Repaint or replace faded wiper arm?

[1 SX]

This should be an easy cosmetic fix on the Kia…
Could I repaint this arm or should I just replace them to have it match the driver side one? What kind of paint would I use to have it match and not look glossy or anything like that? They are about 80$ for both oem wiper arms… seems kind of steep for a cosmetic issue lol

Anyone about to cross the same bridge as I’m about to cross here? How was your outcome and what did you do?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[CharBaby]

Personally, I wouldn't buy new ones. I've always just painted mine with a flat black paint. I didn't get too picky and I didn't pull them off of the vehicle. You can but I didn't. I used a tiny sponge brush with some flat black paint. I have bags of these things.

https://www.amazon.com/LOVEDAY-Rectangle-Cleaning-Solvent-Equipment/dp/B01HQAU7F4/ref=asc_df_B01HQAU7F4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198093803032&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13884561059527360953&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005666&hvtargid=pla-320968516228&psc=1

However, if you want to do a nice job, pull'em off, sand'em & repaint'em with a spray can of your choice.

 

[MParr]

Paint both at the same time. Use a flat black paint.

 

[billt460]

Out here the high Summer temperatures do a number on the flat black paint. The result is much like yours. I just sprayed them with this. They've looked fine ever since. Don't worry, you'll never exceed the heat rating.

https://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/high-heat-paint/p/vht-flat-black-flameproof-high-heat-paint-11oz/509746_0_0

 

[wpod]

Why worry about it.

 

[zzyzzx]

Repaint.

 

[Kira]

I used Rustoleum Rust Converter which dries black then finished with flat paint.

I did the same with seat hardware in Sis' Jeep which had rusted. It made the interior look great, believe it or not.
Black is better than rust.

 

[PF52]

I've painted them in the past using Rustoleum "BBQ Grille" black paint.... It's a semi-gloss which I find matches the OEM better than flat paint does.

 

[Vil_Riker]

Repaint. When I had Hondas, they all had this issue and I would remove, sand, prime and repaint with a Rustoleum rattle can.

 

[Marcozi]

Out here the high Summer temperatures do a number on the flat black paint. The result is much like yours. I just sprayed them with this. They've looked fine ever since. Don't worry, you'll never exceed the heat rating.

https://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/high-heat-paint/p/vht-flat-black-flameproof-high-heat-paint-11oz/509746_0_0

And PO will get an additional 50hp form the engine!!! /s

 

[hrv]

www.eastwood.com Has auto black trim paint in a spray can....Have used it in the past and works great....

 

[DwightFrye]

I once owned a Mazda RX-7 that the wiper arms were anodized and looked very worn after a just few years, I pulled them off, lightly sanded them and used a flat black high temperature BBQ or exhaust system spray paint, They turned out great and held up for a few more years until I sold the car.

 

[dkryan]

Is it the “quality” of the OEM part that results in one needing to repaint or is it weather related wear and tear?

Would applying a clearcoat after repainting prevent this from re-occurring?

 

[NDL]

I can't recommend this enough:

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-BlackRust-Oleum-Automotive-251574-11-Ounce/dp/B005H5P5C6?th=1

It requires very little prep work, very little finishing work, it looks great, is durable, and it's inexpensive. It's one of the best paint products I have ever used.

 

[PF52]

Is it the “quality” of the OEM part that results in one needing to repaint or is it weather related wear and tear?

Would applying a clearcoat after repainting prevent this from re-occurring?

I tend to think they get kind of "sandblasted" while driving..... It's super common.

 

[dubber09]

I'd take them off and spray paint them with Tremclad flat black.

 

[Nick1994]

I wouldn't use Rustoleum Flat black, it fades to light gray really bad. I'd use the Rustoleum Professional High Performance Enamel.

 

[AZjeff]

Why worry about it.

If the rest of the car looks good why not? Nothing wrong with maintaining the appearance. Looks like the plastic cowl piece could use some 303 or whatever too.

 

[Dadillac]

Little things like that really bother me too. I would replace them.

Don

 

[FordMan59]

If you're worried about them matching remove both wiper arms, sand them and give them both a rattle can paint job. Personally I'd probably use a flat black.