Maya Ellison
Painting a plastic dashboard is a great way to refresh the look of your car's interior. It is a popular DIY project, but it requires careful preparation and the right tools to achieve a flawless finish. The process involves several steps, from cleaning and sanding the dashboard to applying primer, paint, and a clear coat. While it is possible to paint the dashboard while it is still in the car, removing it beforehand will yield better results. In this guide, we will cover the necessary materials, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to help you successfully paint a plastic dashboard.
How to paint a plastic dashboard
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep items | Degreaser, plastic precleaner or rubbing alcohol, wet sandpaper (800 grit for plastic and 1500 grit for vinyl), tape, adhesion promoter, primer, paint, clear coat |
| Prep work | Remove dashboard parts, mask smaller parts with tape, protect the windshield, seats, steering wheel, etc. with tape, plastic and paper |
| Paint products | High-quality auto primer, colour coat, and lacquer finish |
| Paint type | Plastic paint for plastic dashboards, vinyl paint for vinyl dashboards |
| Paint finish | Matte, glossy, or satin |
| Paint application | Spray |
| Number of coats | 2-3 coats of primer, 2-3 coats of adhesion promoter, a couple of coats of paint |
| Additional steps | Wash with dish soap, sand until smooth, wipe down with vinyl prep and rinse with water, air dry or use a lint-free cloth to dry |
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What You'll Learn
Removing dashboard parts
Before you start painting your car's dashboard, you should remove the dashboard parts, if you desire, to paint, protect, or replace them. Removing the smaller trim pieces will make it easier to paint them. It will also reduce the taping and masking you'll need to do before painting the dashboard.
To begin removing the dashboard parts, disconnect the car battery. Put on safety glasses and ensure the car's ignition is off. If there are plastic caps covering the negative and positive terminals, lift up the negative terminal's cap. Loosen the nut that secures the cable to the terminal with a wrench, then move the cable away from the battery and any metal. Lay the end of the cable on a clean towel.
Some dashboard parts are held in place with screws, so simply remove the screws by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Pull out the freed parts and be sure to save the screws for re-installation later. Use your screwdriver to also disconnect any wiring attached to the parts you remove. Either loosen (and save) the screws that hold the wiring harness in place on the backside of a part, or press in on the tab that releases the harness.
Many of your dashboard's removable parts simply snap in and out of place. If you insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the seam at the edge of a part and apply minimal lever force, it should pop right out. You're less likely to cause damage if you buy a set of auto trim removal tools online or at an auto parts store—they're made specifically for this task.
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Cleaning the dashboard
To paint a plastic dashboard, it is important to first clean and prepare the surface. This process will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that your dashboard looks its best. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your dashboard before painting:
Firstly, it is important to remove any dust and loose dirt from the dashboard. Use a soft, clean, microfibre cloth to gently wipe down the surface. You can also use an air compressor with a damp towel to blow away any dust particles. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and be careful not to press too hard, as you could scratch the surface.
Next, you will need to clean the surface with a suitable product. Avoid using household cleaners, as these can be too harsh and may damage the plastic. Instead, opt for a mild interior cleaner or a product specifically designed for automotive surfaces. You can also use a glass cleaner, but be sure to choose a non-alcoholic formula to avoid damaging the plastic. Apply the cleaner to a microfibre cloth and gently wipe down the dashboard, removing all dust and soil particles.
If your dashboard has scratches, you can use a cleaning eraser or a fine rough to delicately clean the panel. You can also fill in minor scratches with baby oil or petroleum jelly, which will also help to protect the surface. Apply the product to a paper towel and gently rub it into the scratches.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can apply a plastic primer if you are working with raw plastic. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly. If the dashboard is already painted or varnished, you can simply sand it with P500 abrasive paper to prepare the surface for painting.
Finally, use an anti-static and sticky "tack cloth" to remove any remaining dust particles from the surface. This step will help you achieve a smooth and even finish when painting.
By following these steps, you will effectively clean and prepare your plastic dashboard for painting, ensuring a professional-looking finish.
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Sanding the dashboard
When sanding a plastic dashboard, it is important to use the correct type of sandpaper. For plastic dashboards, it is recommended to use wet sandpaper with a grit of 800. The sandpaper should be constantly wet during the sanding process, and it is important to use no force or pressure, allowing the sandpaper to do the work. Use circular motions, varying the circles over the entire surface of the dashboard. This will help to ensure an even finish.
If you are dealing with soft plastics, you can use an ultra-fine yellow abrasive sponge instead of sandpaper. For hard plastic center console parts, you can use abrasive sheets with grits between 500 and 800. It is important to dust off any residue with a tack cloth after sanding to ensure a smooth finish.
Before sanding, it is important to test whether the dashboard has been previously varnished or if it is bare plastic. You can do this by lightly sanding a small area. If you obtain a white powder, this indicates that there is a varnish. If you create scratches, it is a bare plastic surface.
After sanding, it is important to clean the surface with a plastic pre-cleaner or rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or residue. Once the dashboard is clean and dry, you can begin the painting process.
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Priming the dashboard
Painting a car dashboard can be a great way to rejuvenate the appearance of an older car or personalise your car's interior. Before you start painting, it's important to prime the dashboard properly to ensure the paint adheres well and you get a smooth, durable finish. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prime your car's dashboard effectively:
Choose the Right Primer:
Select a primer specifically designed for automotive use and suitable for your dashboard's material. If your dashboard has scratches, choose a "filler primer" to help conceal them. For flexible plastic components, an "adhesion-promoting primer" is a better option.
Prepare the Dashboard:
Disassemble the dashboard and set aside the pieces that you won't be painting. Clean the pieces you'll be painting with warm soapy water and allow them to dry completely. It's crucial to have a clean and dry surface before applying the primer.
Sand the Dashboard:
Sanding the dashboard creates a smoother surface for the primer and paint to adhere to, resulting in a more professional finish. Choose the appropriate sandpaper grit based on the severity of any scratches or imperfections. For minor scratches, use finer grits such as 320 or 400, and for deeper imperfections, use coarser grits like 120 or 220. Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block or use your fingers to hold it firmly. Sand the affected areas using smooth, even strokes until the surface feels smooth to the touch. Then, wipe away any sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth.
Apply the Primer:
Shake the primer can well to ensure the contents are properly mixed. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from the dashboard surface and apply a light, even coat of primer. It's recommended to apply multiple thin coats rather than a single thick coat. Allow sufficient drying time between each coat as per the manufacturer's instructions.
For the best adhesion and durability, apply at least two coats of primer, and if possible, opt for three or four total coats. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wait the recommended time between coats. If the primer still looks damp or it's a humid day, give it extra time to dry before applying the next coat.
Once you've applied the final coat of primer, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step, which is applying the colour coat.
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Painting the dashboard
The first step is to remove any dashboard parts you plan to paint, as this makes it easier to clean and paint them. If you are removing parts, it is recommended to disconnect the car battery first. Put on safety glasses, and if the ignition is on, turn it off. If there are plastic caps covering the negative and positive terminals, lift the cap on the negative terminal, loosen the nut that secures the cable to the terminal with a wrench, then move the cable away from the battery and any metal.
Next, wash the pieces thoroughly in soap and water. If they are extra dirty, oily, or greasy, use a degreaser (brake cleaner will work). Dry everything nicely, and finally, rub them down with a plastic pre-cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Dry the pieces with a clean cloth.
Now, you need to sand the pieces with 800-grit wet sandpaper. Make sure that both the piece and the sandpaper are constantly wet. Use no force or pressure, and let the wet sandpaper do the work. Use circular motions, varying the circles over the entire surface of the piece. You can also use a DA sander to save time.
After sanding, wipe down the surface with a wax and grease remover, then apply an adhesion/flex promoter. This is essential to make the paint stick to the plastic and also flex with it. If you don't use this, the paint will start flaking off over time. Apply 2-3 coats of this, then immediately after, apply 3 coats of a high-build primer.
Once the primer is dry, you are ready to paint. Spray the paint just like the manufacturer directs. After the paint has dried for a few days, you can sand out any imperfections with 2000-grit wet sandpaper. Use a sanding block because if you just use your hands, you will get the impressions of your fingers in the clear.
Finally, you can apply a clear coat. This is not necessary but will add shine and protect the paint.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the parts you want to paint. Wash the pieces with dish soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Next, sand the pieces with 800-grit wet sandpaper, using circular motions. After that, apply a plastic-specific primer. Once the primer is dry, spray on the paint.
You should use a spray paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic. You can find these at auto paint retailers. You can choose from a matte, glossy, or satin finish.
Take your time with the prep work. Wash and dry the pieces thoroughly, and sand them until they are smooth. Make sure to use painter's tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint. Work in a dust-free environment and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the paint application.
