Paint or Vinyl

**slipstream** · 12-06-2006, 08:37 PM

I'm making my first set of kick panels and I can't decide on how to finish them. I had originally planned on finishing them off in vinyl but now I'm thinking that it won't look good with so many angles to the pods. But I'm also concerned that painting them will not be very durable being kicked/hit by getting into and out of the vehicle. I've never done this before so any advice or critiques on this is welcome.

**GoHybrid** · 12-07-2006, 12:57 AM

You're gonna need a ton more sanding before you can really think about painting it. If you want durability... why not try a rubberized undercoating or maybe a truck bed liner type finish? Automotive paint and clearcoat can actually take a decent beating though... i mean, think about how well it survives with all the elements, dirt and debris it usually encounters.

**slipstream** · 12-07-2006, 03:05 AM

That is the first sanding at 36 grit. I still have to put another layer of Rage Gold on it. If I cover in vinyl I was going to sand up to 220 grit and if I paint I was going to go 400 or 800 grit.

But I'd never thought of going with a rubberized coating. What will that look like?

**GoHybrid** · 12-07-2006, 04:21 AM

it depends on the way you apply it, but you could get very creative. In the most basic form it's a cheap spray can (maybe $2) that has something of a pebbly texture, and is extremely water resistant (especially good if it's raining and your boots are wet). I usually find such a can at walmart or your local megaloretailer.

Another idea I had was to check out companies like Devcon and Freeman Supply and find someone who sells a urethane casting compound, preferably in the Shore A 80-90 range and brush that on. Given time to self level it would make for an EXTREMELY tough barrier against moisture, scuffing, scratching and certainly denting. That would have a smooth texture and is available in at least black... other colors or dyes may be available.