Refinishing OEM shadowlining

[GopherBrain]

So, I recently bought a decent, but not perfect, set of used 318is shadowlining. It's not the kind of thing I would put on my car as-is, but I figure it will give me a base to work with.

So, how do I go about fixing it? Do I just pretend it is regular trim and sand it up, prime it, and paint it? At worst, it should hold paint better than the chrome trim did on my first shadowline attempt. Is there a better solution? Does anyone have a secret to reconditioning without repainting (although there are some gouges I will have to touch up no matter what).

BTW, I have looked into powdercoating, and it is too expensive, so don't bother suggesting it.

Thanks.

[M42Technik]

...I'm thinking self-etch primer, SEM Trim spray. That is what most people have done when doing shadowlining.

I looked into if there was a mix from BMW to match the shadowline (along with other trim bits), but to no real avail.

I think thats your best bet though, just take your time doing it.

Or you could be REALLY crazy, and pay $700+ for brand new OEM shadowline from the dealer :giggle:

[Majikal]

just sand it and repsray it, if you're really worried about adhesion, use self-etch primer or if theres nicks to fill in, some high build primer. I used dupli-color textured paint, no primer necessary on my chrome trim, and it came out great, holds up fine.

[Jordan]

Do not sand it.
Do not apply self etching primer
Do not apply any primer.

Just wash the car as usual, and pay careful attention to the trim to get it very clean. Make sure you take off the mirrors and clean under there too.

Mask the car and rubber/glass off very well.

Go over the trim with a tack cloth.

Paint with SEM trim paint.