koolchaits

I recently got myself a 2011 RDX with AWD + Tech and Palladium Metallic exterior/Taupe interior. I was a little hesitant on getting this one, as the grill and the fog lights housing don't really stand out on palladium metallic - if you know what I mean, but I did go ahead and buy as it was the only 2011 the lot had, and also the only 2011 in any near-by dealership.

I was wondering if there are others out there who feel the same about the palladium metallic, and anyone tried to make their RDX stand out a little more through any accents or decals.

jcl78

We had a Palladium loaner while they prepped ours when we bought it, I think it looks nice. You are right, the grille def blends in much more than all the other colors. Maybe just tint it with some nice grade 25 - 30%. The only drastic change you could make are some different wheels, maybe in gunmetal grey.

MMike1981

many folks, and dealers, painted the grilles black or color-matched them. Not sure if that will get it to stand out, but at least it would be different than others.

CreoUCLA

I actually prefer that the silver accents are less noticeable on Palladium Metallic, but as MMike1981 states, you can probably mask them off and paint them black.

If you want to apply a finish that is also easily reversible, use Plastidip instead of paint;

http://www.dipyourcar.com/

koolchaits

Thanks for the suggestions, jcl78, MMike1981 and CreoUCLA.

I guess tinting, or painting the grill black (or any other matching dark shade) would look nice. Creo, I will definitely check out dipyourcar.com!

koolchaits

The PlastiDips looks promising - I looked up a l'l bit, and found out some TSX owners on AcuraZine applied plasti-dip on their grills to color-match their exterior colors, and the outcome seemed decent - although I would rather go for some contrasting shade. On one of the other forums, I have even seen this guy who actually plasti-dipped his S4 (the entire exterior) to black, and then later to white - that was amazing!

Now I wish I had a garage, although I think I could pull of plasti-dipping the grill without one - I will probably gotta wait until the winter is over (or, if I get lucky, a warm day)! How do you guys think the gunmetal grey or red (I wish there was a darker shade in red) would look? Also, do the rims go together, or is it better to leave 'em alone?

CreoUCLA

Yeah, Fonzie on Audizine.com is the one who has Plastidipped his S4 black/white/etc., and is the one who started dipyourcar.com.

I've only used the red to replace a pot handle that was falling apart (worked perfectly!), but intend to use the clear spray to turn the chrome badges on my S4 to more of a brushed silver look (to match the mirrors and window trim). It applies just like regular paint, but it's benefit is that you can peel it off to leave the original surface unharmed.

I'll post some photos of the badges once I get around to it (and I've been thinking about blacking out the badges on the RDX as well).

koolchaits

Yeah, I prefer something not permanent, and the other benefit is the plasti dip also protects the surface beneath. I think I will give it a shot with the gunmetal grey grill, but it might take a while. Will post the pics when I get the work done.

Boostin'

I have a Palladium and I kinda like that the grill trim doesn't stick out so much. That plus the fact it's an easy colour to keep clean LOL

EL_PIC

I think Palladium and other similar silver colors are good for not showing dirt but a bit too common in this auto world.
I went the richer more contrasty Griego but admit it takes a bit more to keep clean {much better than black tho}.
I would not use decals but selective black paint will make it stand out and popular at Oakland Raider games.

CreoUCLA

The http://www.dipyourcar.com/ site has tutorial videos too.

koolchaits

Of course, it's to each their own individual preference - some people like to make their rides blend-in, while others like to make 'em stand out.


I agree with you - but again, to each their own - when making a choice between different colors, I believe one would go with the color that appeals to them most irrespective of the commonness or uncommonness of their pick.


Thanks Creo, I will be sure to check out the videos!

koolchaits

I finally went ahead and ordered the Kit - Emblems/Logos/Front Grille in black from DipYourCar.com - will be getting the package shipped some time next week. I am excitedly looking forward to paint my grill and emblems! Will post some pics as soon as I get the job done.

koolchaits

Finally, got some work done today - I plasti-dipped my grill. I tried a little differently, instead of dipping the whole grill, I dipped the outer section. It did not come as smooth as I would like, but hopefully I can do better next time. Here go a couple of pics. Let me know what you guys think.

Mr Marco

Honey, my mum he bite dog.

wrestrepo

Might as well do the entire grill and the trim around the fog lights.
And at that point I would go all out and do the rims as well. I think that it would look pretty nice that way too....

koolchaits

Yes, I would very much like to do the wheels - but since I don't have a garage, I will have to pass - at least for now. Let's see when that door opens up!

Last Acura

Looks nice!!

koolchaits

Thanks, Last Acura!

Today I went ahead and peeled the plasti-dip off the grill - one reason being I kinda missed the original grill, and the other reason, I was too lazy to blacken around the rear license plate and the rims so I thought oh well. I still have some spray left out in the corners - I will try the goo gone to get rid of that.