DIY - Black Grill / $7 / 10 minutes / (FULLY REVERSIBLE)

andyffer · 01-24-2009, 09:51 PM

Alright this is my first DIY, so forgive me if it is not the greatest.
But let me tell you, in a way this is the best DIY you will find.

First, an introduction to Plasti-Dip.
This is a spray on rubber. It comes in different colors and forms.
You can buy it in paint cans and dip tools, etc. in it.
You can purchase it at any Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Pep Boys, etc.
I forget the exact price but it should be around $7 if not less.
This Plasti-Dip is fully reversible because it just peels off. I know from experience.
The first time I did this, I totally botched my upper chrome pieces.

Materials Needed:
1 can of Plasti-Dip (black)
1 Torx #20
Some newspaper or boxes

Steps:
1) Remove upper trim pieces with the Torx 20 screw

2) Use 1 finger to push the clip up and a different finger to pull out the grill from that point.
Do that on the top left & top right corners. Then do the 1 on each side. After the grill is
halfway out, there is a middle clip at the very top of the grill. Again, push with 1 finger
and pull the entire grill with the other hand. (DONT WORRY ABOUT THE BOTTOM CLIPS)

3) Repeat for the other grill

4) GENTLY lift the chrome tabs up while pulling on the chrome to let it free of the black gills
(I broke a couple of black tabs that hold in the chrome, but dont worry because there are
like 8 million other tabs to keep it on)

5) Do that to the other grill

6) Clean all the chrome with a little H2O

7) Lay out a box/newspaper and place the pieces on it

8) Shake the Plasti-Dip can VIGOROUSLY for ~1:00 minute

9) Spray from about 6-12" away in 1 swipe, make sure you DONT GO OVER A SECTION AGAIN! ONLY 1 LAYER Otherwise you get bubbles and lumps and it turns out
terrible (good news is, if that does happen, it peels off)

10) Let dry for a couple of hours and that it! :thumbup:

If it looks a little thin and you can kind of see through it,
11) Wait 30 minutes after applying the first coat
12) Like the first coat, apply one swipe of spray
-WARNING- It will look like it has a bunch of bumps, and you will think that you just ruined it, BUT you didnt. It will dry smooth.

BEFORE & AFTER:

Written by: Andyffer

Spoolin335 · 01-24-2009, 10:15 PM

looks ok, but i like the higher gloss ones!

nice writeup though

ToadHollow · 01-24-2009, 10:21 PM

Wow ..........

This should definitely save the e90ers some cash. Great job w/ the DIY!

choopy · 01-24-2009, 11:08 PM

Looks sexy! way more attractive than that gaudy CHrome

darkphantom · 01-24-2009, 11:24 PM

awesome job andy!

you said clean with h2o? lol what about when it rains?

indy335i · 01-25-2009, 01:58 AM

This is very cool! Thanks for taking the time to post all of this. I'm going to give it a try.

andyffer · 01-25-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi

You might be able to get a similar effect if you use electrical tape. I think that electrical tape will leave a residue when you remove it. I have to give that a try.

yeah i think it would too.

Plus that would have to be some wide electrical tape.

Whats so cool about this is you can use it on anything!
Im going to try it on my headlight lenses tonight.

andyffer · 01-27-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi

I have seen wide electrical tape at my work place. The only question is where can I get a hold of some.

Come to think of it, instead of spray painting the crome parts, you can use vinyl and coat the crome parts and might be able to bring out a similar effect.

your prep would be longer.
and it might leave a residue

AMT92 · 01-27-2009, 01:21 AM

when it rains or it goes through a carwash with extensive washing won't it wear away?

ska///235i · 01-29-2009, 07:43 PM

interesting spray....

Can I spray my entire car? (JK)

E92-Lighting · 02-08-2009, 04:14 PM

interesting find

JXYOO · 02-11-2009, 04:48 AM

i did this to my car. when it rains it won't but a carwash im not sure. i'm gonna try this on my trim soon. i'll post up pictures when i do

MemphisRheins · 02-23-2009, 10:48 PM

So what is the verdict about the lifespan of this mod...

Does it come off in Rain/Carwash?, much more tempting to do this then to buy another grill (hey, moneys tight)

JXYOO · 02-24-2009, 04:05 AM

Doesn't come off in rain. like i said carwash im not sure but probably not. The colour fades i think or maybe it was my bad painting. its kinda hard to keep clean too.

MemphisRheins · 02-24-2009, 10:40 PM

Did this tonight, looks good right now... so well see how it lasts up

Luki · 02-25-2009, 04:05 AM

Only disadvantage is that when rocks hit this paint you will have silver spots on the grill

andyffer · 02-26-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luki

Only disadvantage is that when rocks hit this paint you will have silver spots on the grill

Should have put on an extra coat or two

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 02-26-2009, 11:41 PM

Damn I would have to see this in person but from the info and the pics this looks like an amazing and cheap DIY!
Nice one man!

Let us know how it holds up

ska///235i · 03-02-2009, 09:31 PM

would like to see this spray on interior trims

Jonny550 · 03-02-2009, 10:55 PM

if everyone is so worried about the paint wearing and chipping (including me) maybe clearcoat would do the job

MemphisRheins · 03-02-2009, 11:03 PM

I did about 2 coats on it, i've put about 400-450 highway miles on it since I did this, and its holding up just fine

koreez88 · 03-03-2009, 12:06 AM

Let's just say, this will chip fast for a couple of reasons
1) You didn't apply enough layers
2) You applied the paint over the chrome without sanding it
3) You didn't use high durability spray paint (plasti-dip won't last long)

I've personally used high thermal matte black paint that is used to paint headers (ultra durable, I've tried a bunch of them)
I sanded the chrome parts prior to applying the coats
I applied like bajillion coats

It all lasted me about 20k miles, which isn't bad at all, considering that 90% of my driving is on highway with speeds over 70 mph. Only recently it started chipping a little bit.

01-24-2009, 09:51 PM	#1
andyffer Banned 157 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 700hp M3 - Interlagos E92 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Paradise Valley, Arizona iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Bugatti Veyron [0.00]	DIY - Black Grill / $7 / 10 minutes / (FULLY REVERSIBLE) Alright this is my first DIY, so forgive me if it is not the greatest. But let me tell you, in a way this is the best DIY you will find. First, an introduction to Plasti-Dip. This is a spray on rubber. It comes in different colors and forms. You can buy it in paint cans and dip tools, etc. in it. You can purchase it at any Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Pep Boys, etc. I forget the exact price but it should be around $7 if not less. This Plasti-Dip is fully reversible because it just peels off. I know from experience. The first time I did this, I totally botched my upper chrome pieces. Materials Needed: 1 can of Plasti-Dip (black) 1 Torx #20 Some newspaper or boxes Steps: 1) Remove upper trim pieces with the Torx 20 screw 2) Use 1 finger to push the clip up and a different finger to pull out the grill from that point. Do that on the top left & top right corners. Then do the 1 on each side. After the grill is halfway out, there is a middle clip at the very top of the grill. Again, push with 1 finger and pull the entire grill with the other hand. (DONT WORRY ABOUT THE BOTTOM CLIPS) 3) Repeat for the other grill 4) GENTLY lift the chrome tabs up while pulling on the chrome to let it free of the black gills (I broke a couple of black tabs that hold in the chrome, but dont worry because there are like 8 million other tabs to keep it on) 5) Do that to the other grill 6) Clean all the chrome with a little H2O 7) Lay out a box/newspaper and place the pieces on it 8) Shake the Plasti-Dip can VIGOROUSLY for ~1:00 minute 9) Spray from about 6-12" away in 1 swipe, make sure you DONT GO OVER A SECTION AGAIN! ONLY 1 LAYER Otherwise you get bubbles and lumps and it turns out terrible (good news is, if that does happen, it peels off) 10) Let dry for a couple of hours and that it! :thumbup: If it looks a little thin and you can kind of see through it, 11) Wait 30 minutes after applying the first coat 12) Like the first coat, apply one swipe of spray -WARNING- It will look like it has a bunch of bumps, and you will think that you just ruined it, BUT you didnt. It will dry smooth. BEFORE & AFTER: Written by: Andyffer
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01-24-2009, 10:21 PM	#3
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 283 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	Wow .......... This should definitely save the e90ers some cash. Great job w/ the DIY! __________________
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01-24-2009, 11:08 PM	#4
choopy Juicy Booty NomNoMnom 50 Rep 1,203 Posts Drives: 04 M3 Vert/2005 M3 Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lemont, IL iTrader: (0)	Looks sexy! way more attractive than that gaudy CHrome __________________ 19" Monarch 410 Staggered \|\| Matte Black Grill \|\| 4" Exhaust Tips \|\| Dual Intake \|\| GP Tunders 7500K \|\| Money Tints \|\| JB2 \|\|Custom Start Button \|\| Updated!
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01-24-2009, 11:24 PM	#5
darkphantom Banned 656 Rep 5,945 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The place for Bimmers iTrader: (4)	awesome job andy! you said clean with h2o? lol what about when it rains?
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01-25-2009, 01:58 AM	#6
indy335i Private 0 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2008 e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: indianapolis iTrader: (2)	This is very cool! Thanks for taking the time to post all of this. I'm going to give it a try.
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01-24-2009, 10:15 PM	#2
Spoolin335 Justin Herass 361 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: X6M / M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (7) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 Audi TTRS [10.00] 2012 BMW X6M [9.00] 2007 BMW 335i [9.00]	looks ok, but i like the higher gloss ones! nice writeup though
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01-27-2009, 01:21 AM	#9
AMT92 Lieutenant Colonel 400 Rep 1,894 Posts Drives: G05 45e Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (4)	when it rains or it goes through a carwash with extensive washing won't it wear away?
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01-29-2009, 07:43 PM	#10
ska///235i ***** noob 1461 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	interesting spray.... Can I spray my entire car? (JK)
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02-08-2009, 04:14 PM	#11
E92-Lighting 889 Rep 35,253 Posts Drives: Next Generation LED Lighting Join Date: May 2008 Location: Walnut iTrader: (324)	interesting find
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02-11-2009, 04:48 AM	#12
JXYOO First Lieutenant 52 Rep 300 Posts Drives: E90 328i Jet Black Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: 714 Fullerton iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 328i [0.00]	i did this to my car. when it rains it won't but a carwash im not sure. i'm gonna try this on my trim soon. i'll post up pictures when i do
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02-23-2009, 10:48 PM	#13
MemphisRheins Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 06 330xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island/ Pennsylvania iTrader: (2)	So what is the verdict about the lifespan of this mod... Does it come off in Rain/Carwash?, much more tempting to do this then to buy another grill (hey, moneys tight) __________________ 2006 330xi 6MT, ZCW/ZPP/ZSP
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02-24-2009, 04:05 AM	#14
JXYOO First Lieutenant 52 Rep 300 Posts Drives: E90 328i Jet Black Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: 714 Fullerton iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 328i [0.00]	Doesn't come off in rain. like i said carwash im not sure but probably not. The colour fades i think or maybe it was my bad painting. its kinda hard to keep clean too.
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02-24-2009, 10:40 PM	#15
MemphisRheins Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 06 330xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island/ Pennsylvania iTrader: (2)	Did this tonight, looks good right now... so well see how it lasts up __________________ 2006 330xi 6MT, ZCW/ZPP/ZSP
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02-25-2009, 04:05 AM	#16
Luki Poland approaching... 24 Rep 264 Posts Drives: BMW F10 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Warsaw iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW F10 [0.00]	Only disadvantage is that when rocks hit this paint you will have silver spots on the grill __________________ F10, Styling 312, Eibach Pro Kit, Black Grill
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02-26-2009, 11:41 PM	#18
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 688 Rep 26,876 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	Damn I would have to see this in person but from the info and the pics this looks like an amazing and cheap DIY! Nice one man! Let us know how it holds up
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03-02-2009, 09:31 PM	#19
ska///235i ***** noob 1461 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	would like to see this spray on interior trims
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03-02-2009, 10:55 PM	#20
Jonny550 Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,936 Posts Drives: 2012 550i Xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (14)	if everyone is so worried about the paint wearing and chipping (including me) maybe clearcoat would do the job
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03-02-2009, 11:03 PM	#21
MemphisRheins Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 06 330xi Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island/ Pennsylvania iTrader: (2)	I did about 2 coats on it, i've put about 400-450 highway miles on it since I did this, and its holding up just fine __________________ 2006 330xi 6MT, ZCW/ZPP/ZSP
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03-03-2009, 12:06 AM	#22
koreez88 Всем привет ;) 152 Rep 3,358 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (12)	Let's just say, this will chip fast for a couple of reasons 1) You didn't apply enough layers 2) You applied the paint over the chrome without sanding it 3) You didn't use high durability spray paint (plasti-dip won't last long) I've personally used high thermal matte black paint that is used to paint headers (ultra durable, I've tried a bunch of them) I sanded the chrome parts prior to applying the coats I applied like bajillion coats It all lasted me about 20k miles, which isn't bad at all, considering that 90% of my driving is on highway with speeds over 70 mph. Only recently it started chipping a little bit.
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