Sofia Martinez
Spray painting the interior plastic of your car is a great way to revitalise its appearance and make it feel like new. It is important to note that the process may vary depending on the type of plastic in your car's interior. Some modern plastics, such as TPO, high-density polyethylene, and EPDM, are known for coatings not sticking very well. In such cases, a plastic adhesion promoter will help your dyes and coatings adhere to them. If you are looking to paint the plastic trims and parts of your car's exterior, it is best to remove them from the car first. This can be done by working a razor or dedicated tool between the plastic trim and the body panel. If removal is not possible, you will need to mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray and achieve the best possible finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Spray paint |
| Paint brand | VHT, ColorBond, SEM, PPG DBI, Duplicolor |
| Paint price | $12 a can |
| Paint colour | Available in a range of colours |
| Paint finish | Matte, gloss |
| Paint application | Light, even, side-to-side coats |
| Number of coats | 3-4 coats |
| Drying time | 15 minutes between coats, 24-48 hours before applying clear coat |
| Surface preparation | Clean with wax and grease remover, sandpaper |
| Primer | Recommended for plastic surfaces, apply 6-7 inches away |
| Masking | Use masking tape to protect surrounding areas |
| Clear coat | Recommended for high-contact areas |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Removing plastic parts, masking off surrounding areas, and sanding
To prepare plastic car interior for spray painting, you should begin by removing the plastic parts from the car's interior. This can be done by working a razor or a dedicated tool between the plastic part and the body panel to loosen the trim. Be careful not to damage the surface underneath or break the plastic moulding.
If you are unable to remove the plastic parts, you will need to mask off the surrounding areas to prevent overspray. You can do this by using masking tape specifically designed for curved or straight edges, such as perforated trim masking tape or lime precision masking tape. It is important to ensure that you mask off all the surrounding areas that you do not want to be painted.
Alternatively, you can use liquid mask, grease, or foil to cover the areas you don't want to paint. If you use grease or liquid mask, remember to wipe it off with a rag and a cleaner after painting.
Once you have masked off the surrounding areas, you can begin sanding the plastic parts. Sanding the plastic will give the surface more texture and improve the paint's ability to stick to it. It is recommended to use a sanding sponge or sanding foam block for better control to prevent the sandpaper from cutting too deeply into the plastic. Move the sponge in circular motions rather than straight lines to avoid creating harsh lines. Keep the sandpaper moist by spraying water on it or using fresh sandpaper to prevent scratches.
Use sandpaper with a grit range of 600 to 800 to smooth out surface imperfections. Start with the lower end of the grit scale and work your way up. If you need to remove base coat flaws, use a grit range of 1000 to 1200. For the best results, sand the surface when it is wet. To remove surface blemishes and scratches before and after applying the clear coat, use sandpaper with a grit range of 1500 to 2000.
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Priming: Applying a suitable primer to plastic parts
Painting the plastic fixtures on a car is a great way to revitalise its exterior appearance. Most plastic trims and parts of a car's exterior can be painted over. However, it is important to note that the plastic trims can vary depending on the car's make and model, which may affect which parts can be painted.
Priming plastic parts is a must. SEM and Dupli-Color make good primers for plastics, typically labelled "Adhesion Promoter". Hold the can about 8-10 inches away and apply two wet, even coats. If you get a run in the primer, wait until it is dry, sand it out with a sanding block or a similar flat surface, then re-prime. Make sure to get the primer/promoter on the edges and underside of the part as well. The colour coat needs to be applied within the specified time window, so be sure to read the instructions on the can.
Before you start priming, it is vital to key the surface of the car part and remove any 'bobbles' that are common on many exterior plastic parts. You can use sandpaper to smooth them out, starting with 150-grit, then 800-grit, and finishing with 1200-grit to get a smooth finish ready for priming. This process is important, even if there are no bobbles, to remove the shine from the plastic, as the primer cannot take properly if the surface is too shiny.
When priming, be sure to wear powderless latex or vinyl gloves, as plastic parts absorb skin oils very easily, which can cause spots or fisheyes. It is also recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself from the chemicals in the primer.
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Painting: Spraying light coats of paint
Painting plastic car parts is a great way to revitalise the appearance of your car. It's important to note that the process of painting plastic is different from painting metal or fibreglass as plastics are oil-based and require more mechanical bonding.
Preparing the Plastic Car Parts
Before you start painting, it's crucial to prepare the plastic parts. If possible, remove the plastic parts from the car to make the painting process easier and quicker. If removal is not feasible, use masking tape to cover the surrounding areas and prevent overspray. You can use perforated trim masking tape for curved parts and regular masking tape for straight edges or slight bends.
Cleaning and Priming
Once the area is masked off, clean the plastic surface with a wax and grease remover, ensuring that you use a lint-free cloth. This step is crucial as plastic parts absorb skin oils, which can cause spots. After cleaning, apply a high-quality primer designed for plastic surfaces, such as SEM or Dupli-Color, which are labelled as "Adhesion Promoter." Hold the can about 8-10 inches away and apply two wet, even coats. Allow the primer to dry, and if there are any runs, sand them out and re-prime.
Spray Painting Technique
Now, you're ready for the spray painting process. Ensure that you are wearing a mask to protect yourself from paint fumes. Hold the paint can in an upright position, maintaining a distance of about 20 cm from the plastic surface. Start by applying light, even coats of paint using a side-to-side motion. It's important to apply several light coats rather than one or two heavy coats to achieve the best results. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next, following the instructions on the paint can for drying times. Depending on the colour change, you may need to apply more coats for drastic colour changes.
Clear Coat
After you've finished spray painting, apply a clear lacquer or clear coat over the paint. This will protect the paint job and ensure its longevity. Apply four to five coats of the clear lacquer, following the same process and drying times as the paint coats.
By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve an excellent finish when spray painting plastic car interior parts. Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and refer to the instructions on the paint products for specific guidelines.
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Finishing: Applying a clear coat or lacquer
Once you have completed the spray painting, the next step is to apply a clear coat or lacquer. This step is optional but highly recommended as it will protect the paint job and ensure its longevity. It will also give a shiny appearance to the plastic surface.
Before applying the clear coat or lacquer, ensure that you have allowed the paint to dry completely. This may take a few hours, depending on the type of paint used and the number of coats applied. It is important to follow the instructions on the paint can for the best results.
When applying the clear coat or lacquer, use a similar technique as when spray painting. Hold the can of clear coat or lacquer about 6-7 inches away from the plastic surface and spray in steady, even strokes. Apply four to five coats, allowing each coat to dry for around 15 minutes before adding the next.
It is important to use a clear coat or lacquer that is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. Some products may not adhere properly to plastic, so choosing a suitable product is essential. You can find these products at most auto parts stores or online.
Additionally, consider using a UV-resistant clear coat, especially if the plastic part is located in a sunny area, such as the dashboard. This will help prevent the colour from fading due to sun exposure.
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Brands: VHT, ColorBond, SEM, and PPG DBI
When it comes to spray painting plastic car interiors, several brands offer dedicated products that can help you achieve the desired results. Here is an overview of four prominent brands in this domain: VHT, ColorBond, SEM, and PPG DBI.
VHT
VHT, or Very High Temperature, offers a range of automotive paints designed for high-heat applications, making them suitable for various car interior components. Their products are known for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. VHT provides a diverse selection of colours and finishes, allowing for customization and restoration.
ColorBond
ColorBond specializes in car interior paint systems, offering an exact match spray paint solution for both interior and exterior use. Their products are designed to provide superior adhesion and durability, ensuring long-lasting results. ColorBond's paint won't crack, chip, or peel, and it is OEM certified, making it a reliable choice for touch-ups, customization, and repairs.
SEM
SEM focuses on innovative interior auto paints that are versatile and easy to apply to a wide range of interior surfaces. Their products are formulated for simple interior restoration, enabling car enthusiasts and professionals to refresh their vehicles' interiors effortlessly.
PPG DBI
PPG DBI, a division of PPG Industries, is known for its high-quality automotive refinish products, including paints, coatings, and related materials. They offer a comprehensive range of products specifically formulated for automotive interior applications, ensuring optimal results in terms of appearance, performance, and durability.
By choosing from these reputable brands, you can ensure that you have the right tools to successfully spray paint your plastic car interior, achieving the desired aesthetic and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
ColorBond LVP Universal interior automotive spray paint is a good option for leather, vinyl, and plastic surfaces. It is designed to deeply penetrate plastic, vinyl, and leather surfaces, and can be used on dash panels, seats, instrument panels, steering wheels, airbag covers, and convertible tops. VHT is another good option for plastic, vinyl, and carpet material.
First, remove the plastic parts from the car's exterior. If removal is not possible, use masking tape to mask off the surrounding bodywork to prevent overspray. Then, use a wax and grease remover to clean the surface.
Apply a light, even, side-to-side coat of paint. Add three coats, waiting at least an hour between each coat. Keep the coats light and allow everything to cure for an additional 24 hours before handling.
