Rear Spoiler - Faded

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Spenny, Jun 3, 2025 at 10:34 AM.

  1. Spenny

    Spenny Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2013
    86
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    What's the best option for refreshing the rear spoiler? Just removing it and painting it? I've tried polishing it and coating it, looked slightly better but its been a year and I think I just need to paint it.

    Any suggestions on paints? Usually my go to would be a Rustoleum spray can in black and clearcoat. I assume gloss?
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    11,938
    2,109
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I guess but the Rust-Oleum and the clear is going to go about a year and be ugly. The sun bears that spoiler top . Sanding masking and get a real shop to shoot in place . And use real new urethane on it 5 yr lasting job or best chance of it . Spray cans do not have the quality esters and all that crap that makes it cost 100 bux a quart.you ever smell real coating for this work ? You won't forget it . If you wear a mask to spray paint at home . With these chems I'm talking about you will require a suit . You will think it's instant death
     
  3. Spenny

    Spenny Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2013
    86
    28
    0
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I can probably get the 2k stuff from auto zone, that is better quality, the black and the clear. I've used it on other vehicles.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    11,938
    2,109
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    As long as you're happy with it buddy it's yours and you're doing the work
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,692
    40,421
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Get a few body shop quotes, say for bringing in just the spoiler?
     
  6. bennettlyle

    bennettlyle New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2025
    8
    1
    0
    Location:
    United states
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I did the same thing the first year, used Rustoleum matte black. Looked decent at first, but within a year it started to fade, especially on the roof section that gets hit by sun all the time. Now it looks like a patch job. If you want it to actually last a few years without messing with it again, it’s probably smarter to just get it done at a paint shop. Saves you from having to redo it every year, it’s more hassle in the long run.