How do you paint interior plastics?, I'm suprised there isn't a sticky on this topic already Options

[THE20V]

Hi,
I am trying to liven up my interior a little, its completely stock at the moment.
I was thinking of painting the plastic trim that is around the stereo, and maybe where the door handle is also.

I was wondering if anyone knew how to get the stereo surround off and also, what preparation is required on the plastic and what paint to use.

Thanks

[mgnt232]

Pretty easy to paint, get krylon paint for plastic (walmart has it). No prep or primer, just goes right on (do light coats to avoid running) And it will stay forever if you dont bang on it. Mines been painted for over a year, all the same. I think someone just didt a thread on taking aaprt the whole interior. Although most pieces are quite self explanatory

The stereo piece is easy too. Pop off the shift boot, if you have one. And the plastic around the shift boot just pops up (no screws) and there are only 2 screws holding the top piece in (must remove bottom piece to see them) then it just pops off with a little pull.

All painted-




What you were talking about


Also something cheap and easy, just a little wiring and fiddling, you can do LEDs here as i did. just some ideas (vents, handle, floor, ect. bad pics)



Also headlight change





This post has been edited by mgnt232: Mar 7, 2011 - 6:45 PM

[THE20V]

Thanks, thats great info. Really appreciate your help.

One last question, when you paint it, would you recommend painting a coat of clear over it to protect it and make it look shiny?

[mgnt232]

Honestly i wouldnt bother, i mean it wouldnt hurt. but most spray can clear coats, really dont do much, and wouldnt bring a shine to it. Youd need like prof. auto clear coat to really bring out a shine (ill be doing that to my swap car this summer)
But the paint holds very well, just do a few light coats, and wait the recommended 10-15 mins between coats, and it will be fine.
Like i said mines been this way for over a year, and its the same as when i painted it. As long as you arent scratching at it lol, but im normally the only one in my car, others may not treat the paint as lightly (my passenger side door sill paint always chips off, because apparently my passengers like stand on the damn thing >:( lol.) but it repaints easy enough too

[Lil-Joe101]

Not much of a painted interior fan, more for the billet look myself, CF FTW. Thesse interiors are pretty cool tho, interested in seeing more like them. You should turn this into an Official post you painted interior thread, lol. Just a thought.

[DGolden32]

If you want the most long-lasting and brilliant gloss, invest in automotive clear. Its extremely durable and unmatched for shine, and you cant get in in aerosol cans at either autozone, maybe walmart, or here. http://www.automotivetouchup.com

the only drawback is that it will tak longer to cure, about 2 warm days to handle and a full week to cure completely

[opie_7afe]

i used krylon paint from wally...the way i do mine is i first sand with some 400-800grit wetsand paper(using it wet) then going to some 0000 steel wool....then i wash it off really good make sure all surfaces are even and sanded nice, then i apply 2-3 coats of primer 3-4 coats of paint and 3-4 coats of clear using some 0000 steel wool inbetween each phaze of painting.....prepwork is what makes a good paint job and with the cans get one of those handle things it makes life easier....good luck!..well heres a pic of my interior i recently done up (everything i have done!)

[THE20V]

i am thinking instead of painting, I will go with Carbon Fibre. But where do u get these parts from?

[Lil-Joe101]

U can find the carbon fiber look alike vynle online. or u can check ebay, I think some other members on here know too, just ask around the site

i used krylon paint from wally...the way i do mine is i first sand with some 400-800grit wetsand paper(using it wet) then going to some 0000 steel wool....then i wash it off really good make sure all surfaces are even and sanded nice, then i apply 2-3 coats of primer 3-4 coats of paint and 3-4 coats of clear using some 0000 steel wool inbetween each phaze of painting.....prepwork is what makes a good paint job and with the cans get one of those handle things it makes life easier....good luck!..well heres a pic of my interior i recently done up (everything i have done!)

NOW PREP THAT ARM REST BUDDY, lol

This post has been edited by Lil-Joe101: Mar 10, 2011 - 11:50 PM

[opie_7afe]

armrest is not painted...its vinyl i tried my damnedest to get it wrinkle free so i added those folds for character...i could have made it in 3 peices but i wanted it one peice it looks good enough for me....and for carbon fiber coating google 3m di-noc carbon fiber vinyl....that is the best stuff i have came across it will mold very easily with alittle heat from my research....i was going to do carbon fiber but i decided this way for now i still might do some carbon fiber details here and there....

This post has been edited by opie_7afe: Mar 11, 2011 - 3:45 AM

[95CelicaST]

Use plasti-dip. It looks ten times better than krylon crap.

[Lil-Joe101]

armrest is not painted...its vinyl i tried my damnedest to get it wrinkle free so i added those folds for character...i could have made it in 3 peices but i wanted it one peice it looks good enough for me....and for carbon fiber coating google 3m di-noc carbon fiber vinyl....that is the best stuff i have came across it will mold very easily with alittle heat from my research....i was going to do carbon fiber but i decided this way for now i still might do some carbon fiber details here and there....

I know man, lol secret is pull it as tight as humanly possible