I know it was asked before but I never got an answer. I want to change my interior platics from gray to black. If I primer the plastic and use spray paint will it work? Or should I do the smart thing and get some penetrating dye.

 

I'd say it would work. I bought some Vinyl spray paint from a store and it looked so good, I actually covered up scratches on my front bumper cover. Can't tell it's there.

 

make sure you clean it well, then use an adhesion promote like Bulldog, then spray the final color on it, you shouldn't need primer. I haven't used any primer and haven't had any come off yet. I'd recommend the duplicolor vynl/fabric high gloss black, it looks killer. Probably not good for the dashpad though, but that's what dashmats are for

 

What about VHT? Are they good or should I hunt for the duplicolor.

 

VHT's probably good, the reason I recommend duplicolor is that it's all I've used and have had good results and it's easy to come by (most parts places or walmart)
the key is the adhesion promoter though

[This message has been edited by 86ZRICHIE (edited May 03, 2001).]

 

Richie, is this adhesive promoter a spray or does it have to be applied with a brush or something.

 

it's a spray, the kind I use is called "Bulldog" it's in a purple can, usually you have to get it from an auto paint store, but it'll make paint stick to almost anything, i just used it to repaint some door mouldings so I wouldn't get door dings all up and down my car

While you're at the paint store ask them for a can of plastic prep, use that first, then a tack cloth, then bulldog then the paint

[This message has been edited by 86ZRICHIE (edited May 03, 2001).]

 

Again my ignorance surpasses me. What is Tack Cloth?

 

lol, no worries. It's a cloth with a kind of sticky substance on it that grabs dust and dirt, 3M makes a good one, it can be found in the body section of most auto parts stores or even walmart. black & yellow plaid package. they work real good for dusting the interior too (you probably won't want to use armorall much after you paint them since they'll be real shiny anyway, maybe a sponge and soapy water every month or two with tack cloth when dusting is needed)

 

ive painted most of the trim in my S10 a different color, and i got the best results when i:
1. cleaned the plastic really good with a terry cloth towel and rubbing alcohol to remove any caked up armorall and oils
2. used the tack rags afterward
3. since i dont have a compressor, i had to use the spray paint cans, most cans say to shake for 1 minute...i always shaked about 2 minutes and for 10 seconds after every 30 seconds of spraying

the best spray paint ive used on plastic interior trim is Plasti-kote's "flexible bumper & trim color"
its only in a few colors, but it adheres excellent and dries to touch in 1-3 minutes