Ethan Clarke
Painting the interior plastic panels of your car is a great way to give your car a refresh. It is important to note that painting plastic interior car parts is different from painting the exterior of your car. Interior parts are often made out of plastic, and different plastics require different prep. It is also important to prepare the materials properly, and removing them for painting is always preferable. Once you have identified the type of plastic you are working with, you can begin the process of cleaning, priming, and painting the part.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of plastic
Identifying the type of plastic in your car's interior plastic panels is an important first step before painting, as different plastics have different properties and require different treatments. Here are some methods to identify the type of plastic you are working with:
Check for Identification Symbols
One way to identify the type of plastic is to look for identification symbols or codes. These are usually enclosed within the symbols “>” and “” and provide specific information about the plastic type, including its composition and reinforcement details. Additionally, you can look for international recycling symbols, which are three arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. For example, Symbol 1 represents polyester and PET plastics commonly found in clothing and plastic bottles, while Symbol 2 represents High-Density Polyethylene, a strong and chemically resistant plastic.
Observe Physical Appearance and Texture
You can also identify some types of plastic by their physical appearance and texture. For instance, polyethylene plastics have a smooth texture, are flexible, and can leave marks. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is thin and crumbly, and it produces a loud crackling noise when handled. On the other hand, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is tougher and less deformable, often having a translucent, milky white coating. Polypropylene, another type of plastic, is known for its bendable yet hard-to-break flexibility.
Perform a Grind Test
If you have access to the raw plastic, you can perform a simple test by lightly grinding it. If the plastic smears, it is likely a thermoplastic, while a powdery residue indicates a thermoset plastic. Thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, are semi-rigid and will melt with heat. They usually require an adhesion promoter when repairing. Thermosets, on the other hand, are flexible plastics that do not melt and typically do not need an adhesion promoter.
Observe Colour and Transparency
The colour and transparency of the plastic can also provide clues about its type. For example, polycarbonate is known for its high impact resistance and transparency, being 250 times stronger than glass while maintaining clarity. Additionally, the raw colour of the plastic can be indicative of its type, with polypropylene often having a natural colour.
Other Tests
There are other tests available, such as the float test and burn test, but these are less specific and mainly used to rule out certain types of plastics. For example, burning Polyethylene produces blue flames with yellow tips, while PVC burns with yellow flames and green tips. However, burning plastic is not recommended due to the harmful health and environmental impacts.
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Clean and prepare the surface
Cleanliness and preparation are vital when painting car interior plastic panels. The condition of the plastic surface before painting will determine the final outcome, so it is important to take your time and be thorough.
The first step is to remove the plastic panels from the car. This is important because it allows you to work on the panels without worrying about getting paint on other parts of the car. Some panels can be removed with minimal effort, while others may require a more careful, step-by-step approach. It is important to refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to remove specific panels, especially when dealing with steering wheel components, as you could be injured by an unexpectedly deployed airbag.
Once the panels are removed, the next step is to clean them. Plastic panels can have years of built-up polish, grease, and oils, which will prevent paint from adhering properly. Soak the panels in warm soapy water, using dish soap, as it breaks down grease better than hand or car wash soap. You can also use a solvent-based cleaner, such as white spirit, but be sure to wear gloves. After soaking, scrub the panels with a scuff pad, paying close attention to textured or recessed areas. Rinse with water or wipe away residue with a damp cloth and let dry.
If the panels have been treated with products like Armor All or other interior detailers, you may need to use acetone to ensure the surface is clean and ready for paint. Apply the acetone to a rag and wipe down the panels, making sure to scuff around the edges and the underside.
After cleaning, the panels should be dull and free of any shine or gloss. This is important because it promotes adhesion. If the panels are still shiny, they are not clean enough, and you should repeat the cleaning process.
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Choose the right primer
Choosing the right primer is essential for achieving a successful paint finish on car interior plastic panels. Here are some detailed instructions to help you select the most suitable primer for the job:
First, determine the purpose of your project. Are you repairing or refinishing the plastic panels? If you're repairing, look for a high-filling and sandable primer to remove minor sand scratches and conceal any bodywork. For small spot jobs, aerosol primers are cost-effective and ideal for quick repairs. On the other hand, if you're refinishing, opt for a primer that seals and locks down the existing paint finish. This type of primer will also neutralize the colour and won't require sanding before applying the new finish.
Next, consider the type of plastic you're working with. Different plastics have varying levels of oil saturation and will require different preparation methods. For example, PP (polypropylene) and PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) are highly oil-saturated and considered "self-healing". These plastics are commonly used for door pulls and plates. They can be challenging to get paint to stick to, so they must be heavily scuffed to provide more surface area for the paint to grip. On the other hand, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is known for providing a longer-lasting paint job.
Additionally, pay attention to the specific requirements of the primer you choose. Some primers, like urethane or epoxy-based primers, may require a specific mix ratio, so be sure to follow the instructions provided. Others, like polyester primers, are known for their good build and filling capabilities, so they can fill in scratches and dents without the need for putty. If you're working with a two-part primer, make sure to mix the primer base with the activator before use.
Finally, for the best results, it's recommended to use the same brand and product line throughout the process. For example, if you use Dupli-Color for the primer, use their products for the colour and clear coats as well. This ensures compatibility and can help you avoid any potential issues.
By following these guidelines and carefully reading the product information, you can choose the right primer for painting car interior plastic panels.
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Apply the base coat
Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the base coat. The base coat is the layer of paint that will determine the colour of your car's interior plastic panels. You can use normal car paint for this. Depending on the colour, it may take anything from three to eight coats to cover. It is important to use light overlapping strokes and to leave enough time between coats. If you are using an aerosol spray, be sure not to spray in high humidity or the finish may appear whitish and frosted.
When applying the base coat, it is important to wear gloves and to ensure that the area is well-ventilated. You should also cover any areas that you do not want to be painted. Use painter's tape to create sharp lines between painted and non-painted areas, and tape sheets of plastic or plastic shopping bags that have been cut to fit over larger areas.
If you are painting fabric seats, it is best to remove them from the car first. Painting them while they are still in the car can cause a mess and expose you to higher concentrations of chemical fumes. Take the time to read your manual and carefully remove the seats before painting them.
If you are using a clear coat, it is important to note that "clear in a can" products can make the interior parts look "funny" because they are glossy and the stock parts are not. A flat or semi-gloss clear coat is recommended for high-contact areas such as armrests and sill plates.
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Reinstall the components
Once you have finished painting the plastic panels of your car's interior, it is time to reinstall the components. The first step is to unmask the components by peeling off any painter's tape and plastic used for masking. Then, using your owner's manual as a guide, you can start reinstalling the components in the reverse order from how you took them out. For example, start by lifting the seats into place and pushing in any plastic clips to reconnect the wiring. Next, reinstall the bolts, usually four of them, with a socket wrench.
Some components, like the steering wheel's airbag, may require extra care during reinstallation. For such parts, it is recommended to consult your owner's manual or seek the help of a professional. After lifting the door panels into place, reconnect the wiring by pushing the plastic clips in place. Then, reinstall the mounting screws with a screwdriver. Pop in any plastic panels near the windows, handles, or other similar areas. Finally, pop in any plastic trim pieces held in place by plastic tabs.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to identify the type of plastic you are working with. Most car interiors are made of plastic, including the chrome, brushed metal, and wood-looking parts. Common types of plastic include PP (polypropylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butyrate Styrene), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Once you've identified the type of plastic, you can determine the best way to prepare it for painting. In general, you will need to clean the plastic with a solvent-based cleaner or soapy water to remove any grease or oils, and then scuff or sand the surface to create a dull finish that will promote adhesion.
You will need to use a plastic primer or adhesion promoter to ensure that the paint adheres properly to the plastic. You can then apply a base coat of your chosen colour, using light overlapping strokes. Finally, you can apply a lacquer to protect the base coat and add a shine.
It is recommended to remove the plastic panels from the car before painting, if possible. This will make the process safer and help achieve a better finish. When removing and handling the panels, be sure to follow the instructions in your owner's manual to avoid damaging the car or injuring yourself. Once the panels are removed, you can apply the paint using a spray or aerosol technique, being careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times between coats.
