Painting Front Trim - Help

[longms]

As my summer car is getting prepped to be put and will eventually be put away I wanted to finalize my winter/project car with some touching up of some front end pieces. The car is a 1991 318is in Alpine White and correct me if I am wrong but am pretty sure the paint code is 146? I guess I am looking for some guidance. I am not sure of the correct processes or products to use but I am guessing I need to do some sanding, some degreasing, some body filler, some sanding again, spray primer, spray color and then spray clear coat. I know to first tape off and cover everything that I don't want to be touched by the paint. I need some suggestions on process and products. I do not have a sprayer and will be using aerosol (I know this isn't the best way but what will help make this method work and look good?). Much thanks to everyone and here is what I am trying to do. Nothing major I promise. It is the white trim piece just beneath the headlights and the grill.



















I do want this to look good but am not expecting it to be perfect. A lot of work has gone into this car and I don't want to just do a half ass job. I know it isn't that bad but it is an eye sore for me to look at all the time. I will be throwing some SEM trim paint on the front pieces as well while they are off.

[nickmpower]

You will probably be better off just saying F it. Its going to be impossible to match. That is part of the valance, if you are so concerned about it you might just be better off finding a better condition one locally.

[DesktopDave]

I don't worry about the paint being a few shades off.  IIRC, Duplicolor white primer is a pretty close match for Alpine white.  At least it was on my E34.  It's matte, of course, but it'll keep the rust away.  Rust > touch-up paint.  You can do a really nice job for less than $40 in supplies.  You're really just prepping for the professional paint job the car will have down the road, right?

I'll give you some painting advice, (remember it's free, I'm no pro):
1. That Permatex rust-prep inhibitor works really well.  I usually spray 2-3 coats of that in 15 minute intervals(it's very runny but dries a transparent blackish).  Let that dry firmly 24 to 48 hours according to package directions.  That's what makes it work.  Alternatively, get some phosphoric acid or naval jelly (but they're a PITA).
2. Spray a coat or two of sandable primer.  That white primer is perfect for the Alpine White and it's decent stuff.  Just spray it about 12-18" away from the car for fairly even coverage.  Use very fine wet/dry sandpaper to smooth it out if you like.  Wet sanding with fine grade will make it very pretty but requires a lot of time & work.
3. If you find a top coat, give it a try.  Lacquer will work but isn't that tough.  I've heard great stuff about the two-part epoxies in a single spray can...but they're one-shot deals at >$20 a pop.  You can always spray it again, eh?  Please post if you try them, I'm interested in seeing the results.

[longms]

I am currently working on refreshing all of the black exterior trim and the plastic engine bay pieces now. Will post pics when I get around to doing this.

[E30 Luck]

I paint cars.. take the grill and headlights all out.. Also take the front bumper off... Prep it the right way dont half ass paint or it will look like crap.. Prep it good and mask it off good for best finish.. If your prep job isnt good then why bother even painting..

[eric13]

Yes I am also interested in the outcome.  I would like to paint the same area.  What is the best way to prep the area?

[92BMW318is]

Yes I am also interested in the outcome.  I would like to paint the same area.  What is the best way to prep the area?

Its good to sand blast the plastic and or metal with low grit sand (they also make little plastic beads that you can use to sand blast that wont wear away the metal once you get threw the paint dont sand blast panels the heat from the friction of the sand can warp the panels) or sand it down with a 50 grit sand paper then with a 80 grit sand paper. or else the paint wont adhear to the surface, and it will peal. they