How to Custom Paint a Car Dashboard

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Painting your car’s dashboard is a great DIY customization option if the interior looks faded, scuffed up, or just plain boring. Automotive spray-can primers, paints, and lacquers work well on both the rigid and flexible plastic parts of a dashboard, so long as you take your time with the prep work and use the right spraying techniques. Your final results won’t precisely replicate a factory finish, but they can definitely look good enough for you to show off your car’s dashboard with pride.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Part Removal

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  1. If you’re going to paint smaller trim pieces, like the ones around the stereo and air vents, it’s usually easier if you remove them from the car. Or, if you specifically don’t want to paint them, the easiest way to protect them is typically to take them out. This is also a good time to replace damaged or worn-out trim pieces, which also requires you to remove the old parts first. [1]
    • Taking out removable dashboard parts to paint separately reduces—but definitely doesn’t eliminate—the taping and masking you’ll need to do before painting the dashboard.
  2. Put on safety glasses as a precaution, and make sure the car’s ignition is off. If there are plastic caps covering the negative (-) and positive (+) terminals, lift up the negative terminal’s cap. Loosen the nut that secures the cable to the terminal with a wrench, then move the cable well clear of the battery and any metal—lay the end of the cable on a clean towel if needed. [2]
    • You may be tempted to skip this step, but it’s well worth the minimal effort. There is plenty of wiring behind the dashboard parts you intend to remove. [3]
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  3. Your car’s dashboard parts will probably come out easily with nothing more than a screwdriver and a set of auto trim removal tools. But you definitely don’t want to break any of the parts you plan to paint, so take the time to consult your owner’s manual. You should find a section dedicated to removing trim parts correctly. [4]
    • If you don’t have the owner’s manual, check the automaker’s website for an online version.
  4. Many of your dashboard’s removable parts simply snap in and out of place. If you insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the seam at the edge of a part and apply minimal lever force, it should pop right out. [5] That said, you’re less likely to cause damage if you buy a set of auto trim removal tools online or at an auto parts store—they’re made specifically for this task. [6]
    • Unlike a screwdriver, trim removal tools have slightly curved and forked tips like a crowbar. Simply insert the tool’s curved tip under the edge of a panel and use a lever action to pop it free.
    • If a part doesn’t pop out with minimal force, check the owner’s manual again to make sure you’re removing the part the right way—it may have a hidden screw holding it in place!
  5. Some dashboard parts are held in place with screws, so simply remove the screws by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Pull out the freed parts and be sure to save the screws for re-installation later. Use your screwdriver to also disconnect any wiring attached to the parts you remove. Either loosen (and save) the screws that hold the wiring harness in place on the backside of a part, or press in on the tab that releases the harness. [7]
    • As a reminder, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the best results.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Dashboard Prep

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  1. Lightly dampen a clean cloth, using warm water with a little squirt of dish soap mixed in. Wipe down all the dashboard components—whether removed or still in place—and let them air dry. [8]
    • If you’ve purchased replacement dashboard parts that you want to paint before installing, clean them the same way.
    • The goal here is to remove all surface dirt and debris.
  2. Once all the components you washed with dish soap and water have dried, lightly moisten a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe them again. Wiping with isopropyl alcohol gets rid of oily residues, such as those left behind by fingerprints. [9]
    • Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and general retail stores.
    • Your paint job will look better and be more durable if you complete both parts of the cleaning process—soapy water and isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Use a small spray bottle to lightly mist the area you’re sanding. Sand in a circular motion and use very light pressure—press down just enough to keep the sandpaper from slipping out of place. Once everything is dry, wipe up all the sanding dust with one or more tack cloths. [10]
    • 1500-grit sandpaper is an ultra-fine grit. The goal here is just to very lightly rough up the surface to help the paint adhere better.
    • Make sure to use the tack cloth! Wipe off all the sanding dust before proceeding.
  4. Completely mask any of the smaller parts you don’t want to paint by using multiple strips of tape. Press the tape down firmly to ensure complete adhesion and clean lines. Likewise, to separate 2 parts of the dashboard—one that you want to paint, one that you don’t—run the tape against and into the seam between the 2 parts, smoothing the tape down firmly. [11]
    • Make sure the applied painter’s tape has full adhesion and no wrinkles. Otherwise, the spray paint may bleed underneath the tape.
  5. For example, put a plastic bag over the steering wheel and steering column, then run a strip of painter’s tape all the way around the base of the steering column. Tape up crafting paper or butcher paper to mask the windshield, and tape down paper or plastic to protect the front seats, floorboards, and so on. [12]
    • A good rule of thumb is to cover everything in the car that you don’t want to paint and that’s within a minimum of 3 ft (91 cm) of the dashboard. Spray paint can end up far from where you intend it to go, so be aggressive when it comes to taping and covering your car interior. A little more work now can save a lot of hassle later!
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Primer

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  1. Shop for your spray primer, color coat paint, and lacquer at a well-regarded auto paint retailer. Work with a knowledgeable sales associate to get the best products for your car and its condition. Choose one or more color coats that match the original color(s) of your dashboard, or try something completely new—the painting process is the same either way.
    • You may need 2 types of primer, but they work the same way. Get a “filler primer” if your rigid plastic dashboard components are scratched up—it will help to conceal the scratches. [13] Choose an “adhesion promoting primer” for any flexible plastic components—your main dashboard area may have a slightly supple vinyl finish, for example. Adhesion promoter can also be used on rigid plastic, but it won’t cover up scratches very well. [14]
    • Don’t use filler primer on flexible plastic parts—it will crack, split, and flake off.
  2. Auto spray paints create a lot of unpleasant and potentially hazardous fumes, so always work in a well-ventilated area. In addition, be sure to put on a vapor mask or respirator mask—not just a dust mask—and goggles to protect your eyes. To make cleaning yourself up easier, wear long sleeves and disposable gloves. [15]
    • You can paint outdoors if it’s not too damp or humid and the temperature is between around 65–85 °F (18–29 °C). Avoid direct sunlight while painting.
    • If you’re working in your garage, keep the main door and any other exterior doors and windows open. Set up one or more box fans to exhaust air and fumes out of the garage.
  3. Shake the can for at least 1 minute, then hold it about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) from the surface you want to paint. Spray in about 1-second bursts, continually moving the can in a steady back-and-forth motion while spraying. Keep the coat light and even across all the surfaces you’re painting. [16]
    • Keep the can in motion whenever you’re spraying. Holding the can still over an area will create splotchy and runny patches of paint.
    • If you’re unsure about your spraying technique, practice on scrap pieces of cardboard, wood, or—ideally—plastic or vinyl.
    • The process is the same whether you’re using a filler primer or an adhesion promoter.
  4. If the primer still looks damp at all, or if it’s a humid day, give it at least 15 minutes before continuing. Spray on the second coat of primer in the same way as the first, and wait another 5-plus minutes before adding a third coat. Always use at least 2 coats of primer, but opt for 3 or 4 total coats if possible. Applying several thin, even coats promotes better adhesion and durability. [17]
    • Shake the can for at least 1 minute before adding each subsequent coat.
    • Use the same 5-plus minute waiting time throughout the process of priming, painting, and lacquering the dashboard.
    • Make sure the final primer coat is completely dry before moving on to adding color coats. Wait 5 minutes at minimum, but preferably more like 15-60 minutes or longer.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Paint and Lacquer

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  1. Shake the can for at least 1 minute and hold it 6–8 in (15–20 cm) from the surface. Like with the primer, spray in quick bursts while using a steady back-and-forth motion. Make this first coat thin enough that you can still see the color of the primer underneath it. [18]
  2. Wait until the first coat looks dry before adding the second coat, once again using the same spraying process. Then keep repeating this procedure until you’ve added at least 3 color coats, but preferably more like 5-8. You’ll get diminishing returns after about 8 coats, but adding more coats generally enhances the look and durability of the paint job. [19]
    • Be patient while waiting for the paint to dry between coats. And don’t touch the paint to check it!
  3. While you can technically skip adding lacquer coats, doing so greatly increases the durability of your paint job and is highly recommended. Use the same spraying technique and waiting time as with the primer and color coats. Use a gloss lacquer if you want your dashboard to have a sheen, or a matte lacquer if you prefer a less shiny finish. [20]
    • Use a lacquer spray that’s intended for auto interiors.
  4. At bare minimum, give the final lacquer coat 4 hours to dry. If you can leave it overnight or a full 24 hours, all the better. Carefully peel away the painter’s tape and remove any plastic sheeting and craft paper. Reinstall any trim piece or panels you removed by popping them back into place. Then take a moment to admire your work! [21]
    • To maintain the durability of your paint job, clean the dashboard occasionally with nothing but a rag dampened with warm water and a small amount of dish soap.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use Plasti Dip to paint my dashboard?
    Tommy Goldberg
    Automotive Expert
    Tommy Goldberg is an Automotive Expert and the Director of Product Development at Obsessed Garage based in Lady Lake, Florida. Tommy has been part of the Obsessed Garage team since 2020 and is responsible for the team's product development and testing strategies. He is an expert in car detailing, pressure washers, and proper techniques to maintain cars. Tommy has a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
    Tommy Goldberg
    Automotive Expert
    Expert Answer
    I wouldn't recommend that. Plasti Dip only lasts a few years and is very tedious to remove. I would, however, recommend Vinyl Wrapping over Plasti Dip.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I spray paint a plastic car's interior?
    Community Answer
    I have used Rustoleum 2x in the past and it has worked the best. I have also used Krylon's brand of paint for plastics (which I think is called Fusion), but it scratched off easily. If you go with the Rustoleum 2x, you don't need primer; using it actually makes the paint dry poorly. When I painted my car's interior, I took the vinyl off the door panels and then used paint thinner and a rag to get the glue off. Then, I cleaned the plastic with mineral spirits and sprayed the 2x on it.
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  • Question
    How can I paint the tight area between my windshield and dash?
    Community Answer
    If you cannot remove the windshield, then mask everything off that you do not want to paint. Next, clean the dash and wipe it with a cleaner like alcohol. Scuff the paint area with 320 or 300 grit. Blow off any residue and then use a tack rag to clean the area to paint. Paint any tight places with an airbrush or very small HVLP sprayer. (Using one of these little sprayers will prevent too much overspray and prevent laying down too much paint in one place.) Take your time; the small sprayer will fill in the areas that are hard to get to with a regular sprayer.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Screwdriver
      • Auto trim removal tools
      • Dish soap
      • Rubbing alcohol
      • Clean rags
      • 1500-grit sandpaper
      • Spray bottle
      • Microfiber cloth
      • Tack cloth
      • Painter's tape
      • Plastic sheeting
      • Craft paper
      • Auto primer, color coat, and lacquer

      Tips

      • As an alternative to painting, look into adhesive dashboard kits, which are custom-designed for specific makes, models, and years of cars.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about taking care of your car, check out our in-depth interview with Tommy Goldberg .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      2. ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a26873586/car-battery-disconnecting/
      3. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      4. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/N2CpLMuDDxE?t=15
      6. ↑ https://rxmechanic.com/auto-trim-removal-tools/
      7. ↑ https://itstillruns.com/disconnect-car-stereo-wiring-harness-2216809.html
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/N2CpLMuDDxE?t=240
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/N2CpLMuDDxE?t=240
      1. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      2. ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/how-to-mask-a-car-like-a-pro/
      3. ↑ https://www.themechanicdoctor.com/how-to-mask-a-car-like-a-pro/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/gtt_Ucb2vYs?t=5m20s
      5. ↑ https://www.drivingline.com/articles/how-to-repaint-your-car-s-interior/
      6. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/N2CpLMuDDxE?t=270
      8. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/N2CpLMuDDxE?t=320
      10. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      11. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/
      12. ↑ https://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/26/how-to-paint-your-dashboard/

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