to spray or not to spray that is the question?

Hi All,

I have a 98 V8i Automatic Discovery and the paintwork on the bonnett has started to look a bit of a mess.

The problem is that the laquer is peeling all over the front of the bonnett and the lettering that spells LAND ROVER has started to come off and it just doesnt look right at all.

So my question is do I sand off the old paint down to the metal and re prime it all and re paint it all I mean the entire bonnett, or is there any way of taking off the old lettering and doing something with the peeling laquer.

Thanks very much

John

Loads of info on the www here's a link to start you off paint removal | paint removal solutions | how to remove auto paint | auto media blasting | paint stripping

A warm hair drier will help lift the Land Rover lettering.

if the lacquer is peeling then the bonnet has been painted before, which means the whole bonnet could be affected and could peel at a later date. bear this in mind when prepping for paint as you could find in 6 months that all the paint you put on is peeling due to its base not adhering properly to the bonnet.

also bear in mind that the bonnet (and roof) are the hardest parts of a car to paint - large flat panels show up EVERY imperfection in the paint. also the colour will have to be a very good match due to the amount of area where the bonnet meets the wing tops. also the bonnet is the main part of the car to hit by stones, flies, and anything else that gets flicked up from the road. therefore the paint will need to be well keyed to make sure it doesnt peel off again in 6 months (or less if cheap paint is used!!)

if possible remove the bonnet from the car and hang it up to spray it, tryin to spray it while its flat on the car will leave it open to all kinds of contaminants landing in it and ruining the finish. also it'll be easier for you to see what your doing head on as opposed to having to lean over the bonnet.

Thanks for the advise lads, I have just found a local place who said that they can mix me some paint that will match for £25.00 for 1/2 a litre, I will have a go at doing it my-self and if it goes tits up I will have to let a pro do it, but I have done bits before like the wheel arches and they look pretty good so I think I should do ok.

Thanks again

John