Interior Painting, Another one Options

[thespacepanda]

Ok, I know that several threads have been started on this topic but I recently painted my interior plastics and what I have to say needs to be said. My information comes from consulting with several paint specialists as well as my personal experience with automotive painting. Here are the 2 things that need to be said:

1. You don't have to sand plastic
2. You don't have to primer plastic

Now that that's out of the way, I'll give a brief rundown of what I did. I apologize for not taking pictures, but you guys have seen the pieces disassembled many times before. Anyway, once the pieces are all taken apart so you just have the front plastic (and btw that pass vent is truly a pita, but it comes out) get a can of Grease/Wax Remover. I got a can at walmart for $3. Get a lint free cloth and soak it in that stuff (don't smell it) and start rubbing down your plastics with that stuff. Once you have rubbed it down pretty good, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it down with a clean cloth to get the last bit of dirt off. If you don't start painting right away, keep them somewhere where they won't get dirty again.

Once that's done!

Get a can of Adhesion Promoter. Autozone has it, its a few bucks. Its designed to make paint stick to plastic. Get a very thin fog coat of that stuff on the plastic. Let it dry, do another coat. Do it very lightly, this stuff will run. My suggestion is just to spray about 3 feet above the plastic in a place with no wind. Let it dry (about 15 minutes).

Now for the paint. My suggestion for all of you is to get a can of paint that is specifically made for plastic. The reason for this is that plastic bends rather easily, especially when removing/reinstalling these pieces back into the dash. Paint that is not designed for plastic will not bend with the plastic and guess what, it'll crack. The paint made for plastic is flexible and will bend with the plastic (obviously don't test it). The paint I used is Krylon Fusion for plastics. They come in all colors (mine's electric blue) and they're about $5 a can. For the actual painting use the recommended painting techniques: steady sweeping strokes, 1st and 2nd coat very light, 3rd and 4th heavier, let it dry about 10 minutes between coats. Let this stuff dry for at least half an hour before moving to the last stage.

Finally, get a can of clear coat protectant. The kind I used is also the Krylon clear enamel. I used a matte finish because I didn't want glossy pieces, I just don't think it matches the interior. But they make a high gloss clear as well, so whatever you like. The protectant is going to dull the color of the paint a bit. So if the color is just right in your eyes before the clear coat, put a thicker coat on and make it a little 'too bright'.

I'll get pictures when I find the camera, but mine turned out really well. Hope this helps you guys.