Alexei Volkov
There are several ways to change the colour of your car's interior plastic. One way is to use a dye or paint specifically designed for car interiors, such as ColorBond LVP, SEM Products, or Krylon Fusion. These products can be sprayed or painted on, and it is important to properly clean and prepare the surface before application. Another option is to use vinyl wrapping, which can be easily stuck on and peeled off without removing any interior parts. Additionally, you can recondition the plastic/vinyl on your doors, dash, seats, and console areas, or you can vacuum and shampoo your upholstery and carpet to give your car interior a fresh look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic colour change products | SEM Color Coat, SEM Flexible Color Coat, SEM Trim Black, ColorBond LVP, Krylon Fusion, Bulldog products |
| Preparation | Clean thoroughly, prime, and apply adhesion promoter |
| Painting technique | Spray paint, vinyl wrapping |
| Additional steps | Apply a clear coat for extra shine and protection, allow sufficient drying time |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the plastic
Vacuum and Shampoo: Start by giving your car's interior a deep clean. Vacuum all the surfaces to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Then, use a suitable shampoo or upholstery cleaner to clean the plastic surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas that are frequently touched, such as the dashboard, door handles, and console areas. Make sure to follow the instructions on your chosen cleaning product and allow ample time for the surfaces to dry completely.
Use Plastic and Vinyl Cleaners: To ensure the plastic surfaces are truly ready for painting or dyeing, consider using dedicated plastic and vinyl cleaners. These products are designed to remove any built-up grime, stains, or discolouration from the plastic. They can help prepare the surface and improve the adhesion of the new paint or dye.
Rinse and Dry: After shampooing and cleaning, it is crucial to rinse the surfaces thoroughly. Use clean, warm water and a soft cloth to wipe down all the plastic surfaces. Ensure that no soap residue or cleaner is left behind, as this could interfere with the adhesion of the new paint or dye. Once rinsed, dry the surfaces completely. You can use a soft, absorbent cloth or towel for this step.
Preparation is Key: Before painting or dyeing, make sure the plastic surfaces are not only clean but also properly prepared. This may include light scrubbing with a nylon bristle brush or sanding, depending on the product you plan to use. Always refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen paint or dye for specific preparation requirements.
Mask Off Areas: To avoid accidentally dyeing or painting areas you don't want to change, use painter's tape and plastic sheets or shopping bags to mask off these sections. This step is crucial in ensuring a clean and precise finish. Cover gauges, stereos, windshields, mirrors, and any other areas you want to protect from overspray.
By following these steps, you will effectively clean and prepare the plastic interior of your car for the desired changes. Remember, a thorough cleaning process will help ensure that the new paint, dye, or vinyl wrapping adheres properly and lasts longer.
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Choosing the right paint
Additionally, look for paints with additives that enhance the functional properties of the plastic surface. For example, UV stabilisers can protect the surface from the effects of UV rays, preventing colour fading and degradation. You may also consider using a primer or an adhesion promoter, such as ColorBond Adhesion Promoter, to improve the bond between the paint and the plastic, resulting in a long-lasting finish.
When choosing a paint colour, you can opt for a custom colour or match the existing colour of your car's interior. SEM offers custom colour matching services, allowing you to send them a piece of the plastic you want to match. Alternatively, you can select from their extensive colour books to find the perfect shade.
Finally, consider the application method of the paint. Spray paints, such as ColorBond LVP, are user-friendly options that provide a flexible finish that adheres well to plastic surfaces, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling. They are applied in light coats, with a short wait time between coats, making them a convenient choice for painting car interiors.
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Removing plastic trim pieces
Before attempting to remove any plastic trim pieces, it is important to gather the necessary tools. You will need a plastic razor, a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic putty knife, adhesive remover, and microfibre towels. These tools will help you safely remove the trim pieces and address any leftover adhesive.
Begin by slowly applying heat to the trim piece you want to remove. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer for this purpose, ensuring that you continuously apply heat to loosen the strong adhesive holding the trim in place. Be cautious not to overheat any surrounding components or materials.
Once the adhesive is sufficiently softened, carefully insert a plastic razor or a plastic putty knife behind the trim piece. Gently pry and loosen the trim by slowly sliding the tool along the edge of the trim. It is crucial to work steadily and evenly to avoid bending the trim and causing dents in your car's interior.
As you loosen the trim piece, gradually pull it away from the panel. Maintain a steady and gentle force while pulling, being cautious not to snap any hidden fasteners or clips that may be holding the trim in place. This process may require some patience, as some trim pieces may be more firmly attached than others.
After successfully removing the trim piece, you will need to address the leftover adhesive. Adhesive residue can be challenging to remove, so use adhesive remover products and carefully scrape it off with your plastic razor or putty knife. Be mindful not to scratch or damage the surrounding areas during this process.
Finally, clean the area where the trim piece was attached. Use microfibre towels and a suitable interior cleaner to wipe away any remaining dirt, residue, or adhesive. Ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried before considering reattachment or any other modifications.
Remember that the process of removing plastic trim pieces may vary slightly depending on your car's specific make and model. Always exercise caution and patience throughout the process to avoid causing any unintended damage to your vehicle's interior.
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Applying the paint
Painting your car's interior plastic can be a great way to make it look new. There are a variety of paints available for this purpose, including ColorBond LVP, SEM Flexible Color Coat vinyl dye, and Krylon Fusion. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the paint:
Clean the surface
Before you start painting, it is important to thoroughly clean the plastic surface. Use a cleaner specifically designed for plastic and vinyl surfaces, such as SEM's cleaner (#38343) or Bulldog products, which are recommended by Mopaint. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
Prepare the area
Once the surface is clean and dry, it is time to prepare the area for painting. If possible, remove the plastic components that you plan to paint. This will make the painting process easier and help you achieve better results. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on safely removing interior panels. If you cannot remove a component, cover the surrounding areas with painter's tape and plastic sheets or bags to protect them from paint spray.
Prime the surface
To ensure that the paint adheres properly, it is important to apply a primer. For hard plastic surfaces, SEM recommends using their Sand Free primer (#38363). Apply a light coat of primer and then a medium/wet coat before moving on to the next step. Soft vinyl surfaces typically do not require a primer, but make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Apply the paint
Choose a paint designed for use on plastic and vinyl surfaces, such as ColorBond LVP or SEM Flexible Color Coat vinyl dye. For hard plastic surfaces, make sure the primer is still wet before spraying on a medium coat of your chosen colour. For soft vinyl, simply ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the paint. Follow the instructions on the paint product you have chosen, and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Add a clear coat (optional)
If desired, you can add a clear coat on top of the paint to add extra shine and protection. Apply one to two thin, even coats of the clear coat in the same manner as the paint. Wait at least 15 minutes between coats to ensure the best results.
Allow drying time
Once you have finished painting and applying any clear coats, it is important to let the components dry thoroughly. Do not touch the painted surfaces for at least 24 hours to allow the paint to fully cure.
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Adding a clear coat
Clean the Surface
Start by thoroughly cleaning the plastic surface to ensure it is free of any contaminants, such as oils, dirt, or road debris. Use a good cleaner designed for pre-paint prep, such as PRE Paint Prep, and wipe the surface with a lint-free rag.
Heat the Surface (Optional)
If you want to ensure any contaminants are removed from the pores of the plastic, you can use a heat gun on medium heat to "cook out" any impurities. Be careful not to hold the heat gun in one position for too long to avoid damaging the surface.
Abrade the Surface
Lightly abrade the surface using a scuff pad or fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a rough texture for the clear coat to adhere to. Use a non-woven scuff pad to avoid creating major scratches. You can also use a woven pad with your paint prep cleaner to clean and abrade simultaneously, wiping away excess residue after each pass.
Apply an Adhesion Promoter (Optional)
If the plastic is flexible or will see a lot of movement or abuse, consider applying an adhesion promoter like Bulldog Adhesion Promoter to improve the bond between the plastic and the clear coat.
Apply Light Coats of Clear Coat
When applying the clear coat, start with light to medium coats, allowing each coat to dry before building up with slightly heavier coats. Stay within the recoat window recommended by the manufacturer. For extremely flexible plastics, consider adding a small amount of flex agent to the final coats, mixing according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Sand and Polish (Optional)
If you want to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, you can lightly sand the clear coat with fine-grit sandpaper (800/1000 grit) and then polish it to your desired shine.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when working with chemicals and power tools.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several products you can use to change the colour of your car's plastic interior. You can use spray paint, such as SEM Flexible Color Coat vinyl dye, or a product like Krylon Fusion, which is specifically designed for plastic. You can also use vinyl wrapping, which doesn't require removing any interior parts and can be easily peeled off if you want to change the design.
Removing the interior parts of your car before painting them is always preferable, as it is safer and will result in a better finish. However, if you choose to paint the components in place, be sure to mask off all areas you don't want to paint using painter's tape and plastic bags.
Plastic interior trim panels are usually held in place by small tabs, so you can remove them by squeezing, pulling, and wiggling them free. Always read your owner's manual carefully for instructions on removing interior panels to reduce the chance of breaking something.
Preparing the materials properly is critical to achieving a good finish. Clean the surface thoroughly to ensure that the new paint will stick, and choose the right primer for your specific needs. If you are painting fabric seats, vacuum and shampoo the upholstery and carpet beforehand, and move the car to a shaded area before painting.
When applying paint to your car's plastic interior, use careful spraying techniques and apply thin, even coats to avoid streaks or differences in the level of gloss. Allow sufficient drying time between coats, and avoid touching the components for at least 24 hours after painting.
