Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics painting the ENTIRE dashboard, not just the panel

The chipping comes from the surface not being prepped correctly, not because the lack of a clear coat. Trust me, custom sterio installers do it properly all of the time. The shop I used to work for used "Marhide" brand spray stains for vinyl and leather to match any interior color or to custom colorize any interior. To go black from tan will be a piece of cake, most likely 1-2 coats will work. Marhide also makes a surface prep chemical to remove all silicone type enhancers such as Armor All. Fisheyes will result if not prepped properly and getting rid of those is next to impossible. Even works on carpet and fabrics. Also available at paint shops.

There's also a totally custom way you can go do change vinyl and leather to a totally custom color. Dupli-color makes a urathane bumper primer that goes on clear. When it dries to tacky, spray the first of 3 color coats with ANY exterior spray paint including factory color exterior paints. The bumper primer keeps the paint from cracking and keeps it flexible, even in extreem heat. I have a friend that we did his interior in red metalic on his soft vinyl dash pad, looks killer and has survived two years in Iowa cold harsh winters and hot muggy summers.