Help Replicating OEM Lip/Skirt Texture Color

[Medusa5oh]

Well as the title suggests, I am trying to recreate the look of the OEM skirts/lip on an aftermarket lip. I had to import this lip all the way from Europe and unfortunately the lip only comes in a painted gloss black as the texture option has been discontinued. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match but I’m trying to recreate as much of an OEM look with this piece as possible and to me the gloss black looks “cheap” and also doesn’t match the rest of the cars skirt pieces. From some research I’ve done on various forums and YouTube, I’ve seen people say to use a matte truck liner style of paint, others have said to try the SEP texture products, and a few other recommendations. I’m just curious if anyone has any personal recommendations based on experience to get that non glossy, textured OEM plastic look. As I’ve said it doesn’t have to be perfectly matched, but close enough to look relatively natural alongside the rest of the OEM pieces. Thank you!

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[Snakebyte]

I added Scott Drake Rocker Splitters that had a glossy looking surface which made the skirts look darker as well. To match the color and texture of existing parts I used Rust-Oleum 12oz aerosol Multicolor Textured Aged Iron (P/N 223525). The lighter flakes seemed to rise to the top. When I lightly sanded the texture with about a 600 grit paper, the color matched perfect (Just enough to knock off the light speckles, but not lose the desired texture).

Realizing the Rustoleum is not overly durable as a top coat, I applied SprayMax 2k Urethane Clear Coat Matte (P/N 3680065).

 

[Medusa5oh]

I added Scott Drake Rocker Splitters that had a glossy looking surface which made the skirts look darker as well. To match the color and texture of existing parts I used Rust-Oleum 12oz aerosol Multicolor Textured Aged Iron (P/N 223525). The lighter flakes seemed to rise to the top. When I lightly sanded the texture with about a 600 grit paper, the color matched perfect (Just enough to knock off the light speckles, but not lose the desired texture).

Realizing the Rustoleum is not overly durable as a top coat, I applied SprayMax 2k Urethane Clear Coat Matte (P/N 3680065).

Good to see someone who had a similar idea to me and actually carried it out. I kept finding the opposite results in my research (someone trying to turn textured splitters to gloss black or even painting the OEM skirts gloss). Nothing against painted splitters but something that would make the aftermarket parts look like they came on the car from the factory would definitely help me maintain my clean look I’ve been going for. Do you happen to have anymore photos? The difference looks almost unrecognizable against the OEM skirts in that photo. Thanks again

 

[Snakebyte]

Good to see someone who had a similar idea to me and actually carried it out. I kept finding the opposite results in my research (someone trying to turn textured splitters to gloss black or even painting the OEM skirts gloss). Nothing against painted splitters but something that would make the aftermarket parts look like they came on the car from the factory would definitely help me maintain my clean look I’ve been going for. Do you happen to have anymore photos? The difference looks almost unrecognizable against the OEM skirts in that photo. Thanks again

I can try to take photos in the sunlight tomorrow, as I don't have any close-up pics currently.
BTW...I would also suggest a good surface prep, as those locations are vulnerable, and you don't want your paint peeling and chipping. I use a plastic adhesion promoter aerosol spray as well.

 

[Medusa5oh]

I can try to take photos in the sunlight tomorrow, as I don't have any close-up pics currently.
BTW...I would also suggest a good surface prep, as those locations are vulnerable, and you don't want your paint peeling and chipping. I use a plastic adhesion promoter aerosol spray as well.

Perfect, and I kinda figured even though you didn’t know that in your write up. Luckily my car isn’t a daily so it’s less prone to wear and tear, hence why I finally decided to do some skirt extensions and a lip, but I know things happen. Worst case it’s always easy to fix it every so often. I’d greatly appreciate anymore photos. I also plan to do it myself on a test piece just to have a real life example before I do all the work on the actual piece. Thank you!

 

[Snakebyte]

Here is a close-up. If you'll look closely you may see the white speckles. As I said earlier, I sanded lightly and it removed the more pronounced white specks (as they tended to rise to the surface). I'd like to reiterate to apply a durable matte clear. I learned that not all matte clear paints are created equal. The two I've had better luck with are the 2k SprayMax I mentioned earlier, and Dupli-color's Wheel Matte Clear.

 

[mavisky]

I used Raptor Liner spray on bed liner in a can for protecting my custom splitter. Not a perfect match, but not too far off. Would match better but the factory plastics aren't as black now as they were when they were brand new.

 

[WayneK]

Could have you painted over with flat or satin black paint to cover the white specks?

 

[Medusa5oh]

I used Raptor Liner spray on bed liner in a can for protecting my custom splitter. Not a perfect match, but not too far off. Would match better but the factory plastics aren't as black now as they were when they were brand new.

You’re right that’s not bad at all, and probably pretty durable since it’s meant for a truck bed. I’m shocked how close Snakebytes mixture of regular in store paint products came out. It’s near identical!

 

[Medusa5oh]

Here is a close-up. If you'll look closely you may see the white speckles. As I said earlier, I sanded lightly and it removed the more pronounced white specks (as they tended to rise to the surface). I'd like to reiterate to apply a durable matte clear. I learned that not all matte clear paints are created equal. The two I've had better luck with are the 2k SprayMax I mentioned earlier, and Dupli-color's Wheel Matte Clear.

Honestly shocked the mixture you were able to create with off the shelf products. It’s almost identical to the stock color and texture. I definitely think I’m going to go this way over the SEP products. The SEP stuff looks like it works good but it’s super expensive and you need a variety of there products in conjunction for it to work. It’s not even about the cost, because I’m willing to pay for something to be right, it’s more so that it looks like I can get my desired look better with what you used. Thanks again!

 

[Snakebyte]

Could have you painted over with flat or satin black paint to cover the white specks?

Sure I could have, but I was pleased with the visual match to the existing color. The problem with the OEM plastic parts is that they are not really black but a very dark charcoal color. And as @mavisky noted, the OEM plastic does fade over time as well.
Back to the light specks...They are quite small and I only see them when I'm a foot, maybe a foot and a half away at most. So to me it was a perfect color and texture match solution.

 

[Medusa5oh]

Sure I could have, but I was pleased with the visual match to the existing color. The problem with the OEM plastic parts is that they are not really black but a very dark charcoal color. And as @mavisky noted, the OEM plastic does fade over time as well.
Back to the light specks...They are quite small and I only see them when I'm a foot, maybe a foot and a half away at most. So to me it was a perfect color and texture match solution.

Good enough for when your car is out on the road and shows, which is all that matters to me. If someone comes around inspecting with a magnifying glass, then there is plenty of things for them to look for other then white speckles haha.

 

[Medusa5oh]

Here is a close-up. If you'll look closely you may see the white speckles. As I said earlier, I sanded lightly and it removed the more pronounced white specks (as they tended to rise to the surface). I'd like to reiterate to apply a durable matte clear. I learned that not all matte clear paints are created equal. The two I've had better luck with are the 2k SprayMax I mentioned earlier, and Dupli-color's Wheel Matte Clear.

I see you mentioned the 2 different clear coats you prefer. First, is this the right duplicolor clear? Secondly would you pick one over the other? I know the DC clear is half the price but that doesn’t mean it’s half the quality, so I figured id take your opinion before ordering. I’d imagine 1 12oz can should do the job for a front lip.

 

[Snakebyte]

I see you mentioned the 2 different clear coats you prefer. First, is this the right duplicolor clear? Secondly would you pick one over the other? I know the DC clear is half the price but that doesn’t mean it’s half the quality, so I figured id take your opinion before ordering. I’d imagine 1 12oz can should do the job for a front lip.

If I was not aware of the 2k option, I feel I would have been pleased with the Dupli-Color Wheel Matte Clear results.

Realizing my side splitter is more vulnerable as sticks out further from the car, and realizing that my wife's personality is on the other end of the OCD spectrum, I opted for the 2k.

 

[Medusa5oh]

If I was not aware of the 2k option, I feel I would have been pleased with the Dupli-Color Wheel Matte Clear results.

Realizing my side splitter is more vulnerable as sticks out further from the car, and realizing that my wife's personality is on the other end of the OCD spectrum, I opted for the 2k.

Alright I’ll be placing an order today hopefully to have the products by this weekend. Doesn’t seem any of this is carried locally to me besides the paint at Lowe’s/Depot. Trying to decide if 1 can of clear is more than enough considering it’s just the lip

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