I just did a search for posts looking for info and pics about people painting their interior trim pieces and didn't find any but this one. I think that is pretty strange, but whatever. I've been researching painting plastics and I'm pretty convinced I can do a decent job with the interior trim pieces, but still not sure if I should use primer, but I guess it wouldn't hurt.
To experiment, I painted my cell-phone cover. It came out pretty well, (Duplicolor paint) however there is a small button on the back, used to take the cover off, that is a different type of plastic. The paint Immediately chipped off of every millimeter of it. Clean off. However, the rest of the phone is quite durable, and I haven't even gotten a ding.

I wet sanded the clear-coat layer (1200) and then used some rubbing compound to buff it out. The result is a very smooth "deep" finish.
I don't have a digital camera, or I'd post some pics of the finish.

I would definately recommend using a clear coat if you want a nice and shiny finish.

Most pages I've read about auto painting recommend wetsanding with 400 then cleaning with a laquer thinner.

Side note, I now get to wax my phone for extra shine. :thumbup:

 

i didnt use primer, nor did i use clear coat and mine is still in great condition after months over 10 months of Arizona sunshine beating down if i wash it off with a washcloth to remove the dust looks just the same as the first day i did it, i used duplicolor interior paints, i would suggest first cleaning off the panels u are painting with at least a wet cloth to prevent getting dust from getting under the paint which would promote cracking but most plastic interiors are not smooth so a primer is not needed, a clear coat will prevent the paint from fading over time, and will give it a glossier glassier appearance, i found i didnt need it but if u want ur interior paint glossy more power to u, good luck guys

 

what exactly is wet sanding???

 

I painted the heater vent trim and some of my center console in my 91 Civic Si hatch. Its really easier to remove (if possible) the parts you want to paint. Set aside at least a day to do this (I'll explain later).


1-Wash all parts in warm soapy water well. This will remove any dirt and interior protectant that might have been sprayed on it.

2-Let all parts dry throughly

3-Rough up plastic parts with fine grit sand paper.

4-Spray a few light coats of automotive plastic primer on the piece and wait recommended time to dry.

5-Apply very very light coats of your interior paint. The key is lots of light light coats. At first it will appear that the colour is not right, but the more coats you build up the better the paint will look.

All my painted pieces appeared to be pretty chip resistant, glossy and durable.

The real time consuming part to this process is building up your light coats on the pieces. I spent about 1 hr washing/drying parts and 1/2 hour sanding. The kicker...... It toook me 3hrs to paint all the pieces.

 

has anyone with a painted interior use armoral on their interior? t

 

yah i use armor-all all the time, that stuff is great, keeps the plastic well conditioned to avoid cracking with heavy sun light. i use it all over

 

:wopics:

 

^ Agreed!

 

I am finished with doing my interior. I am going to post the pics ASAP.