Which SEM Adhesion Promoter?

[SSTJ]

Looks like SEM has three options. I don't see any straightforward compare-and-contrast info on their site. Any guidance on when to use which? Any positive or negative experiences with any of them?

I'm thinking about using the XXX since it sounds like it has the widest applications, and I'm not a pro needing the minor improvements provided by a different rattle can for each little job.

I think that @Moab use the Plastic Adhesion Promoter over here.

UPDATES:

• Plastic Adhesion and XXX Adhesion sound almost identical. Spec sheets both say they are "excellent on olefin based plastics". They both "seal substrates and increase adhesion of top coat materials to a wide variety of raw plastics" and are encouraged for "topcoat with most refinish products".
• Sand Free, on the other hand, "softens ABS, PVC and similar plastics to promote adhesion" and "works on ABS, PVC and similar plastics" via a "wet-on-wet application [that] melts color into substrate". Says it is "perfect for interior plastic parts".
• HOWEVER, I ordered some XXX and the front of the can says "Improves adhesion to plastics, aluminum, steel, glass, chrome, and painted surfaces." So apparently it is indeed intended for more general application than the Plastic Adhesion.

ANSWER: See here for SEM's answer, "Step 3".

 

[Jamey412]

I recently repainted my interior and used the plastic adhesion promoter. I also used their plastic and leather prep beforehand. I included the link below.

I washed with soap and water scrubbed with a scotch bright pad, used the plastic and leather prep with a microfiber clothes, then applied 2 coats of the plastic adhesion promoter, then applied several coats over the paint. I’m really happy with the way it turned out. I have a 99 Sahara with camel interior and used light oak and graphite paints.

https://semproducts.com/product/plastic-leather-prep

 

[Moab]

I have only used XXX on flares and other plastics. I did not get anything to stick to my flares. Everything else was fine. I think XXX is only for plastic. Primer is fine for metal.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I used the XXX when I painted my half door inner panels. Worked good, no issues.

 

[L J]

I used the sand free on my interior color change with great results.

 

[SSTJ]

I have only used XXX on flares and other plastics. I did not get anything to stick to my flares. Everything else was fine. I think XXX is only for plastic. Primer is fine for metal.

Thanks. So are you saying that the XXX did or did not work on your flares?

 

[SSTJ]

I used the sand free on my interior color change with great results.

View attachment 477934

Ok, so maybe I'll use Sand Free whenever doing interior parts.

 

[CreepinDeth]

Ive had bad luck with SEM adhesion and easy scratches afterwards chippin down to the core color

 

[SSTJ]

Interesting that I can't see any difference between Plastic Adhesion and XXX Adhesion in their spec sheets. Updated the original post to show.

 

[SSTJ]

I think XXX is only for plastic. Primer is fine for metal.

Yea, I see that now in the spec sheet. Other sites describe XXX as working on a wider range of materials.

 

[SSTJ]

Yea, I see that now in the spec sheet. Other sites describe XXX as working on a wider range of materials.

@Moab I updated the original post with what I learned about XXX being designed for a wider range of materials than just plastic.

 

[Moab]

Thanks. So are you saying that the XXX did or did not work on your flares?

No it did not. And neither did dye.

Both xxx and dye have worked well on every other thing I've used it on.

To be fair my flares were bad. Literally a bright blue from sun damage. But I did read somewhere that they may be nylon. Or some other material.

Interestingly enough. I tried another trim paint on my 2012 JKU flares. And that did not hold either on the flares. But it did hold everywhere else. Bumpers, side mirrors, door handles etc.

Same on my TJ. Only the flares did not hold paint or dye. So I know my prep is good. As XXX held everywhere else.

 

[Moab]

Ive had bad luck with SEM adhesion and easy scratches afterwards chippin down to the core color

Thats what happened on my flares. I sanded like three times. Wiped with either alcohol or acetone iirc. Sprayed adhesion promotor, wiped again and painted 3 or 4 light coats. And it eventually just chipped off and had a very weak adhesion.

Also keep in mind you HAVE to follow the directions on the can. Of the adhesion promotor and paint. You can't let it dry overnight between coats. I think its like a couple hours between coats. @Jerry Bransford pointed this out in another thread. Each paint has sometimes very different directions. And if you don't follow them you aren't going to get full results.

 

[Moab]

@Moab I updated the original post with what I learned about XXX being designed for a wider range of materials than just plastic.

Thank you very much.

I don't recall if I mentioned it. But SEM Landau Black is the best match of any paint to the TJ Agate color. For charcoal interiors.

 

[SSTJ]

Thank you very much.

I don't recall if I mentioned it. But SEM Landau Black is the best match of any paint to the TJ Agate color. For charcoal interiors.

Yep, I use Landau Black on all my black parts, both interior and exterior.

 

[Moab]

The weird thing is I tried Shine Supply Trim Paint on my 2012 JKU. As it has excellent results in long term tests on youtube. I prepped the entire Jeeps exterior trim. It turned out incredible on everything - bumpers, side mirrors, hood latches, hood rubber, door handles. And us wearing very well. And not fading.

Except the flares. It comes off the flares with a plastic brush or even a piece of green 3m trim tape. It just lifts right off. And I did the same prep on the entire trim.

Makes me wonder if Jeep flares are just made out of some weird plastic. Every other piece of trim looks better than original. Except the damn flares.

 

[P man]

Painting old flares is a good way to waste time and materials.

 

[Moab]

Painting old flares is a good way to waste time and materials.

So many guys claim great results with even krylon and bedliner. But I ended up just buying new flares.

 

[P man]

So many guys claim great results with even krylon and bedliner. But I ended up just buying new flares.

I have never, ever seen someone paint old flares and have it hold up for any amount of time. I have better things to do than prep and paint old plastic that's just going to flake and peel. Plus what you spend for paint, primer etc you are probably close to a new set of flares. Just my .02

 

[Moab]

I have never, ever seen someone paint old flares and have it hold up for any amount of time. I have better things to do than prep and paint old plastic that's just going to flake and peel. Plus what you spend for paint, primer etc you are probably close to a new set of flares. Just my .02

Don't get me wrong. I'm in agreement. But there are literally dozens of posts on here about positive results painting faded flares. And very few fails.