HI!... I'm currently working on building a 3 way gauge pod into my top dash panel. I see in the past that a lot of you guys have done similiar mods to your interiors. I was just curious to what brand of interior paint you guys are using and possible a part # so it will closely colour match the original colour of the dash. Also want to get the spiecal paint that leaves a slight texture after it dries to look like the factory texture. I know it's not going to match the tecture perfectly but as long as it's close. Any help on this would be great. TIA.

BTW this is the stage I'm at now with just the epoxy.

 

 

If you have a spare spray nozzle, take something like a pin and open the exit hole up a little and see if you can get bigger droplets coming out of the can. If whatever paint you are using is thick enough not to level out after it's on the surface, it might leave a slight orange peel texture.

If that doesn't work, maybe try some non-automotive products as a intermediate coat just to build texture.

 

TampaBlack found some texture in a can for instances such as this, it matches almost perfectly too. I will look for the post.

Tom

Here you go: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=219843

 

HI!... Cool thanks for the suggestions guys Anyone else got any hints? I don't want to screw this up.

 

Bump********

 

Go to an Auto parts store that handles SEM refinishing products. They sell a plastic and vinyl texturing product in a spray can. It works well. By making light passes from some distance you can get a fine texture. Slower passes at less distance will produce a heavier texture. You can even carefully and lightly sand the texture to slightly flatten the texture peaks that looks typical of factory textured panels.

The pictures of your project hadn't come up before I posted above (slow dial up!). Now that I see what your doing I think the SEM texture product is about the only thing that will produce a uniform texture over the whole dash. It will need to be thoroughly cleaned to get all silicons off and scuffed with a scotch bright pad. Then apply coats of the texture material to the entire dash pad until you have uniform results you like. SEM also should have a plastic dye color you can use to top coat it with since the texture only comes in black. For durability you may also want to put a couple coats of SEM semi-gloss clear over that to protect everything and to hold up better from cleaning. Most SEM products can be ordered through the Eastwood Co. also.

And further, you may want to experiment on a scrap piece of plastic before starting. You can get different texture appearance by varying the application and lightly sanding (on not). On that large a piece, probably just going over with a fine scotch bright pad to clean up overspray and scuff it for the color coat will work best. It would be hard on that large a piece to try to get a uniform appearance of the texture by lightly knocking it down with 1000 grit sandpaper.

Dan

 

It will never match the stock texture period. You will have to sand and paint the whole part.

 

HI!... I know I have to sand the entire dash. I know it won't match the factory texture. What I want is for the entire piece in the pictures to have the same colour and texture. Thanks for the help/advice I will go down to my local AUTO BODY/PAINT store and see if they sell or can get the SEM products you suggested. Thanks again.

 

Then make sure when your spraying the part with the SEM texture coat to keep the nozzle clean and spray the whole part from the same distance. Once the texture coat dries, sand it with 400grit to knock down the high spots ONLY. Tack cloth the surface then spray with a satin flat. Try using Krylon fusion as it drys more uniformed than other products. Or just get it sprayed professionally.

 

There is one other possible option I forgot to mention but it's much more costly. There is a place in California called Just Dashes that restores padded dash and soft and hard interior trim pieces for cars. They can vacuum-form and adhere a vinyl covering over the entire dash pad and then dye it to your specification.

If you try the SEM texture product, be sure to get a can of SEM or Bulldog Adhesion Promotor for plastic. I would use it on the bare dash after thoroughly cleaning and then between the texture and dye coats.

Dan

 

HI!... Well I got a chance to go down to the local auto body/paint shop today. I ordered the SEM 39853 TEXTURE COATING, it will be in tomorrow. Today I picked up a can of DU PONT PLAS-STICK A-2330S plastic adhesion promoter and when the dash is ready the shop will match the dark graphite with some custom dye/paint in a ready to go spray bomb. Might have it ready for paint this weekend. I'll post up picks when it is done.