Painting Interior Trim

[BabyBlu015]

Hello,
I have a 2000 Mustang convertible that I bought used about 6 months ago. The interior trim is made out of black plastic and it is pretty scuffed up. I just got a new system put in my car but the trim is really taking away from my investment. I have heard that owners have actually spray painted and dyed their interior to their desired look. I was wondering if you had any advice on the paint and/or process. I do not want the trim to become worse with chipping but I don't have an extra grand laying around to have it proffessionally done. I talked to one guy who said he had it done proffessionally and they dyed the trim to match, how would this be done? Any help at all would be appreciated. Thank you.



and do you know what color is close to E6 Ford Laser Red

[s7v7n]

Well I have heard of it, but I haven't heard of it done by yourself. Usually you have to take it in (I did on my new Stang) by a guy you trust (local guy) or buy a chain store...it's up to you, but I wouldn't do it myself!!

[Quik]

BabyBlu I may have some insight, its been a while though.

It is a fairly simple process. After first removing and cleaning the trim to remove any dash products.
You will need a product such as Vinyl Prep from SEM (38344). I bought mine from a place called finish masters. It's a paint and supply store for the body shops. You will have a similar store in your city also. Vinyl prep removes any dirt, wax, or grease from the surface, but also softens the surface for coating with the new vinyl color. Vinyl dye works just like spray paint. But is dye not paint. Basic colors can be found at local auto parts stores. Something more specific may have to be purchased at the finish master$$. I needed flat black, which turned out more like satin. still looked good though. I was able to get by on the cheap with plasti-kote vinyl color from @uto zone. Chat with your local finish masters and they should steer you in the right direction.

Can't remember actual $$
Vinyl Prep was $15-20
1Quart

Vinyl Color less than $5
12 oz. spray can

Good Luck

[SkylineUSA]

Mar-hyd rocks. You can pick it up at Auto-Zone, or any of the other carparts dealers. That what I have always used.

Actually any of the vinyl sprays will work.

[cougarboy]

There are a couple trim peices in my Cougar that are chipping paint, the intior has been re-done in this car i'm guessing. And i always wondered how i could fix that...

[HiFlow5 0]

Don't buy that cheap crap from autozone!!! Doesn't hold up long and will chip and peal. Theres a company called SEM products. There stuff is outstanding!!!! It lasts long and hold up very good! It is a spray on dye, but a very good one!

[cougarboy]

Where would we buy this SEM stuff??

[SkylineUSA]

I have used the cheap stuff without any flaking. Your choice.

[Quik]

cougarboy,
SEM products can be purchased at Finish Masters. Please read my previous post on this topic.

Quik

[cougarboy]

Ah, alright I didn't see your reply up there, thanks.

[Quik]

No problem.

-Quik

[skubee-raw]

yeah, i painted mine. it looks real nice. make sure you clean it to remove any oil (amour all or other protectants) and use fine sand paper to scuff it up a little and prime it in a dust free enviroment and then spray it to your desired colors. becareful not to overspray and leave paint drips and runoffs. and make sure it's hard plastic. even if you use the most expensive paint, if you use it on soft plastic, it'll flake off. it depends on how you treat it. i don't care if the paint costs 50 bucks a can, if you wear watches and use the armrest or whatever, it'll scratch. it's a lot of work, but well worth it.