Title pretty much says it all. I'm getting ready to tackle the interior restoration on my 87 and will be converting from OE gray to black. I know SEM is better for the soft vinyl like on the armrest and door panels, but what about the hard plastic like around the door/e-brake and elsewhere?
I have used the SEM on hard plastic (add on three gauge panel for front pillar) and like it. It has been on for more than five years and still looks good. I also used it successfully on the lower seat belt cover. That being said I used the Krylon Fusion paint on the plastic shelf/piece just below the windshield and it still looks god after three years.
I agree with the others on SEM. Its too bad Mar-Hyde stopped making the good stuff. I used to do whole interiors on mine and used cars, even seats that held up fine for years.
I agree with the others on SEM. Its too bad Mar-Hyde stopped making the good stuff. I used to do whole interiors on mine and used cars, even seats that held up fine for years.
That's the other name I was trying to remember. Damn CRS.
I was using Mar-Hyde long before I was using SEM. I can't say about recent results but Mar-Hyde always was a good product.
Krylon fusion works great but all of the colors are a bit too glossy for my taste. I believe Duplicolor makes a vinyl/plastic/fabric paint that is semi-gloss. I've never used the SEM paint but good plastic paint actually attaches and bonds to a clean plastic surface. IMO, a clean surface is key to a lasting interior color change.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I changed the interior color on my Elky from Blue to Sandstone, and used the SEM product. Cleaning is key, as is allowing sufficient dry time. While you can handle in about 15 minutes, letting the parts dry for several days worked out much better- less potential to scratch, especially on re-install. Use the Low Gloss clear on the dash parts, and the semi gloss clear on other areas. For the hard wear areas ( like arm rests), I used a 2K clear from Eastwood. That stuff will hold up to anything!
For grins:
------------------ '87 GT in process, including GA / Seville brakes, Poly Suspension, '95 3800 Series 1 SC ( 225 hp ) 4t60e.
I changed the interior color on my Elky from Blue to Sandstone, and used the SEM product. Cleaning is key, as is allowing sufficient dry time. While you can handle in about 15 minutes, letting the parts dry for several days worked out much better- less potential to scratch, especially on re-install. Use the Low Gloss clear on the dash parts, and the semi gloss clear on other areas. For the hard wear areas ( like arm rests), I used a 2K clear from Eastwood. That stuff will hold up to anything!
Do it right with a professional product like SEM. Don't waste your time with the other stuff on the market. You want the interior to last as long as those taillights you just restored.
I had great results on both soft and hard plastics/vinyl with Duplicolor. Although, as someone else said, proper prep is key. I do a phosphate wash, then grease/wax remover, then spray on adhesion promoter, then finally, the color coat. A bit of work, but the results are well worth it. I can bend that plastic every which way and the paint doesn't crack at all. Looks just like it was molded in the final color I painted it.
The Mar Hyde you buy now in spray cans is not the same as the original you got only from auto paint stores. I even used it on leather seats. After good cleaning, you final prepped the leather by scrubbing it with some acetone on a maroon scotchbrite pad. Its another case of 'new and improved ' being not as good as original. Im sure like most other things, EPA banned the use of chemicals that actually made it good. I never had any problems with old paint from 40 years ago whether it was enamel or lacquer. Now, you have issues nearly every time you do something. In the last 10 years, ive seen so many paint problems with new stuff, theyre too numerous to even bother listing.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 12-28-2015).]
I did my whole car in Krylon, so to me its a great product. Its been on 5 years now and is in great shape. Prep, prep and more prep is the key. However, when I change my interior color I will be using a professional product. Not sure if its SEM or not. Have not found the color yet. May have to get it made up for my job.
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