Painting Interior Trim

Things you will need:

1. Spraypaint in the color of your choice
2. Sandpaper, medium grit & fine grit
3. Plastic Primer (available from the paint shop, supercheap, autobarn etc)
4. Safety gear (mask, eye protection etc)
5. Metho/Prepsol cleaner
6. Masking tape
7. Clear topcoat (optional)

Step one: Remove the trim panel that you are going to paint. Be careful not to damage any clips that may hold the panel in.

Step two: Thoroughly clean the using a damp cloth. Once dry, clean again using prepsol/metho or other alcohol based cleaner. Ensure the parts are absolutely 100% clean

Step three: Lightly sand with medium grade sandpaper so the Plastic Primer will adhere to the plastics.

Step four: Clean again with prepsol/metho to remove any dust from the sanding process. Mask up any areas you dont want painted.

Step five: Spray first coat of plastics primer as per manufacturers instructions. Once touch dry lightly sand with fine paper. Apply second coat and allow to dry thoroghly. Make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear!

Step six: once second coat is dry you can begin to spray in the color of your choice. Follow instructions on can. Use VERY light coats, almost transperent for the first 3-4 coats, and allow 5 minutes drying between coats. As you build up you can start adding slightly heavier coats, but try not to overspray as you will get runs in the paint. All in all i did about 15 light coats, used up three tins of white paint

Step 7: Allow to dry overnight then inspect for any imperfections. If needed re-spray where needed.

Step 8: Add three to four coats of clear over the top to protect the actual pant surface. Allow to dry.

Step 9: Once dry, re-install into car. If all goes to plan it should look something like this:



If you havent used spray cans before i strongly recomend practicing on a old piece of timber or steel before attempting spraying anything! Overall the job should take you pretty much a full weekend.

Have fun!

tommy lancer.

Cool Tips tommy, nice work.

i strongly reccomend clear coat makes it look a much more proffesional finish and also ensures that any scratches dont show up