High-end or luxury model cars have painted mirrors to match the entire vehicle, but others are often left unpainted with black plastic showing. The problem is that the plastic is dull and doesn't match the vehicle, even if the vehicle is black. Painting the plastic mirrors can improve the car's appearance.
Find the paint code to get the exact color of your car. You can find the paint code inside the door jamb or inside the glove compartment. Or, you can check with the car dealership selling the same type of car. Bring the paint code to an automotive paint shop or body shop and they can mix the exact color for you.
Remove the mirror from the car. Open the front door and use a flat head screw driver to remove the piece of plastic in the front corner of the door panel where the mirror attaches to the car. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the two or three nuts that hold the mirror to the car. Disconnect any wiring by unsnapping the connector where the wires meet. Wiring is only found on vehicles with heated or electric mirrors.
Cover the actual mirror glass with masking tape. Sand the entire plastic mirror housing with 400 grit sand paper. Sand until the plastic is smooth and scuffed. Sand the plastic again with 800 grit sand paper to smooth the scratches made by the 400 grit paper. Wipe the plastic with alcohol and a rag to remove dust and debris from sanding.
Place the wire around the bolts on the end of the mirrors. Wrap the wire tightly several times around each bolt. Tie the long end of the wire to a ladder, tree branch or structure in a well ventilated area. Spray a thin coat of primer on the sanded areas around the entire mirror. Go over the first coat with a slightly thicker second coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely.
Spray a thin coat of paint on each mirror. Before the first coat dries completely, apply a second and third thin coat of paint. Each coat should be applied while the existing coat is still tacky.
Apply three or four coats of clear coat paint. The coats should be thin and evenly sprayed. Allow the mirrors to dry completely before removing them from the hanging wire.
