Painting your
Toyota Corolla interior panels will dramatically increase the
appearance of your cars interior. Best of all you can
choose whichever color scheme you want! Most people
try to match some exterior color on the interior.
Follow these
instructions to achieve a professional show quality
interior.
Step 1 -
Cleaning and Removal of Panels
The first step to
take is to remove all the pieces you would like
painted. On areas you cant remove from the car such
as the dashboard it is extremely important to mask off
the entire area around where you are painting. It is
also important to leave all the doors open so that a
good airflow will stop a cloud of paint from forming
on the interior of the car. It will also help speed
up the drying time. Once you have all pieces masked
the next step is to clean each piece rigorously. It
is very important that you do not leave any grease or
debris on the panels that are about to be painted,
otherwise the debris will be embedded underneath the
paint.
Step 2 -
Sanding and Contouring of Panels
The second step to
take is contouring or sanding the pieces about to be
painted. Depending on the finish you would like to
achieve this step may be bypassed. Personally we
usually like to have a nice smooth surface finish on
most of our interior pieces. To achieve this you must
start with a semi course sandpaper such as 800 grit.
Make sure than when you are sanding each individual
piece you do so evenly. Once you have removed the
majority of bumps and indents in the plastic panels
the next step is to move onto a finer grade paper. We
suggest at least 1000 grit paper. Simply complete the
same as was done with the 800 grit paper and move on
to finishing sandpaper to complete the process.
Step 3 -
Applying the Primer
This step
should not be overlooked as the primer will help point
out any mistakes you have made with the sanding. It
will also help the actual base paint adhere better to
the finish. Simply hold the primer can about 8 inches
away from the surface to be painted and begin spraying
in slightly overlapping strokes. Once you have
applied a
thin coat let each piece
fully dry. This should take anywhere between 10
minutes and 30 minutes depending on he thickness of
coating you have applied. Once the piece have fully
dried check for any areas that appear to be uneven.
If it is necessary continue to sand these areas with
finishing sandpaper and repeat the priming step
Step 4 -
Applying the Base Coat
Once you are
completely satisfied with the finish of your primed
pieces the next step is to apply the base coat. Try
to purchase automotive exterior paint form your local
auto supply store. This paint tends to work the best
for painting car pieces. Its best to stay away from
universal type spray paints. Once you are ready begin
the painting process by applying several light coats.
Wait at least 15 minutes between coats for best
results. Its always better to apply several thin
coats than a couple of thick coats. Once you have
finished the base coat the next process is to let the
pieces dry overnight so that they can properly cure.
Step 5 -
Applying the Clear Coat
The second last step
to take in painting your panels is to apply a good
quality automotive clear coat to each of the pieces.
The stage should not be overlooked as it will provide
a super smooth and tough finish to each of your
painted pieces. Once you have applied several coats
of clear coat it may take several days before the
pieces are properly cured. It is very important not
to rush the drying process. The longer you let your
pieces dry the better finish you will probably
achieve.
Step 6 -
Rubbing Compound and Finishing Wax
The final process for
the painted pieces is to finish them off with a good
rubbing compound. Simply apply the rubbing compound
to a clean cloth and apply rigorously to the painted
panels. Wipe off all excess compound and you are
readying for the final step. The final step is to
apply a single coat of good car wax. This will give
your interior pieces an excellent mirror finish and
great shine. Simply install the pieces back into
place and your done!!!
