Alexei Volkov
Painting your car's dashboard is a great way to refresh the interior of your car. It is important to prep the plastic dash properly to ensure the paint adheres well and does not chip, crack, or peel. This guide will take you through the steps to prep your plastic dash for paint, including cleaning, sanding, priming, and protecting the surrounding areas.
How to Prep Plastic Dash for Paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To restore the dashboard and make it look good |
| When to Paint | When the dashboard starts to lose its lustre, the colour fades, or the finish starts to peel |
| Prep Work | Remove dirt, dust, grease, oils, and contaminants |
| Cleaning Supplies | Isopropyl alcohol, acetone, ColorBond Prep Cleaner, soft cloth, spray cleaner, SEM Soap, gray scuff pad, damp cloth |
| Adhesion Promoter | Recommended for thermoplastics but not required for thermosets |
| Primers | Automotive spray-can primers, ColorBond LVP, Color Coat |
| Painting Supplies | Wet and dry sandpaper, white spirits, paint prep wipes, painter's tape, plastic sheeting, plastic bags, crafting paper, butcher paper |
| Additional Tips | Remove smaller dashboard parts to paint separately, disconnect the car battery, wear safety glasses |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of plastic
Identifying the type of plastic used in your car's dashboard is an important first step in preparing it for paint. The most common types of plastics used in car dashboards include Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
PVC is a versatile plastic that can be formed into either flexible or rigid components. It is commonly used in dashboards due to its formability and sleek finish. PVC is also flame-retardant, offering thermal stability and minimal conductivity. To make it suitable for dashboards, PVC is often blended with ABS, which improves its durability and resistance to cracking.
Polycarbonate is a highly impact-resistant plastic that is often used for car bumpers and headlight lenses. It is known for its excellent weather resistance, able to withstand various conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. This type of plastic is also lightweight, contributing to improved vehicle and fuel efficiency.
Polypropylene is the second most widely used plastic globally and is frequently employed in automotive manufacturing. It is a thermoplastic polymer, known for its ease of shaping, forming, and moulding. Polypropylene offers excellent chemical and heat resistance and is generally impact-resistant. It is often used in car bumpers, gas cans, and even the carpet fibres of car interior flooring.
ABS is a heavy-duty plastic with high impact resistance and durability. It is commonly used in automotive, printing, and display applications. ABS is often blended with PVC to improve the durability of the dashboard and prevent cracking.
To identify the type of plastic in your car's dashboard, you can start by examining the texture, flexibility, and appearance. You can also try the float test or burn test, which can help rule out certain types of plastics, although specific identification may require further investigation. Additionally, the age of your car can be a factor, as older cars tend to use PVC, while more recent models may have dashboards made of PVC blended with ABS.
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Clean the surface
To prep a plastic dashboard for painting, it is important to start with a clean surface. First, use a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then, use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants. Ensure that the cleaner is compatible with the materials the dashboard is made of. For vinyl and plastic, a general cleaner, like 409, works well. The safest option is to use a cleaner specifically designed for automotive interiors.
Next, use wet and dry sandpaper to scuff up the dashboard. Start with a coarser grit and work towards a finer one. This will help create a surface that paint can better adhere to. After sanding, use white spirits or paint prep wipes to remove any remaining dust or residue.
If you want to be extra thorough, you can use an adhesion promoter to further improve paint adhesion. Adhesion promoters are recommended for thermoplastics but are not required for thermosets. You can determine the type of plastic by checking the material code, which is often found on the hidden surface near part marks or other tooling marks. If you are unable to identify the type of plastic, you can use the acetone test. Place a drop of acetone on the back of the plastic and rub it with your finger. If the plastic smears and melts, use an adhesion promoter.
Finally, before applying the primer, ensure that the surface is free of any dirt, dust, grease, oils, or other contaminants. ColorBond Prep Cleaner is a recommended product for this purpose, as it effectively cleans the surface without damaging the plastic.
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Use adhesion promoter
Adhesion promoters are recommended for thermoplastics but not for thermosets. They are used to ensure that the paint will stick to the plastic. There are several adhesion promoters available on the market, such as Dupli-Color ECP199 Adhesion Promoter, Bulldog AP, and SEM Adhesion Promoter.
Before applying an adhesion promoter, it is important to clean the surface of the dashboard thoroughly. Use a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then, use a spray cleaner to remove any remaining contaminants. It is important to use a cleaner that is compatible with the materials the dashboard is made of. For vinyl and plastic, a general cleaner like 409 works well. Alternatively, you can use a product specifically designed for automotive interiors. Once the surface is clean, you can apply the adhesion promoter.
After applying the adhesion promoter, you can move on to the next step, which is usually applying a primer. It is important to use a primer that is compatible with the adhesion promoter and the paint you will be using. The primer should be of a similar color to the paint you will be using. Apply the primer in thin coats, and make sure to get a good covering. Once the primer is dry, you can start applying the paint.
It is important to note that while adhesion promoters can help the paint adhere to the plastic, they are not a guarantee against chipping or peeling. Proper surface preparation and the use of the correct products are key to achieving a good finish.
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Apply primer
To apply primer to a car dashboard, you must first ensure the surface is clean and prepped. Use a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then, use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants. It is important to use a cleaner that is compatible with the materials the dashboard is made of. For vinyl and plastic, a general cleaner, like 409, works well. Alternatively, you can use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water if you are cleaning leather.
Once the surface is clean, you can begin to apply the primer. Use an automotive spray-can primer that is designed for use on plastic. Before applying the primer, use wet and dry sandpaper to scuff up the dashboard, starting with a coarser grit and working towards a finer one. Then, use white spirits or paint prep wipes to clean the surface again. Try to use a primer that is a similar colour to the paint you will be using. Apply the primer with a light coat, ensuring you get a good covering. One quick pass of each side per coat should be enough. Apply enough coats to make the surface smooth and ensure that no plastic is visible through the primer. If you notice any lumpy or bubbly parts from overspray, do another round of wet sanding with fine-grit sandpaper.
If you are using a product like SEM's Color Coat, you will need to apply an adhesion promoter before the primer. Clean the area with SEM Soap and a grey scuff pad, scrubbing thoroughly and paying close attention to textured or recessed areas. Rinse with water or wipe away the residue with a damp cloth and let it dry. Then, apply the adhesion promoter. If you are unsure of the type of plastic, place a drop of acetone on the back of the plastic and rub it with your finger. If the plastic smears and melts, use Sand Free. If acetone does not have an effect on the plastic, use Plastic Adhesion Promoter or XXX Adhesion Promoter. Apply one light coat, let it flash for 5 minutes, and then apply one full wet coat. Allow this coat to flash for 10-15 minutes before applying the primer.
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Tape and mask
Taping and masking are essential steps in preparing a car's plastic dashboard for painting. It helps protect the areas that you don't want to paint and ensures clean, precise results. Here's a detailed guide on how to tape and mask effectively:
Before you begin taping and masking, it's crucial to determine whether you need to remove any removable dashboard parts. Taking out these parts can reduce the amount of taping and masking required. However, it's important to note that it doesn't eliminate the need for these steps entirely. If you decide to remove any parts, always remember to disconnect the car battery first and put on safety glasses as a precaution.
Now, let's get into the taping and masking process:
- Masking Smaller Parts: If there are smaller parts of the dashboard that you don't want to paint, completely cover them with masking tape. Ensure that the tape is firmly pressed down to achieve complete adhesion and clean lines. Multiple strips of tape may be necessary for effective coverage.
- Separating Dashboard Sections: If you plan to paint only specific sections of the dashboard, use tape to separate the areas you want to paint from those you don't. Run the tape along the seam between the two parts, pressing it firmly into the seam to prevent paint from bleeding onto unwanted areas.
- Protecting Surrounding Areas: Use tape, plastic, and paper to protect the surrounding areas of the car, such as the windshield, steering wheel, seats, and floorboards. Cover the steering wheel and column with a plastic bag, then secure it with tape. Use crafting or butcher paper for the windshield, taping it securely in place. Similarly, use tape and plastic or paper to cover and protect the seats, floorboards, and other nearby areas.
- Surface Preparation: Before applying paint, it's crucial to prepare the surface of the dashboard properly. Start by cleaning the dashboard to remove any dirt, dust, grease, oils, or contaminants. You can use products like isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or a specialised cleaner like ColorBond Prep Cleaner. This step ensures that the paint will adhere properly and helps achieve a smooth finish.
- Adhesion Promoter: Depending on the type of plastic you're working with, consider using an adhesion promoter to enhance the paint's bond with the surface. This step is especially important for thermoplastics. You can determine the type of plastic by checking the material code, usually found on the hidden surface of the dashboard.
Remember, taking your time with the taping and masking process will pay off when it comes to achieving a professional-looking paint job on your car's plastic dashboard.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the dashboard with a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then, use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants. Next, use wet and dry sandpaper to scuff up the dashboard. Start with a coarser grit and work towards a finer one. Finally, use white spirits or paint prep wipes to clean the surface before applying a primer.
You should use a plastic-specific primer. Try to use a primer that is a similar colour to the paint you will be using.
Standard paints should not be used to refinish a dashboard. Instead, use a paint designed for the material you are painting. ColorBond LVP and SEM's Color Coat are popular options.
Use tape, plastic, and paper to protect the windshield, seats, steering wheel, etc. For example, put a plastic bag over the steering wheel and steering column, then run a strip of painter's tape all the way around. Tape up crafting paper or butcher paper to mask the windshield, and tape down paper or plastic to protect the front seats, floorboards, and so on.
