painted plastic surface similar to the metal, i hear you use a 400 grit [or a little lower] and then a finer grit after cleaning. wet sand with 1000? i also believe clear coating the hell outta it will help.


any and all help would be appreciated. thanks guys

[Big B]

Try using the special blue masking tape, it has a low tack glue and is designed to install and be removed without taking any paint off, painters use it all of the time.
Works great.