8 replies to this topic

[Pinballer]

Hi guys,

The silver sections of my dash and ashtray are looking a little tired and I was planning on restoring them.  I was wondering if anyone had any tips on painting as it looks like it would be a pain in the ass to mask, especially around the vents?  

...Or has anyone vinyl wrapped the silver sections? I noticed there are some vinyl colours now that are very similar to original, would they work or does it shrink over time?

[S pack]

I've got no idea on the vinyl wrap, however if the silver vinyl wrap on our VE interior door handles and centre console trim are anything to go by it doesn't age very well.

I believe paint is the better option. I used to restore & repaint a few SL/R & GTS dash fascias when I was 20 something years younger. I found the best way to mask them up was with liquid latex but you do need good lighting, a keen eye and a steady brush hand to apply the latex.

[Cook]

Hi Matt, I've read on a couple of old posts that people were using a silver paint pen to redo their edges.  Another way I read, and would need the dash out of the car, was to spray paint it silver without worrying about overspray, then use the thin masking tape to mask over the silver edges and then repaint the rest.  I was contemplating vinyl wrapping my console and the top of the dash but I read from a business that does it that it only lasts 2-3 years which put me off. Cheers Ron

[RallyRed]

Wasn't "Mike gb" the man for this stuff?

[Pinballer]

Cheers for the replies guys, I had heard the paint the whole thing silver then mask, do the matt black, then the chrome with a paint marker before, but am not sure if that is the best way.
The liquid latex idea sounds interesting, I’ll have a bit of a look into that.
If anyone else has ideas, fire away!

[S pack]

If I had to spray black I did that first, then latex mask the areas to remain black and spray two coats of the Portland Grey, remove the latex mask, then silver paint pen the raised edge surround.

[Pinballer]

If I had to spray black I did that first, then latex mask the areas to remain black and spray two coats of the Portland Grey, remove the latex mask, then silver paint pen the raised edge surround.

 

That makes sense, how many coats of liquid latex did you use? One thick or a few thin coats?

[S pack]

One coat is usually enough but on larger areas I usually put a second coat just to be sure any brush strokes are covered.

The liquid latex I used is white and it dries clear. From memory it had a slight opaqueness to it when a heavier film thickness is achieved.

A toothpick can be handy for blotting the latex into tighter spots where a brush will be too big.

 

I completely prepped the surfaces to be painted prior to application of the latex. Once applied you have to be careful not to disturb it.

If you do have to do another application of wax & grease remover prior to paint application be as gentle as possible.

 

A clean dry cloth is handy to carefully wipe off any minor oops and finally don't stress out if you stuff it up. Just let it dry, peel it off and start again, and take your time.

[Pinballer]

One coat is usually enough but on larger areas I usually put a second coat just to be sure any brush strokes are covered.
The liquid latex I used is white and it dries clear. From memory it had a slight opaqueness to it when a heavier film thickness is achieved.
A toothpick can be handy for blotting the latex into tighter spots where a brush will be too big.

I completely prepped the surfaces to be painted prior to application of the latex. Once applied you have to be careful not to disturb it.
If you do have to do another application of wax & grease remover prior to paint application be as gentle as possible.

A clean dry cloth is handy to carefully wipe off any minor oops and finally don't stress out if you stuff it up. Just let it dry, peel it off and start again, and take your time.

Thanks for all the info mate!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk