Interior panels.

[85Camaro]

Jeff, I'm looking to change the color of my interior. Mainly the side trim panels (dash center console came black from the factory so those will stay black. ) What is the best prep procedure for painting plastic. Also What cleaners should I use and who's paint .

[blown54]

Doug, SEM makes a couple products i use.One is SEM 38344 Vinyl Prep.With this you want to wash down what ever your painting and as you apply it, you whip it down with a sponage or rag then rinse with water.You are going to want to do this several times until the water no longer "Beads" on the part to be painted. After this occurs do one more final wash.Now this stuff will also soften the plastic to help the paint stick. Then you are going to want to use a paint like SEM Color Coat Elastomeric Coating, as this will stay more flexable and stick better. There is also a paint out there the OEM's use and the company is in Wyandotte,We used this paint and it worked very well on a 64 thunderbolt of my freinds. But i have been using the SEM products with great success. I will try to get some contact info on the place in Wyandotte if you like.

Jeff

[85Camaro]

Doug, SEM makes a couple products i use.One is SEM 38344 Vinyl Prep.With this you want to wash down what ever your painting and as you apply it, you whip it down with a sponage or rag then rinse with water.You are going to want to do this several times until the water no longer "Beads" on the part to be painted. After this occurs do one more final wash.Now this stuff will also soften the plastic to help the paint stick. Then you are going to want to use a paint like SEM Color Coat Elastomeric Coating, as this will stay more flexable and stick better. There is also a paint out there the OEM's use and the company is in Wyandotte,We used this paint and it worked very well on a 64 thunderbolt of my freinds. But i have been using the SEM products with great success. I will try to get some contact info on the place in Wyandotte if you like.

Jeff

Thanks for the info jeff, that would be great! :cool:

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

hey Jeff, got any pointers when using the spray cans?

I'm gonna do my dash and thought of having someone spray it with a gun but I think I can accomplish it with cans just fine.

[blown54]

its all in the prep work when you do any painting.Make sure the surface is clean, clean, clean! it doesn't matter if its a spray can or threw a gun.Just don't get to close so you don't run the paint. 8"-10" away spraying.

[91notch]

its all in the prep work when you do any painting.Make sure the surface is clean, clean, clean!
This is the trueest ( is trueest even a word? lol ) statement ever, I have painted a lot of interior panels with very good luck and no one could ever tell,,, Ive had friends try to paint some and looked like poo, and scratched off really easy, we came to find out they only did a quick wash and thought that was good enough.
I think with any type of paint, the paint job is only as good as the prep involved. And i think most people make the mistake of rushing it, you dont need to " change " the color in the first coat, take your time and spray several light coats if necessary to keep it from running, you will end up with best results.
Kevin

[blown54]

Yes Kevin you are so right, several coats is the key also, you want a slow cover up for the best adhession!

[85Camaro]

Great info guys! thanks!

[blown54]

as soon as i get that companys name that makes the interior paint for the oem's i will post it.

[85Camaro]

Much appreciated! Hey one more question? any input on adhesive for carpet to plastic? I stripped all the carpet off my interior panels and the glue used was strong rubber type adhesive that left no damage to the panels,came off nice and clean with a little heat applied. Thanks again!