Center console paint

[Diseazd]

Use SEM paint. I would reccomend cleaning real well then 3M scotch pad and even priming with plastic adhesion promoter. The promoter will help the finish stick and be much more durable. I get these items from the local auto paint supply.

BTW, get satin!!!

[7T1240]

I used the SEM Laundau Black to paint my center console and am very happy with the results. I also used the same SEM paint to do the centercaps on some original "D" style hubcaps. That thread is here:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24437&highlight=SEM

Gary S.

[het976]

Since this was brought up- I was looking over mine when it was taken out and there are a few hairline cracks (<1in long) and a couple "chips". Would it be possible to fix those and repaint it? If so, what should be used to fix it, epoxy? It's nothing major and I didn't notice it until I took it out, I'm just putting so much work into the car there's no sense short cutting things.

Be aware, the SEM paint I used will give a texture. I had to do this because I had filled and sanded the console. If you just want a refresh, it might not be the best choice. Since one of the original posts was about filling and repair, I thought this germane to the discussions.

[mally002]

I used the SEM and am very happy with the results. I had some very small and minor cracks that I did not fill in...(they add character).

Here is the results with a before and after.

Thanks again for eveyones input.

Randy

[7T1240]

Looks good Randy. After installing my newly refinished console, I took one of these gel sticky pads and cut it to size for the coin tray...don't want items like coins or your tire gauge marring your new finish!

http://www.handstands.com/retail/automotive-accessories/jelly-stickypad.php

Gary S.

[zbane]

I know you said center console, but I remembered that Juan (panamared) prepped and painted his dash with the krylon stuff. Here is a link to how his turned out.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25785

[EScanlon]

I know you said center console, but I remembered that Juan (panamared) prepped and painted his dash with the krylon stuff. Here is a link to how his turned out.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25785

Be sure to look at post #'s 8 & 9 in the referenced thread.

Apparently there are flecks of silver in the Fusion paint Juan used that may be disagreeable or not what you may want in your finish.

I've not used the Fusion for anything yet and as such don't know what/how/where it would work or have problems.

The SEM problem, on the other hand, the only reasons I can come up with het's having texture problems with it are:

1) Either poor prep (wrong cleaning agent, wrong de-greasing agent, handling item after degreasing/cleaning) or

2) Improper paint procedure (too thick a coat, temperature too cold/hot, not shaking the can well/long enough).

In my experience, SEM is more of a DYE than a PAINT, as such it takes very light and even coats as opposed to a single blast/pass. Do it properly and the finish, color and longevity are as good as factory paint results (and many plastic/vinyl pieces come painted from the factory).

FWIW

E

[Diseazd]

Use SEM. That is the majority of what they do. Making plastic specific dyes and paints. Krylon just does spray paint. I would also be weary of anything called fusion. Seems too modern/trendy. Especially with silver flakes!!!!

SEM works great. Just use nice light thin coats. That is the key to a quality finish. It is better to do 4 very thin light coats than 1 or 2 thick ones. Let each coat dry for 15 minutes or so before the next. This is reffered to as letting them tack up first

I use the pints/quarts and spray through a auto paint HVLP gun. Never tried the spray can. Amazing results!!!!!

Brandon not Guy (the son)

[ktm]

Diszead, your logic is flawed. Just because it is called Fusion does not mean it is an inferior product. You are correct, Krylon makes spray paint and they make a spray paint that is specifically designed for plastics.

I had great success with Krylon's products and my black paint does not have any silver flakes in it at all. I have used Fusion for a few years on various surfaces (wood, metal, and plastic) and the paint is fanstastic. I used it on Pallnet's plexiglass throttle body spacer and it still looks "new". The same can be said for my center console.

[DeesZ]

I have had excellent results with the Krylon Fusion (satin black) product. No specks in the paint, and it seems to hold up very well. It's "matched" the other (unpainted) parts quite well. Just follow the directions.

I have no experience with SEM products so I cannot compare the two.

Here's a picture of a part that I did a while back. It was in several pieces at the start. JB Weld, some clamps, and a bit of patience preparing the parts to "mate" was all that it took. There are two or three coats of Fusion on this. One good coat would have worked had it not been for the repair work that I did. It's hard to tell that this was in pieces at one time, but a bit more prep work would have given me better results. I had a post or two a while back about the repair if you wish more information about how it was done.

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[het976]

Be sure to look at post #'s 8 & 9 in the referenced thread.

Apparently there are flecks of silver in the Fusion paint Juan used that may be disagreeable or not what you may want in your finish.

I've not used the Fusion for anything yet and as such don't know what/how/where it would work or have problems.

The SEM problem, on the other hand, the only reasons I can come up with het's having texture problems with it are:

1) Either poor prep (wrong cleaning agent, wrong de-greasing agent, handling item after degreasing/cleaning) or

2) Improper paint procedure (too thick a coat, temperature too cold/hot, not shaking the can well/long enough).

In my experience, SEM is more of a DYE than a PAINT, as such it takes very light and even coats as opposed to a single blast/pass. Do it properly and the finish, color and longevity are as good as factory paint results (and many plastic/vinyl pieces come painted from the factory).

FWIW

E

I don't think the issue is my application. I think the material I am using is designed to provide some texture. I used it on the dash and got the same result.

All materials I have used it on, both plastic and metal are sanded, then degreased with prep-sol and then cleaned with SEM plastic prep, so they are clean. The garage is heated and at 70 degrees and finally, I am pretty sure I shook the can. Application is 3 wet semi-wet coats...no drips or runs.

I really think the material is designed to have a some texture since it is used to repaint bumpers and trim parts. Regardless, I really like it the way it is and I think it looks good, but if you are looking to "re-paint" it is maybe not the right product.

[Panamared]

Be sure to look at post #'s 8 & 9 in the referenced thread.

Apparently there are flecks of silver in the Fusion paint Juan used that may be disagreeable or not what you may want in your finish.

Enrique is right. I mean the product sticks very very well but if you are looking a finish close to the original you should go with the sem product.