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P a i n t i n
g i n t e r i o r t r i m
Vince Cuffaro, civicracer@core.com
I know some of you have done a few things on interior dying, but being
in the business of doing it I figured I'd add my two cents. Interior dying/coloring is tough to do and make
last. Two years from
now it WILL NOT look like factory, unless your lucky or have followed
my guide! ;)
First off, pick your parts to dye/color. Don't go too nuts! In my
book, too much is ALWAYS to much! I like doing the harder trim pieces, which this 'how-to' will cover. I know a guy who did his whole center
armrest console Electron Blue on a black interior! yuck! But, it is your call what you decide to
do.
Second thing to do is pick a
color - this is the fun part and the
worst both at the same time - so many colors, so little time! Try and
keep it either body color, or a predominant trim/stripe color. You
don't want too many colors floating around the car making it look
gaudy. I like to stick with Honda colors only on my Civic. If you
decide to do it a Honda factory paint color, get the code! I will be
giving you a phone number to call for the paint mix and they will mix
whatever color you want, even custom stuff - although hard to do over
the phone.
The next step is the piece removal. Carefully remove any trim pieces
you want colored and lay them aside. Be careful of clips and such, as
they cannot be replaced if broken and Honda charges an arm and a leg for replacement
stuff - like air vents! Trust me, I know!
Ok, now, here is the info on paint. I'm sure every local town has a
paint supply that will do this or maybe not!? But these guys are HUGE
Dupont suppliers and will ship ANYWHERE! They know there stuff as well!
Order at least two cans of paint and one can of Low Luster Clear.
you'll also need to add a can of BULLDOG adhesion promoter. A MUST
have! I'd get a gray scuff pad from them, or elsewhere as well.
The place is PREMIER PAINT, located in the Cleveland Ohio area. There number is: 1-877-229-4361. Ask for Dori. Tell her Vince sent you!
I just like to hear every time I go in there
that another 'Purehonda.com member' ordered stuff! ;]
Usual cost for the whole thing is right around 30 bucks...not bad for
a do it yourself job!
Ok, on to the paint! Make sure to clean each piece with either
dish soap and water, or a very mild solvent based cleaner. These pieces
are dyed from the factory and WILL get messed up if you try and use lacquer
thinner on them! I'd go get some wax and grease remover from the store for this. If you wash them, be sure to let them dry VERY WELL
before painting!
When the pieces are clean, take the gray pad and scuff them up
LIGHTLY! Don't overdue it as you'll scratch the pieces to heavily and
then they won't hide. Just a light rub will work fine. Spray them with
two LIGHT coats of BULLDOG, and let dry. I think it's about 10 minutes
between coats? Read the can!
After the final coat is dry, begin to spray the pieces with the
color. Use LIGHT coats! If it takes 100 coats to hide, so be it! DO
NOT put the color on heavy! This will lead to peeling and will take too
long to dry. Just light mists is fine! But also don't over do the
color...just put on enough to hide and stop. Your don't want it to be
too built up on the pieces. I'd wait about 10 minutes between coats and
about 20 minutes after the last coat before clearing it.
I like using LOW LUSTER clear because it matches the factory sheen. This step too, use light
coats, two or three should be fine, or until you have a uniform finish.
Well, that's about it! Let the whole thing dry for SEVERAL HOURS
before you CAREFULLY replace the pieces. And be careful for a little.
Don't be grabbing and scratching on the parts thinking it will be
factory... it's not! I had no problem when doing this in my Hondas as well
as others, just be sure to follow the steps and take your time.
If you need any further info, email me at: civicracer@core.com
anytime! I'm here to help my fellow Hondites! ;)
Good luck, and drive safe!
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Vince Cuffaro, civicracer@core.com
Performance Refinishing/Racing, Inc.
"Home of the all motor 13 second Civic SiR!"
Visit us at:
fortunecity.com/performancerefinishing/perfmain.html
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