I'm getting ready to paint the grill (not the chrome surround) black from a late-model W124.

Should it be Gloss Black like the rest of the wagon, or "Satin" Black ?

If the plastic is "TPO" (what is that?), Wurth has a special adhesion primer.

I was going to use Wurth Solvent-Clean, followed by the Wurth TPO adhesion primer, and then Wurth paint, either gloss black or satin black trim paint.

Any caveats, or another method?

Thanks,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I painted the plastic grill on my 190E without much fuss or muss. After removal, I preped it with Dawn dishwashing liquid to remove any grease and dirt. Dry. Light coat of enamel primer. Gloss black enamel paint (Krylon) with 2 coats. It is amazing how much paint you need to get all sides of the egg crating. At that point I stopped and was very happy with the results. Some have gone a step further and added a clear coat. Key tip is to use light full spray strokes to avoid drips or sags. I've driven with the grill for about 6 months with no chipping.

John (JCE) had his painted, and I think his is either satin black or flat black.

I have always liked the high gloss black better. The W210, W211, and W220 cars have a grill with a high gloss finish, and I like the way they look.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Neil,
When I did the 400E over with a new roof I also painted the grille to match, gloss. As new inserts are low cost, I went with a new one for ease of prep and age of plastic for less brittleness! I had the body shop paint it as they also threw in some 'flex agent' as you put on a flexible bumper to make it more chip/stone resistant.
If not in a hurry just drop one off and tell them to paint it whenever they do the next black repair, very common and no match problem.
Good luck,
Tobias MB
4 MBs

I like painting everything.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

If you don't use a special paint that resists cracking and chipping then you should put a clear coat over the top to provide additional protection.

Matt.

If you are giong to use a spray paint just be warned that rocks do a number on it. I spray painted mine and followed up with 2 clear coats. It has been almost half a year now and the paint has held up very strong, but there are 3-4 areas where rocks have cleared a section of paint. I just covered it up with a black permanent marker and then went over it with a quick swipe of black magic or the like and you can't tell the paint was ever chipped.

I used a bumper and trim paint on my grill insert, and front and rear bumper inserts,a satin black, over a year ago, and no signs of fading or chipping. I did prime the grill insert after removal for added protection, and it is still perfect. I feel the bumper and trim spray paint offers enough flexing agents, and goes on a touch thicker than conventional spray paint for this type application ( heat, direct sun, wind, sand, rocks, etc..)

FQ

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FAQ

W124
Sportline Swaybars
Bilstein HD Struts
16" E420 wheels