Can I Paint A Mirror Cover Myself? Pros & Cons

If you’ve purchased an unpainted mirror cover or need to replace a damaged one, you might be asking yourself if you can paint it yourself.
At first glance, it seems simple enough — buy the right paint, give it a few coats, and you’re good to go. But is it really that straightforward?

In this post, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of painting a mirror cover yourself, so you can decide what’s right for you and your car.

Let’s start with advantages!

 

✅ The Advantages of DIY Painting Wing Mirror Covers

Cost Savings
Painting the part yourself is certainly cheaper upfront. A few spray cans from a local shop or online retailer will cost less than our professional service.

⏱ You’re in Control of the Timing
DIY gives you flexibility — no waiting for bookings or shipping. If you have the part and the materials, you can start whenever you’re ready.

Satisfaction from Doing It Yourself
If you enjoy working on your car, there’s a sense of accomplishment in completing the job yourself. It can be a rewarding experience if it goes well.

 

❌ The Disadvantages of DIY Painting

Colour Matching Isn’t Always Accurate
Even if you know your car’s exact paint code, getting a true match with off-the-shelf spray paint can be difficult. Paint fades over time, and differences in application can cause a mismatch — especially noticeable on smaller parts like wing mirrors.

Achieving a Smooth Finish is Challenging
Professional results require careful prep work, consistent spraying, and proper drying times. DIY paint jobs often suffer from issues like orange peel texture, runs, dust particles, or uneven gloss.
In some cases, also, a mirror cover may need to be primed before you begin the process. This requires sanding down the mirror cover to ensure that the wing mirror cover is prepared properly for coats of paint.

Durability Can Be an Issue
Without professional-grade primers, topcoats, and UV protection, DIY finishes are more likely to chip, fade, or peel — especially when exposed to sun, rain, or road salt.

It Takes Time and Can Be Messy
Even for a small part like a mirror cover, painting takes time. There’s sanding, cleaning, priming, multiple coats of paint, and clear coat — plus time between each step. Not to mention the mess (and strong fumes) if done in an unsuitable environment.

 

When DIY Might Be The Right Option

• You’re working on an older vehicle and don’t want or need a perfect match.

• You’ve painted car parts before and have the right space and tools.

• You’re looking for a temporary fix and don’t mind imperfections.

Why Many People Choose A Professional Finish

When customers come to us, they’re usually looking for:

• Accurate colour matching using official paint codes and blending techniques.

• A smooth, glossy finish that looks like it came from the factory.

• Long-term durability thanks to professional clear coats and UV protection.

• Convenience — the part arrives painted, ready to fit, and done right the first time.

• Compatibility Assurance – We ensure that your wing mirror cover is correct at the time of purchase, avoiding the risk of buying the incorrect wing mirror cover. In some cases, wing mirror covers have variants dependant on what type of wing mirror indicator you have, or if you have lane assist for example.

A professional service saves time, avoids mistakes, and gives your vehicle a seamless, high-quality result.

So, Is DIY Painting Worth It?

DIY painting is possible, and in some situations, it may be the right choice. But if you want a flawless finish, a perfect colour match, and lasting durability — it’s worth considering a professional service like us.

At Online Painted Parts, we specialise in painting mirror covers, towing eye covers, and full mirror units to your car’s exact colour specification. Each item is painted in-house using high-quality automotive paint and clear coat — so it’s ready to fit and built to last.

Need help? Contact us or browse our range — we’re here to make it easy.