Today in this step-by-step I will teach you the complete method to paint car emblems at home without taking your car to some expensive car paint shop.
This guide is solely based on my experience which I have gained through the course of years so it can be considered valid.

This guide is tried and tested method by my newbie friends and they have analyzed pretty good results after painting car emblems.
So, this guide is perfect for those beginners who wanted to do this work by their own selves.
Paint an emblem on your car and you can give your car a new personality. The process of painting an emblem on your car is straightforward but it needs the right approach.
This blog will look at what you can do to paint the emblem on your car and how you can get the best results.
Contents
- 1 How to paint car emblems?
- 2 Tools you need to paint car emblems
- 3 Remove the emblem
- 4 Sand the car emblem
- 5 Clean the emblems
- 6 Select paint for the emblem
- 7 Apply primer on the surface
- 8 Apply paint on car emblem
- 9 Installation process
- 10 What can I use to paint car emblems?
- 11 How long does Plasti Dip last on emblems?
- 12 How can I change the color of my car emblem?
- 13 How can I paint my car emblem black?
- 14 How do I change the color of my car emblem?
- 15 Is it better to paint or wrap a car?
- 16 FAQ’s of How to paint car emblems
- 17 Final thoughts on How to paint car emblems
How to paint car emblems?
Tools you need to paint car emblems
These are some tools that you need to paint your car emblems and you can achieve the best results out of your work with this guide.
Below listed are the tools which newbies must have in order to save themselves from creating mistakes.
- Spray gun
- paint
- Sand paper
- Primer
- Mineral spirit
- Emblem glue
- Painters tape
- Newspaper
- Gloves, respirator mask and goggles
- Protective gear
Remove the emblem
Removing the emblem on your car is easy. The first thing you have to do is remove the nuts that hold the emblem in place.
You can usually find bolt heads on some of these nuts so it makes them easy to find.
This can be a little tricky at times, but there are kits for sale at most auto parts stores that will help you get all of the nuts unscrewed and off quickly.
Once the nuts have been removed, use a flathead screwdriver or razor blade to gently pry loose the emblem.
There are sometimes clips holding the emblem in place so if you feel resistance while removing them, try wiggling back and forth a little bit until they give out.
If none of that works, use either a hair dryer or a heat gun to soften the glue on rubber emblems. Apply some pressure while doing this to peel off stuck-on emblems with ease!
Sand the car emblem
Prepare sandpaper with grit 240 and grade rubbing on the surface of the car emblem.
About the question of how to sand the car emblem surface before the painting process, there are basically two ways. Everyone can choose the way they like.
There is no doubt that the way I like is the mechanical way.
I know that the surface of the car emblem is smooth, but if you want to make it as smooth as possible before painting, you need to use sandpaper to rub it.
If your emblem is smooth chrome or painted, sand it with 220-grit sandpaper. This will give the paint something to adhere to.
Clean the emblems
You need to mix mineral spirits with a little water to create a cleaning solution. Take a clean cloth, dip it in the cleaning solution and wipe.
But the right thing to do is to remove the emblem. You can do this by using a screwdriver and unscrewing the clips holding each of the emblems at the back of the grill.
A little rubbing alcohol can also be added to your cleaning solution if you wish.
Make sure it is completely dried after cleaning it. This is to avoid any water spots and to improve the shine.

Clean and seal the emblem. You can clean up your emblem quickly by brushing it with some mineral spirits.
After doing this, use a lint-free, dry rag to wipe down the surface and make sure there are no mineral spirits left on it.
Select paint for the emblem
The best kinds of paint to use on car emblems are paints designed specifically for this task.
You can buy paints that are specially made for plastic surfaces, as these come with different formulas and additives that will help the paint adhere to plastic and last longer.
You can even buy paint that is already clear.
Special paints for plastic surfaces will likely be more expensive than regular paints for metal or wood.
Apply primer on the surface
There are many ways to apply primer on a car emblem surface, but here are a few suggestions: You can start by using a paint roller to apply the primer onto the surface.
Make sure to coat the entire surface with the primer, including the car emblem.
Let the primer dry for a few hours and then use spray paint to paint over the surface. This is one of the easiest ways to apply primer on a car emblem surface. You can also use a brush to apply the primer onto the surface.
Make sure to let the primer dry for a few hours and then use spray paint to paint over the surface. It’s a good idea to try to cover the entire surface with primer, including the car emblem.
If you want to make your car emblem stand out more, feel free to use a brush to apply extra primer to the car emblem.
Wait for the primer to dry and then use spray paint to paint over the surface. This is a great way to apply primer on a car emblem surface.
Apply primer to your emblem surface. Two or three coats of primer should do the trick. After the primer dries for about a minute, you can apply more coats.
Let each coat of primer dry for at least an hour before you sand it down and start over again.
Apply paint on car emblem
Firstly, it is important to apply a coat or two of color in order to get rid of any blemishes on the surface. Let the paint dry for at least a minute or two before applying a second or third coat.
It is also advisable to let the finished product hang out for several hours, if not all night, to make sure that the paint has dried up sufficiently.
Method for plastic and metal emblems:
It all depends on the material of your car’s emblem. If it is made of plastic, then you can use a regular brush because plastic is usually paintable.
You would want to use an artist’s brush to get a smooth and even coat.
When you are done, let it dry for the recommended amount of time, and then gently rub the emblem in a circular motion with a very soft cloth to remove any paint buildup.
If it is made of metal, you can use special paint.
You can borrow or rent a spray gun at an auto paint store. Use an enamel paint or lacquer.
You will want to use an artist’s brush to get a smooth and even coat. Also, it is important to let the paint dry for the recommended amount of time.
You don’t want it to be wet when you put it back in your car. When you are done, gently rub the emblem in a circular motion with a very soft cloth to remove any paint buildup.
Installation process
You should clean the area you plan on installing your emblem with alcohol.
Or mineral spirits in order to provide a clean surface and help coat the area so the emblem adheres better.
Glue the emblem to the car using a small amount of glue on the back of the emblem.
Press the emblem firmly onto the body for about three to five minutes using your hands until it affixes itself firmly to your car.
What can I use to paint car emblems?
You can use a variety of paints to paint car emblems, including spray paint, acrylic paint, or automotive paint.
Before painting the emblem, you will need to prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly and sanding it lightly to rough it up the surface.
This will help the paint adhere better. When applying the paint, make sure to use thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs.
Allow the paint to dry completely between coats, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
It’s also a good idea to use a clear coat over the paint to protect it from the elements and give it a glossy finish.
How long does Plasti Dip last on emblems?
Plasti Dip is a rubber coating that can be used to protect and customize car emblems, as well as other car parts.
When applied correctly, Plasti Dip can last for several months to a couple of years on emblems, depending on the conditions in which the vehicle is driven.
Some factors that can affect the lifespan of Plasti Dip on emblems include the quality of the Plasti Dip.
The surface preparation before application, the thickness of the coating, and the weather conditions the vehicle are exposed to.
To get the best results and longest-lasting finish, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying Plasti Dip, and consider applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
How can I change the color of my car emblem?
There are a few different ways you can change the color of your car emblem:
- Painting: You can use spray paint, acrylic paint, or automotive paint to change the color of your car emblem. Before painting the emblem, be sure to clean it thoroughly and sand it lightly to rough up the surface. This will help the paint adhere better. When applying the paint, use thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs, and allow the paint to dry completely between coats.
- Wrapping: You can also use a vinyl wrap to change the color of your car emblem. Vinyl wraps are sheets of vinyl that are cut to fit over the emblem and then heated to conform to its shape. Wrapping an emblem is a relatively easy process, and the vinyl can be removed at a later date without damaging the original finish.
- Plasti Dip: Plasti Dip is a rubber coating that can be sprayed onto the emblem to change its color. Plasti Dip is a temporary solution and can be easily peeled off when you want to return the emblem to its original color.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish.
How can I paint my car emblem black?
To paint your car emblem black, you will need to follow these steps:
- Clean the emblem: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the emblem to remove any dirt, grime, or debris that could interfere with the paint. Use a mild detergent and water to scrub the emblem, then rinse it off and let it dry completely.
- Sand the emblem: Next, lightly sand the emblem to rough up the surface. This will help the paint adhere better.
- Mask off the surrounding area: Use masking tape and paper to protect the surrounding area of the car from overspray.
- Prime the emblem: Apply a thin coat of primer to the emblem. This will help the paint adhere better and give it a smooth, even finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the black paint: Once the primer is dry, apply thin, even coats of black paint to the emblem. Use a back-and-forth motion to ensure even coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
- Apply a clear coat: Once the final coat of black paint has dried, apply a clear coat to the emblem. This will help protect the paint and give it a glossy finish. Allow the clear coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove the masking tape: Once the clear coat is dry, carefully remove the masking tape and paper from the surrounding area.
If you follow these steps and allow the paint to dry completely between coats, you should be able to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your car emblem.
How do I change the color of my car emblem?
To change the color of your car emblem, you can follow these steps:
- Clean the emblem thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime.
- Sand down the emblem surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.
- Apply a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces to the emblem.
- Paint the emblem with a color of your choice, using plastic spray paint.
- Apply a clear coat to protect the paint and provide a glossy finish.
Note: It’s recommended to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area before painting the entire emblem to ensure compatibility and desired color.
Is it better to paint or wrap a car?
The choice between painting and wrapping a car depends on personal preference and specific needs. Here are some advantages of each option:
Painting:
- Offers a more permanent solution as the paint will not fade, peel or need to be replaced over time
- Provides a smoother and more uniform finish for the entire car
- Offers a wider range of color options compared to wrap films
Wrapping:
- Protects the original paint from damage, as the wrap acts as a protective layer
- Can be easily removed if desired, returning the car to its original paint job
- Allows for more creativity with patterns, textures, and designs
- Often more cost-effective compared to a full paint job
Ultimately, the choice between painting and wrapping a car will depend on your personal preferences and the desired outcome for your vehicle.
FAQ’s of How to paint car emblems
Final thoughts on How to paint car emblems
We hope you enjoyed our blog on how to paint car emblems. The process is not too complicated, but it is very important to make sure you choose the right paint for the job.
When you’re out at the store, make sure to get high-quality automotive paint and clearcoat for the best results.
With that in mind, don’t be intimidated by the process, you can paint car emblems in your garage with some pretty good results on the emblem surface.
If you have any questions regarding this post then let us know in the comments section.

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.