Paint Lewmar Opening Port Trim Ring?

[WTunnessen]

Has anyone tried painting the plastic trim rings on the Lewmar opening ports? Mine are circa 198? and while not cracked or damaged, are yellowing and getting brittle. Been wondering if painting them could help improve their looks and also provide some protection to the aging plastic. There are aftermarket plastic trim paints sold for automobiles which seem like they could work.

[Noah]

Having a set of those intact is like finding the Holy Grail. I would guess plastic trim paint would work. Try it on the back of one first?

[dfloeter]

Yes.  I used a slightly off white Krylon last winter and it has held up well.  The trim pieces were ugly and yellow.  Not any longer. 

[KWKloeber]

@wt

It depends on the type plastic they are.  Auto trim plastic is meant to be color matched do it "paintable" plastics.  I've had some (a lot) personal experience (trying, failing, successfully)painting plastics. Without getting into the type of surfaces and polymer chains and other weeds, it's best to treat all plastics as they "cant" be painted so the surface structure has to be modified.

The "fusion" paints don't work well on many plastics. Believe me, I've used them and the paint just peels off in sheets. its very suitable for paintable plastic.

* The best way is to flash flame treat it (propane torch) to modify the polymer chains - I do that on nearly all plastics. ***
* Light sand 200 grit to introduce some "bite."
* Solvent wipe (further modifies the polymer chains)
* Prime with Rustoleum Plastic Primer (Lowe's, etc.)
https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/specialty/plastic-primer-spray/
* Finish coat to your choice of product.

*** If you don't know the method I can explain further.

[Paulus]

i used the same paint(off white Krylon) as dfloeter and they have stood up extremely well.  I painted the trim at least 6 years ago.  Still looking good. No problems with peeling or flaking.
Paul
PS:  Noah, my set is still intact

[KWKloeber]

Paul

Do you or anyone know what material (type plastic) they are?

[Paulus]

No, not really.
Paul

[WBev]

Just a thought - I was going to try the painting thing, took them off and the Admiral liked the aluminum frames.  I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

[waughoo]

I have had mine off with just the silver ring for a long time.  I think I'd prefer the trim rings if they stayed in place and werent yellowed and cracked, but the silver ring look has grown on me.

[karista]

I painted all of mine about 6 years ago. They still look like new. First cleaned them well, then used  Rust-Oleum ULTRA COVER Satin Ivory Silk spray paint made to bond to Plastic. This was an exact color match and still looks like new with no fading or peeling.