Interior dye help!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 422
From: Denver CO
Interior dye help!!
Hey guys, Purchased leather/vinyl/hard plastic dye from Corvette America to refurbish my interior in my '76 C3.My questions are what cleaner is best to clean parts to be sprayed? and what type primer for the hard plastic pieces? The can says use BDI prep to clean but am unable to locate this product. All help appreciated. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
I've never used the C/A spray can stuff, and I never will. There have been several folks that posted on the Forum that it worked well...and about an equal number that have had problems.
I've always sprayed SEM [liquid] ColorCoat vinyl dye and have never had a problem.
With all interior dyes, you need to CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. Years of using oily Armor-All has put a thick film of goo that MUST be completely removed (detergent), then rinsed well so all detergent is gone. After drying, shoot two thin, covering coats of the dye on your surfaces.
SEM dye dries in minutes and the parts look showroom new. Don't know about the C/A stuff.
I've always sprayed SEM [liquid] ColorCoat vinyl dye and have never had a problem.
With all interior dyes, you need to CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. Years of using oily Armor-All has put a thick film of goo that MUST be completely removed (detergent), then rinsed well so all detergent is gone. After drying, shoot two thin, covering coats of the dye on your surfaces.
SEM dye dries in minutes and the parts look showroom new. Don't know about the C/A stuff.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I've had very satisfying results following this proces using spray can vinyl dye.
Clean with TSP (available @ lowes or Home Depot)
Rinse thoroughly
Another cleaning with TSP
Rinse thoroughly
Wipe down with vinyl prep adhesion promoter (available at most auto parts stores)
Spray a light coat of dye & let it flash off
Apply second heavier coat of dye
Third coat of dye if necessary to achieve even coverage
Only apply enough dye to achieve even coverage in order to preserve the texture of the parts
I did my entire interior more than 3 years ago & still looks great today
Clean with TSP (available @ lowes or Home Depot)
Rinse thoroughly
Another cleaning with TSP
Rinse thoroughly
Wipe down with vinyl prep adhesion promoter (available at most auto parts stores)
Spray a light coat of dye & let it flash off
Apply second heavier coat of dye
Third coat of dye if necessary to achieve even coverage
Only apply enough dye to achieve even coverage in order to preserve the texture of the parts
I did my entire interior more than 3 years ago & still looks great today
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
I used the Corvette America dye set to change my interior from the Oyster White of the 1980 era to Red. Before I install the interior I have two kick panels to purchase and dye; everything else is done. I used "Slapshot" in a spray can. It's basically brake cleaner and it worked great to degrease and clean what was to be redyed.
When dying the parts I used the entire CA kit of primer, adhesive spray, dye and clearcoat. I also followed their directions to a "T" and everything turned out perfectly. Absolutely no problems whatsoever.
When dying the parts I used the entire CA kit of primer, adhesive spray, dye and clearcoat. I also followed their directions to a "T" and everything turned out perfectly. Absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 91
From: Skiatook. Oklahoma.
When I prep plastic interior part's I use some warm water, Comet and a 3M red scotch brite pad. You'll deep clean and prep the surface all at the same time. Wash it off good with warm water, dry, lightly wipe it with a tack rag and your ready to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Get SEM ColorCoat at professional auto body paint supply stores. Just ask any paint shop in your area where they get their paint.
The paint place can mix the dye to any vehicle interior color code or match it to a piece you bring in. And, if you don't have spray equipment, buy a $10 Pre-Val bottle sprayer; it really does a good job with the thin vinyl dye.
The paint place can mix the dye to any vehicle interior color code or match it to a piece you bring in. And, if you don't have spray equipment, buy a $10 Pre-Val bottle sprayer; it really does a good job with the thin vinyl dye.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 292
Likes: 58
From: Freeport, Illinois
SEM's site has a "Where to buy" feature on their contacts page that'll list all of the parts stores and paint suppliers near your zip code that carry their products.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 517
Likes: 20
From: Scroggins Tx
I used Corvette America dye on everything, but the carpet and seat covers. I changed from saddle to 72 red. I washed everything two or three times with warm water and Dawn dish soap. I then sprayed each piece with Bulldog Adhesion Promoter.
Some of the new red parts did not match the correct dye, so I sprayed all the pieces new and old. I did not use the rattle cans, but bought two guarts liquid and used a mini spray gun and it all turned out very nice.
I have also read that the Corvette America dye is just SEM with a different label.
Some of the new red parts did not match the correct dye, so I sprayed all the pieces new and old. I did not use the rattle cans, but bought two guarts liquid and used a mini spray gun and it all turned out very nice.
I have also read that the Corvette America dye is just SEM with a different label.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 24
From: Kansas City KS
Ok, so I've tracked down everything I need...but the one thing I'm not sure of is how much a quart of the dye should cost. I've been quoted $61 but I have no idea whether that is reasonable or not.