DIY painted fenders flares on 2025 4Runner Trailhunter (Ice Cap) 6th Gen

[potato]

My 4Runner Trailhunter with DIY painted fender flares in case anyone's thought about color matching their fenders.

Process:

• Find color code for your 4Runner
• Buy aerosol spray can in this color
• Also buy 1 can of primer, 1 cans of 2k clear coat, 180 grit sanding paper, grease cleaner, adhesion promoter spray
• Remove fenders flares
• Sand until smooth > clean with degreaser > apply adhesion promoter > 2-3 coats of primer > 3-4 coats of paint > 3-4 coats of clear coat
• For reference / comparison: professional paint shop route will cost $800-1400 for a professional paint match spray

I don't know how the fender flares look up close, but looks decent at this distance. And a DIY paint match spray probably only looks OK with non-metallic colors like Ice Cap.

The front and rear valance were also painted black.

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[CMill4Runner]

Looks great! One thing to add to your list is you HAVE to wear a respirator with that 2k clear.

 

[odins_beer'd]

The color difference would drive me insane but to each their own.

I really don't understand why you would spend that much money on a vehicle and then cheap out on a significant aesthetic aspect.

It's like buying a beautiful house and furnishing it at goodwill

 

[potato]

I’ll answer any questions people have. I installed the ez fenders to retain some protection but I’ve gotten nothing but compliments about how nice the fenders look painted. Really gives it that aggressive wide look.

Love it!

 

[potato]

The color difference would drive me insane but to each their own.

I really don't understand why you would spend that much money on a vehicle and then cheap out on a significant aesthetic aspect.

It's like buying a beautiful house and furnishing it at goodwill

Got a few quotes and it was 1300-1500 to paint 6 flares. It was ridiculous.

What eased my mind was that the flares can be replaced easily. The color difference was much more noticeable when I first put them on. I don’t know if I got used to it or the sun made them match, but I don’t see a difference anymore.

Plus, it was a fun low risk project. Had a lot of fun with it and it turning out great is a big plus.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

I like it. Not a fan of the tac on contrasting black flares. IMO the black flares look increadably cheap. Nothing worse than seeing a new $100K pickup with tac on black abs fender flares. I get that the black is less apt to scratch, but they still look like

 

[odins_beer'd]

Got a few quotes and it was 1300-1500 to paint 6 flares. It was ridiculous.

What eased my mind was that the flares can be replaced easily. The color difference was much more noticeable when I first put them on. I don’t know if I got used to it or the sun made them match, but I don’t see a difference anymore.

Plus, it was a fun low risk project. Had a lot of fun with it and it turning out great is a big plus.

Yea I see what you mean, honestly you are right. After some normal wear and tear/grime you really won't know the difference.

 

[luisvinuya]

Got a few quotes and it was 1300-1500 to paint 6 flares. It was ridiculous.

What eased my mind was that the flares can be replaced easily. The color difference was much more noticeable when I first put them on. I don’t know if I got used to it or the sun made them match, but I don’t see a difference anymore.

Plus, it was a fun low risk project. Had a lot of fun with it and it turning out great is a big plus.

how many cans of spray cans did you used? thinking of doing this too

 

[potato]

how many cans of spray cans did you used? thinking of doing this too

1 can of primer
2 cans of paint (I only used 1, but these coats are more time sensitive so better safe than sorry)
1 can of clear

 

[luisvinuya]

1 can of primer
2 cans of paint (I only used 1, but these coats are more time sensitive so better safe than sorry)
1 can of clear

thanks for the response, are these for all 6 pieces flares? did you sand it?

 

[potato]

thanks for the response, are these for all 6 pieces flares? did you sand it?

Yes, but I forgot which grits I got. I just did two grits.

 

[luisvinuya]

Yes, but I forgot which grits I got. I just did two grits.

great! what brand of spray can did you use for the color match?

 

[Keroppi]

Saw @potato post these new photos of his Trailhunter with painted fender flares.

 

[potato]

Saw @potato post these new photos of his Trailhunter with painted fender flares.

LOL. I am hoping to see more people do this!!

 

[Maximus4R]

Did you add on extensions @potato ? If so, which ones?

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