Isabella Flores
Painting your car's dashboard can be a great way to restore its appearance if it's looking faded, scuffed, or dull. While it is possible to paint a dashboard without removing it, taking it out of the car can make the process easier and help achieve better results. Removing the dashboard involves disconnecting the wiring and carefully detaching all the components. Once removed, the dashboard can be cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted using automotive spray paints designed for the specific material of the dashboard, such as leather, vinyl, or plastic. Proper preparation and the use of adhesion promoters can help ensure a durable finish that won't chip or peel. After painting, clear coats and lacquers can be applied for added protection and shine. Reinstalling the dashboard involves reconnecting the wiring and securing the dashboard in place.
Can I take my dash out and paint it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting your car's dashboard | A great DIY customization option if the interior looks faded, scuffed up, or boring |
| When to paint | When the colour has faded, finishes have started to peel, or when it has lost its lustre due to continuous exposure to heat, UV rays, and dust |
| Before painting | Clean the dash with a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants |
| Paint | Use a paint designed for the material to be painted. For example, ColorBond LVP is perfect for leather, vinyl, or plastic |
| Removing the dash | Check your owner's manual for specific guidance on removing trim pieces. Your car's dashboard parts will probably come out easily with a screwdriver and a set of auto trim removal tools |
| Primer | Apply a plastic-specific primer. Try to use something that is of a similar colour to the paint you will be using |
| Coats | Use enough coats to make it look smooth and ensure you can't see plastic through the primer |
| Lacquer | Applying lacquer coats increases the durability of your paint job and is highly recommended. Use a gloss lacquer if you want your dashboard to have a sheen, or a matte lacquer if you prefer a less shiny finish |
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What You'll Learn
Painting without removing the dash
Painting your car's dashboard is a great way to customise your car's interior, especially if it is starting to look faded, scuffed, or dull. While it is possible to paint your dashboard without removing it, it is important to note that the final result may not replicate a factory finish.
Before painting, it is essential to properly clean and prepare your dashboard. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Then, use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants, ensuring it is compatible with the materials of your dashboard. For vinyl and plastic, a general cleaner like 409 works well, while leather can be cleaned with a leather cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water.
Once your dashboard is clean, you can begin the preparation process for painting. Start by using wet and dry sandpaper to scuff up the surface, starting with a coarser grit and working towards a finer one. This will create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, use a cleaner like white spirits or paint prep wipes to ensure the surface is free of any residue.
The next step is to apply a primer. Choose a plastic-specific primer that is similar in colour to your chosen paint. Apply enough coats to ensure a smooth finish, and remember to allow adequate drying time between coats. If you notice any lumps or bubbles from overspray, you may need to do some additional wet sanding with fine-grit sandpaper.
Now, you are ready to apply your chosen paint colour. Automotive spray paints designed for interior use work well on both rigid and flexible plastic parts of a dashboard. Apply a couple of coats to achieve a smooth and even finish. If you desire, you can also apply a clear coat on top for added shine and protection.
Finally, allow your paint job to dry thoroughly. This typically requires a minimum of 4 hours, but it is ideal to leave it overnight or for a full 24 hours if possible. Once dry, carefully remove any painter's tape and reinstall any trim pieces or panels by snapping them back into place.
While the above process can be completed without removing your dashboard, it is important to note that proper masking and covering of surrounding areas are crucial to avoid unwanted paint spray. Additionally, some removable trim pieces may be easier to paint or protect if they are taken out of the car.
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Choosing the right paint
Painting your car's dashboard is a great DIY customization option to make it look new and improve its appearance if it looks faded, scuffed up, or boring. There are a variety of paints, primers, and lacquers available in the market that work well on the plastic parts of a dashboard. However, choosing the right paint is crucial to achieving the desired results and ensuring the paint job's durability. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right paint for your car's dashboard:
Type of Paint
There are different types of paints available, such as automotive spray-can paints, primers, and lacquers. Automotive spray-can paints are a popular choice for dashboards as they work well on both rigid and flexible plastic parts. These paints are designed to withstand the specific conditions of a car's interior, such as continuous exposure to heat, UV rays, and dust.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential for a successful paint job. The dashboard surface must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure the paint adheres correctly. Use a soft cloth or a soft brush to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, grease, oils, and debris. You can also use a spray cleaner or a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water, ensuring it is compatible with the materials of your dash. Once the surface is clean, you may need to use an adhesion promoter, especially if you are painting hard plastics. This will help prevent chipping and improve paint adhesion.
Colour and Finish
Choose a colour that matches the original colour of your dashboard or opt for something completely different. You can select from a range of OEM certified colours offered by brands like ColorBond LVP. Additionally, consider the finish you want. A gloss lacquer will give your dashboard a sheen, while a matte lacquer will provide a less shiny finish.
Quality and Compatibility
It is essential to choose high-quality auto paint from a well-regarded auto paint retailer. Work with a knowledgeable sales associate to select the best products for your car's specific make and model. Ensure that the paint you choose is compatible with the materials of your dashboard, such as vinyl, leather, or plastic.
Application Techniques
Consider the application techniques required for the paint you choose. Some paints may need to be applied with specific spraying techniques or tools to achieve the desired results. Consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from automotive experts or certified painters.
In summary, choosing the right paint for your car's dashboard involves selecting a high-quality automotive paint that is compatible with the materials of your dashboard and offers the desired colour and finish. Proper surface preparation and the use of adhesion promoters are crucial for a durable and aesthetically pleasing paint job. Remember to follow the specific instructions and techniques recommended by the paint manufacturer.
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Preparing the dash surface
Preparing the surface of your dashboard for painting requires diligence, patience, and thorough preparation. It is important to take your time with the prep work and use the right techniques. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your dashboard surface for painting:
Step 1: Disconnect the Car Battery
Before beginning any work on your dashboard, it is important to disconnect the car battery. Put on safety glasses and ensure the car's ignition is off. Then, following the instructions in your owner's manual, disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal and securing the cable away from the battery and any metal.
Step 2: Remove Dashboard Parts
If you plan to paint the entire dashboard, you will need to remove certain parts to avoid getting paint on them. This includes accessories such as vents, the steering column, and the gauge cluster. You can refer to your owner's manual for specific guidance on removing these parts. Some parts may simply snap out, while others may require the use of auto trim removal tools or a screwdriver.
Step 3: Seal Off or Mask Areas You Don't Want to Paint
If you are not removing the entire dashboard, use painter's tape to cover the areas you do not want to paint. Old newspaper or plastic can also be used to meticulously seal off these areas. This step is important to ensure that only the desired areas are painted.
Step 4: Clean the Dashboard Surface
It is important to clean the dashboard surface to remove any dirt, debris, or oily residues. First, wash the dashboard with dish soap and water, then wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove any remaining fingerprints or oily residues. This step ensures that the paint will adhere properly and results in a better-quality finish.
Step 5: Roughen the Surface
To help the primer adhere better, you can lightly sand the dashboard surface using 1500-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad. This step creates a rougher surface for the paint to grip onto. Make sure to wipe away any residue with a tack cloth after sanding.
Step 6: Apply Primer
Once the surface is prepared, you can apply a plastic-specific primer. Choose a primer colour that is similar to the paint colour you will be using. Spray the primer in thin, even coats, holding the can 6-8 inches away from the surface. Allow each coat to dry for at least 5 minutes, and apply at least 3-5 coats, or more if needed, to ensure complete coverage.
Step 7: Sand and Inspect
After the primer is dry, inspect the surface for any imperfections, such as lumps or bubbles. If necessary, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand out these imperfections and ensure a smooth finish.
By following these steps, you will have properly prepared your dashboard surface for painting. Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear the necessary safety equipment, such as a vapor mask and safety glasses.
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Removing the dash
Before removing your dashboard, check your owner's manual for specific guidance on removing trim pieces. Your car's dashboard parts will probably come out easily with nothing more than a screwdriver and a set of auto trim removal tools. Make sure you remove all the screws before you try to pull out the dash to avoid any damage, and keep your eyes peeled as some screws might be tricky to spot. Once all the screws are removed from the top section of the dash, slide it forward so you can access any electrical wiring for the driver's side gauges and meters. Detach all of the wiring harnesses. Be very careful to ensure that nothing is still attached. Remove the dashboard slowly and pay attention to any resistance you might feel. If you do feel resistance, set the dash back in place and look for more connections.
Once you've taken the dash out of the car, separate the pieces you don't want to be painted and store them in a safe place away from the area in which you plan on painting. You can hang the accessories or pieces of the dashboard you want to paint from wire coat hangers or lay them on old newspapers. If you're painting in cold weather, it can help to warm the paint cans so the paint atomizes finer when it's sprayed, resulting in a better paint job. Stand them in a shallow bucket of warm water that reaches the middle of the cans, but do not overheat the cans and risk exploding them.
After you've finished painting and the paint has dried, you can reinstall any trim pieces or panels by popping them back into place.
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Applying the paint
Painting your car's dashboard can be a great way to customise your vehicle and cover up any scratches or scuffs. Before applying any paint, it is important to properly prepare the surface. Firstly, remove any accessories such as vents, the steering column, and the gauge cluster. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Next, use a spray cleaner to thoroughly remove any remaining contaminants, ensuring it is compatible with the materials your dash is made of. For vinyl and plastic, a general cleaner like 409 works well, while leather can be cleaned with a leather cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and water.
Once the surface is clean, it's time to start the painting process. If you're using a spray paint, shake the can well before spraying. Apply the primer using smooth, overlapping strokes, and let each coat dry for about five minutes before applying another coat. Three to four coats of primer should be sufficient. When the primer is dry, repeat the process with your chosen colour. Two coats of colour should be enough. If you're using a paintbrush or sponge to apply the paint, make sure to use smooth, even strokes to avoid brush strokes showing in the final result.
If you're painting in cold weather, it can be helpful to warm the paint cans in a shallow bucket of warm water. This will help the paint atomize finer when sprayed, resulting in a better finish. However, be careful not to overheat the cans as they may explode.
After applying the colour, you can choose to add a clear coat. This will add shine and protect the paint. Again, apply this using the same spraying technique as the primer and colour coats, and allow it to dry for at least four hours. If you can leave it overnight or for a full 24 hours, that is even better.
Finally, carefully peel away any painter's tape and reinstall any trim pieces or panels that you removed. Your newly painted dashboard is now ready to be shown off!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to refinish your dashboard without removing it from the vehicle. This can be done by using masking tape and plastic sheeting to mask the areas that you don't want to paint. However, removing the dashboard makes it easier to paint and can result in a more satisfying outcome.
Check your owner's manual for specific guidance on removing the dashboard. You will probably need nothing more than a screwdriver and a set of auto trim removal tools. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery to avoid any electrical damage. Remove all the screws from the top section of the dash, slide it forward, and disconnect the wiring.
Standard paints should not be used to refinish a dashboard. Instead, use a paint designed for the material you are painting. ColorBond LVP is perfect for leather, vinyl, or plastic. Before painting, clean the dashboard with a spray cleaner to remove any remaining contaminants.
Prepare the pieces you want to paint by hanging them or laying them on old newspaper. Warm the paint cans in shallow buckets of warm water if painting in cold weather. Apply the primer using smooth, overlapping strokes, and let each coat dry for about five minutes before applying another coat. Spray three to four coats of primer, then apply the base coats in the same way. Spray three to eight coats of base colour. Finally, apply a lacquer coat to increase the durability of your paint job.
