Fix for rubber coating on console inside...
02-04-2003, 02:55 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Fix for rubber coating on console inside...
Just posted this in the C4 Tech Forum, and thought it would be good here, too:
I've been piddling around with a fix for this, because I've seen a bunch of posts on this topic. I used a can of black Plastikote rubber coating, and cut it down with thinner until it had a paint-like consistency. I then used my airbrush and compressor to spray several coats on spare pieces of plastic trim, and let dry. Not only does it look really good, but I don't think you could chisel this stuff off. As far as looks, it dries very smooth, and is *slightly* shinier than the factory stuff, maybe like if you put some armor all on the factory one and then wiped it off with a dry rag.
Anyway, they key is to know how to airbrush. My kit is for painting model cars, and I bought a "medium" needle due to the thickness of the Plastikote. I prepped the plastic pieces by cleaning them with lacquer thinner, and hitting them with a "tack" rag. Then I went to town, painting all the nooks and crannies on the first coat, and doing several thin overall coats until I was satisfied.
You'll need a compressor - mine cost $99 at Lowes (hobby air compressor, or you can regulate your shop compressor down to about 12 psi); an airbrush kit - mine cost around $120 from towerhobbies.com (there are cheaper ones), along with a medium needle for $4; and you'll need the plastikote, which my local NAPA carries.
Maybe several guys could chip in for the equipment and spread the costs around, or one guy could defray the costs by charging others $50 to redo their trim pieces. Anyway, I think this is a very viable solution, and hope someone else tries it too. The results looked very nice!
I've been piddling around with a fix for this, because I've seen a bunch of posts on this topic. I used a can of black Plastikote rubber coating, and cut it down with thinner until it had a paint-like consistency. I then used my airbrush and compressor to spray several coats on spare pieces of plastic trim, and let dry. Not only does it look really good, but I don't think you could chisel this stuff off. As far as looks, it dries very smooth, and is *slightly* shinier than the factory stuff, maybe like if you put some armor all on the factory one and then wiped it off with a dry rag.
Anyway, they key is to know how to airbrush. My kit is for painting model cars, and I bought a "medium" needle due to the thickness of the Plastikote. I prepped the plastic pieces by cleaning them with lacquer thinner, and hitting them with a "tack" rag. Then I went to town, painting all the nooks and crannies on the first coat, and doing several thin overall coats until I was satisfied.
You'll need a compressor - mine cost $99 at Lowes (hobby air compressor, or you can regulate your shop compressor down to about 12 psi); an airbrush kit - mine cost around $120 from towerhobbies.com (there are cheaper ones), along with a medium needle for $4; and you'll need the plastikote, which my local NAPA carries.
Maybe several guys could chip in for the equipment and spread the costs around, or one guy could defray the costs by charging others $50 to redo their trim pieces. Anyway, I think this is a very viable solution, and hope someone else tries it too. The results looked very nice!
02-04-2003, 06:52 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
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Re: Fix for rubber coating on console inside... (GDP)
Your center console trim panel and ash tray door is coated with a rubber coating, not paint. One nick, and it starts peeling like crazy, and GM doesn't make the coating anymore.
02-04-2003, 08:02 PM
#6
Elite Torch Red Member
Re: Fix for rubber coating on console inside... (fullboogie)
I believe there is a tech tip on this subject.
02-05-2003, 03:26 AM
#10
Re: Fix for rubber coating on console inside... (fullboogie)
Did you spray this over the original stuff?
I have an issue with the door trim. this piece also has the light up section for the power window switches. do you think one can fade out before hitting the lit up piece?
Maybe a little flat black paint in there will tone it down?
A what the hell, I am going to buy some and try it on spare stuff. I love painting.
I have an issue with the door trim. this piece also has the light up section for the power window switches. do you think one can fade out before hitting the lit up piece?
Maybe a little flat black paint in there will tone it down?
A what the hell, I am going to buy some and try it on spare stuff. I love painting.
