Painting a dashboard/int. doors?

Unregistered39

Hi there,

I'd really like to smarten up a very scruffy dashboard on a 2001 T4 camper. Has anyone tried painting one? If so, any product recommendations gratefully received. I've tried various cleaners and the expression 'You can't polish a turd' springs to mind, so it definitely needs something to mask it.

A few photos attached. The rest of the van is a new conversion so the front really lets it down!

TIA

MetzgerMeister

I wouldn't bother with painting as that could lead to issues down the line. Best option in my opinion is as follows:

- Using any all purpose cleaner and magic sponges, clean down the whole dash and any plastics in the cabin. The magic sponge will also remove light scratches in the plastic.

- Use a wet microfibre cloth to remove any APC residue and a clean dry one to dry afterwards

- Apply 303 Aerospace Protectant* with a sponge applicator pad to bring back the deep colour and make it look as new. This will give it a lovely OEM sheen as opposed to a shine which you don't want on a dash especially on top where it reflects in the windscreen

- Using a clean microfibre cloth buff any excess product

- Crack open a beer and enjoy your "new" dash

* I've noticed this product is out of stock in a lot of places. CarPro Perl would be another great product or Chemical Guys VRP as they are all for rejuvinating plastic and rubber and contain UV blockers to stop sun damage after treatment.

Also, do this job on cool-to-the-touch surfaces and out of direct sunlight.

vectra

I wonder would something carpro Dlux do anything for it?

MetzgerMeister

vectra wrote: »

I wonder would something carpro Dlux do anything for it?

It probably would but personally I would prefer the Aerospace/PERL/VRP route myself.

Unregistered39

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! I'll look into doing as you've suggested, although unfortunately I don't think there was ever a deep colour to bring back!

MetzgerMeister

Unregistered39 wrote: »

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! I'll look into doing as you've suggested, although unfortunately I don't think there was ever a deep colour to bring back!

Deep colour or not, that procedure will breathe new life into the dash

Unregistered39

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Deep colour or not, that procedure will breathe new life into the dash

I promise to post photos!

Duff

Can 303 be used on exterior plastic bumper trim too? Few panels on my girlfriends mini have gone that greyish colour and need a clean up.

MetzgerMeister

Duff wrote: »

Can 303 be used on exterior plastic bumper trim too? Few panels on my girlfriends mini have gone that greyish colour and need a clean up.

Yep, it can be used on the interior, exterior, engine bay and even tyre walls.

EDIT: the thing is, it won't last a wash. Better off with CarPro DLUX or Gtechniq C4.

deisedav

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Yep, it can be used on the interior, exterior, engine bay and even tyre walls.

EDIT: the thing is, it won't last a wash. Better off with CarPro DLUX or Gtechniq C4.

I would second that for the c4. Carpro pearl leaves a lovely finish on outside trim and is really versatile but really only lasts 2/3. Months. I have c4 on one of the cars about a year and its still going strong. I applied it to the other car yesterday and i had forgotten what a good job it does, really brings back life to faded trim . Bit of prep work to get the trim spotless but worth it as it extends the lifespan of the product .