Interior Colour Change - (Gathering info for ideas)

[IAmOrion]

So, one of my next upcoming projects I intend to undertake (as well as doing the boot lock covers for myself ) is to look into an interior colour change. Now, (For the time being) I'm not interested in interior swaps... that would be too "easy". I'm considering giving plasti dip & leather dye a try.

My Z4 is Sapphire Black, with the Beige interior. I hate beige! As some may already know or have read, I bought this car cheap as my latest project and since I got what I consider a bloody good deal I wasn't fussed about the interior at that price as I figured I'd change it eventually.

Anyways... So, My Z4 is Sapphire Black, I have the 108's on which are black, with silver rim and I have red callipers. My dashboard trim is carbon vinyl wrapped, as are my door "handle" (eg, the handle you use to pull the door shut) and so are my windows switches.



I thinking of plasti dipping the plastic trims in black and using a red leather dye for the leather areas.... I was wondering if anyone has done this before - already plasti dipped interior door cards for example?

I'd also really appreciate if people could post some pics of their interiors so I can see what others look like and what combinations may work good.

I came across this image on google (It's an M3 - "Article" i found is here with more pics: https://www.motor1.com/news/57170/bmw-individual-reveals-fancy-m3-with-silver-and-blue-interior/)



And that's what got me thinking. I really love the colours in that, but since my callipers are already red, I was thinking I should go black / red interior? Anyone with a custom interior whether it's wrapped / plasti dipped or even re-upholstered I'd love to see some pics and ideas.

 

[scooobydont]

I plasti dipped the centre console of my Z3, it came out great, it had ahorrible wrap on it that had started to lift.

I ended up with quite a rough texture to the finish unintentionally but actually felt it was better looking then a smooth finish. What happened is that I sprayed 4 or 5 layers allowing each one to dry in between. I had sprayed the layers on quite thin which gives te kind of rough finish. If you want a smooth finish you need to be a bit more liberal with it.

It's worth practicing on something to get a feel for the stuff as its not that dear anyway and of course peels off!

 

[Anonymous]

Id recommend against plastidip personally. It's not a great finish, plus if you put a small scratch on it anywhere it's just going to start peeling

 

[Marlon]

Id recommend against plastidip personally. It's not a great finish, plus if you put a small scratch on it anywhere it's just going to start peeling

I'll second this - I plastidiped my steering wheel spokes, its rubbing up already where my thumbs touch it. Plastidip only works where there is little or no contact.

 

[Coffee331]

I plasti dipped the door pulls...worked fine

 

[IAmOrion]

Hmmm, interesting comments regarding Plasi-Dip. I have to say, I've used Plasti Dip before for numerous things without issue, although nothing as large as say a door card. Those advising against it, do you know of something else that would work in its place? A different method to re colour the plastics?

 

[Marlon]

Hmmm, interesting comments regarding Plasi-Dip. I have to say, I've used Plasti Dip before for numerous things without issue, although nothing as large as say a door card. Those advising against it, do you know of something else that would work in its place? A different method to re colour the plastics?

From personal experience I would look for another product particularly if covering larger areas.
This isn't first-hand experience, but a quick google threw up this guys recommendation tackling a similar project using SEM products (Amazon uk sell them).
You're right to do the research as its a big job you're taking on!
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/the-absolute-proper-way-to-paint-plastic-vinyl-interior-for-the-diyer.365304/

 

[IAmOrion]

From personal experience I would look for another product particularly if covering larger areas.
This isn't first-hand experience, but a quick google threw up this guys recommendation tackling a similar project using SEM products (Amazon uk sell them).
You're right to do the research as its a big job you're taking on.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/the-absolute-proper-way-to-paint-plastic-vinyl-interior-for-the-diyer.365304/

Good read, thanks for the link

I've just come across Vinyl Dyes as I've been searching that works for leather & plastics (designed for car interiors). Have just been researching it and looking as some video results on youtube etc, it looks like a vinyl dye approach might be far better than a plasti dip approach. Think I'll order some to do patch test. I know the results of plasti dip as I've used it before on plastics but never even heard of vinyl dye until just researching now. (I'm sure there'll be many who'll be amazed I've never heard it lol)

https://www.vinyldye.co.uk

 

[thanatu55]

I just sprayed my dash and centre console with rustoleum gunmetal spray paint. Pictures below are early photos, I've now painted the gear surround and ashtray with it too. Gave the paint enough time to cure, fitted it and it looks great. Better finish than Plastidip and so far takes some punishment. Just good ol' paint.

Also paint-wise, you could have a word with Dietcokeman who refurbishes steering wheel trims about the paint he uses as it's supposed to be more durable than the original OEM stuff.

 

[blackabbot]

I just sprayed my dash and centre console with rustoleum gunmetal spray paint. Pictures below are early photos, I've now painted the gear surround and ashtray with it too. Gave the paint enough time to cure, fitted it and it looks great. Better finish than Plastidip and so far takes some punishment. Just good ol' paint.

Also paint-wise, you could have a word with Dietcokeman who refurbishes steering wheel trims about the paint he uses as it's supposed to be more durable than the original OEM stuff.

Nice job

 

[Rusky]

I think black and red would look really smart.

 

[MACK]

I know you said your not interested in this but surely doing a deal with a breakers for a complete trim is yhe best option. A member did it about a year or so ago and changed all his plastics and carpet. Great job he did too. It's about a days work but if your removing everything to paint it anyway it's less work as no painting involved. You could then sell your existing plastics bit by bit to recoup some cost.

I know you want to do something different but with a strong likely hood of it looking a pig or not lasting is it really worth trying to reinvent the wheel and ending up needing a new interior anyway

 

[IAmOrion]

I know you said your not interested in this but surely doing a deal with a breakers for a complete trim is yhe best option. A member did it about a year or so ago and changed all his plastics and carpet. Great job he did too. It's about a days work but if your removing everything to paint it anyway it's less work as no painting involved. You could then sell your existing plastics bit by bit to recoup some cost.

I know you want to do something different but with a strong likely hood of it looking a pig or not lasting is it really worth trying to reinvent the wheel and ending up needing a new interior anyway

It's not quite as rewarding as having your own custom interior so to speak. And there's nothing to say anyone trying would make a pigs ear of it. I reckon in terms of difficulty - making my custom headlights will rank harder than it will be to do my interior.

Don't get me wrong though, I wouldn't blindly spray every thing in one go ... I'll patch test first etc. In fact, I actually have a spare door card I'll be practising on, so I would test the products first