I am going to restore my flares and am thinking for some reason the rubicon flares look glossier than the standard flares. What is the best thing to make them look like they did when new? Also what is the best filler for deeper imperfections that are too deep to sand out?
Best paint for Rubicon fender flares?
- Thread starter dale5150
- Start date
I can't say what the best route would be, but I recently painted mine with SEM Hot Rod Black. It's a three-part mix of paint, reducer, and hardener.
https://www.semproducts.com/product/hot-rod-black-kit/kit
As far as the factory look, I had the same thinking as you. With there being so many variations of black paint out there, and limited black colors used by most, it's been tough to pinpoint the closest match.
Here's mine with the hot rod black. I sprayed it in such a way to try getting a semi gloss. The downside to this paint is that it doesn't come in a rattle can. But, by it being a HVLP spraying process, it gives you freedom to make it have a flatter finish, without losing longevity like you would with rattle can paint.
https://www.semproducts.com/product/hot-rod-black-kit/kit
As far as the factory look, I had the same thinking as you. With there being so many variations of black paint out there, and limited black colors used by most, it's been tough to pinpoint the closest match.
Here's mine with the hot rod black. I sprayed it in such a way to try getting a semi gloss. The downside to this paint is that it doesn't come in a rattle can. But, by it being a HVLP spraying process, it gives you freedom to make it have a flatter finish, without losing longevity like you would with rattle can paint.
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SEM Landau Black is IMHO the closest match you can get to the stock fender flares, yes. Also use some SEM low luster clear coat over the top of it as well. The end result will look like brand new.
I can say that the deep black color of this SEM Hot Rod Black and the Rust-Oleum black is/was a darker black than what I see in old pictures with my unfaded flares, so I can see how Landau would fit the need.
I am going to be refinishing a set of older Rubicon flares. I will be filling and sanding some gouges and then going to use SEM Landau with a Low Luster finish. I might also try some Krylon Semi-Flat for comparison. I also have some brand new Rubicon flares which I’ll post some colour comparison pictures.
I just did mine a couple weeks ago using SEM Landau Black and low luster clear and they turned out great. They ended up looking just like I remembered my old LJR flares back when it was new.
Does that mean you have an extra set? I've been looking for two months with no success. Would you like to sell them?
I use rustoleum camouflage black on a set of rear Sahara painted flares only rubicon....easy touch up
How many cans of SEM Landau and low luster would you recommend for all 4 fenders and the sway bar cover? May paint up the flares this month while the LJ is in the body shop
8 of the paint and 6 of the clear coat. This is accounting for multiple coats.
How may coats did you put on the flares? I did mine with 2 cans of each, multiple coats on all 4 flares and 2 extensions.
I must have gone light then, I got 3 coats of color and 3 coats of clear on all 6 pieces out of 2 color cans and 2 clear cans lol
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
I've got a set of Sahara black (rear only) flares. They're in really good condition. Should I sand them completely down, or just scuff? Wanting the Rubicon finish.
The goal is to have a nice (complete) set to put on after I'm done with wheeling it. Too late to save the originals.
The goal is to have a nice (complete) set to put on after I'm done with wheeling it. Too late to save the originals.
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