If you love cars and the arts, you might be interested in painting your vehicle’s dashboard. This is definitely not easy to do; if this is your first time, you will make mistakes.
To counter those mistakes, I have written this blog post on how to spray paint a dashboard for you guys.
There are certain things you should keep in mind when painting your car dashboard. I will give you some steps you can follow, and you can begin by spray painting your car dashboard.
If you are an amateur, you should follow all the procedures from the start to the end if you want an admirable finish with satisfactory and tremendous results.
How to spray paint a dashboard?
Follow all the instructions I will share with you so you can also get those results after completing the paint job on the dashboard of my own vehicles or of the clients.
Don’t miss any step if you want an excellent finish on your car’s dashboard without blistering, uneven, or crackling issues.
Tools you need to spray paint dashboard
- Spray paint
- Plastic primer
- Mask
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Painters tape or newspaper
- Soapy water
- Sandpaper
- Towels or rags
- Tools for disassembling
- Makeup brush for cleaning tight spots/toothbrush
- Sealer or protectant
Wear protective gear and prepare the area
Before you start spray painting your car dashboard, it is important to wear the proper protective gear.
This includes a respirator or mask, gloves, and eye protection. You will also need to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on.
Once you have your gear on, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area. If you are working inside, open all the windows and doors to allow for proper ventilation.
If you are working outside, make sure there is a breeze blowing the fumes away from you.
Now you are ready to start spray painting. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paint can for the best results.
Clean the dashboard
To clean the dashboard with soapy water before spray painting, first, remove any loose dirt and debris. Next, wet a clean cloth with soapy water and wipe down the dashboard.
Be sure to rinse the cloth often to avoid leaving any soap residue behind. Once the dashboard is clean, allow it to dry completely before proceeding with the spray painting.
Sand down the surface
It is important to sand down the surface of your car dashboard before spray painting it. This will help to create a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to.
You can use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface of the dashboard. Be sure to sand in the same direction as the grain of the dashboard to avoid creating any scratches.
Once you have sanded the surface, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Then, you can begin spray painting your car dashboard.
Apply primer and base coat
Before you begin spray painting your car dashboard, it is important to apply a primer and base coat. This will help to ensure that the final paint job is smooth and even.
To apply the primer and base coat, first sand down the surface of the dashboard. Then, apply a thin layer of primer using a foam brush or roller.
Allow the primer to dry for the recommended amount of time before applying the base coat. Once the base coat is dry, you can then begin spray painting the dashboard.
Spray paint dashboard
Once the primer and base coat is dry, you can begin to apply thin coats of paint to the dashboard. It is important to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Once you have applied the desired number of coats, you can then apply a clear coat to protect the paint.
Apply Sealer or protectant
After you have spray-painted your car dashboard, it is important to apply a sealer or protectant. This will help to keep the paint from chipping or fading over time.
You can find sealers and protectants at most auto parts stores. Simply follow the directions on the packaging. In most cases, you will need to apply the sealer or protectant with a clean cloth.
How do you prepare a dashboard for painting?
To prepare a dashboard for painting, you will need to follow these steps:
- Clean the dashboard thoroughly with a mild detergent or cleaning solution to remove any dirt, grime, or other debris.
- Sand the dashboard with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough or uneven surfaces.
- Clean the dashboard again with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or residue from sanding.
- Tape off any areas that you do not want to paint, such as buttons, knobs, or vents.
- Apply a primer specifically formulated for plastic surfaces, this will help the paint adhere to the plastic.
- Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.
- Apply the paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
- Allow the final coat of paint to dry completely before removing the tape and reassembling the dashboard.
Note that it’s highly recommended to use a plastic primer and paint specifically formulated for use on plastic surfaces, to avoid cracking or peeling.
What kind of paint do you use on car interior?
For painting the interior of a car, it is recommended to use spray paint specifically formulated for use on automotive interiors.
These sprays are designed to be flexible and durable, able to withstand the temperature changes and wear and tear of a car’s interior.
Some popular brands include Dupli-Color, Plasti Dip, and SEM.
Additionally, you should choose a paint color that matches the original color of your dashboard as closely as possible, or you can use a dye that can be applied directly to the plastic.
Using a color that closely matches the original will help the paint job look more professional and less noticeable.
It’s also important to use paint in a well-ventilated area and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, drying, and curing times.
Can you spray paint a dashboard?
Yes, it is possible to spray paint a dashboard. Using spray paint specifically formulated for use on automotive interiors is the best option.
These sprays are designed to be flexible and durable, able to withstand the temperature changes and wear and tear of a car’s interior.
When using spray paint, it is important to properly prepare the dashboard by cleaning it, sanding it, and applying a primer specifically formulated for plastic surfaces.
It’s also important to use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, drying, and curing times.
It’s important to note that spray painting a dashboard can be challenging, as it requires a steady hand and some experience to achieve a smooth, even coat.
If you don’t feel confident in your ability to do it yourself, it may be best to leave the task to a professional.
Can a car dashboard be painted?
Yes, a car dashboard can be painted, but it is a bit of a tricky process and it’s important to follow the correct steps to get a good result.
Before painting, the dashboard must be thoroughly cleaned, sanded, and a plastic primer specifically formulated for plastic surfaces should be applied.
It’s important to use paint that is specifically formulated for use on automotive interiors.
As regular paint may not adhere well to the dashboard’s plastic surface and may not be able to withstand the temperature changes and wear and tear of a car’s interior.
It’s also important to use paint in a well-ventilated area and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, drying, and curing times.
It’s also important to note that painting a dashboard can be challenging, as it requires a steady hand and some experience to achieve a smooth, even coat.
If you don’t feel confident in your ability to do it yourself, it may be best to leave the task to a professional.
Additionally, if the dashboard is already in a bad condition, then it might not be worth the effort of painting it, as it might not look as good as a new one.
FAQ’s of How to spray paint a dashboard
Conclusion of how to spray paint a dashboard
Thank you for reading this blog post about how to spray paint a car dashboard. I hope that it has been helpful for you in general and that you have found it easy to follow.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments so that I can improve our future posts!
And also share this blog post with those fellows who also want to give their car dashboards a newer and fresher look.
Till next time take care of your car dashboard and of yourself too. See you buddies!
Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.
