Dash painting - please help on easy-ish method

[Millercorey]

Floor pans are about done and next step is to paint and rewire the dash. It has already been fully removed. PO looks to have rattle canned it black, but it looked like hell and there's scratches all over the place. I've never done any auto painting and am not looking to become an expert (read that as I don't want to invest in tons of equipment). I've searched the webverse and have found tons of articles on how to do varying levels of quality garage paint jobs.

I have a 12ga 4hp compressor that does around 7 and 5 at 40 and 90 psi, respectively. Good for most things but is not built for a spray gun obviously. I've seen all kinds of guns that say they can work on less air, but I'm not sure I want to mess with everything that goes with a spray gun e.g. Dealing with moisture.

I've read some good things on rolling thinned down rustoleum, but I've heard clear coating it can cause problems. All I'm looking for is a fairly simple easy way to apply a decent looking black paint job to my dash that will hold up well. I know those are kind of conflicting needs, but because I'm just doing the dash, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for a good process that will fit my needs.

Will rolling thinned down rustoleum and applying some sort of clear coat work? If not, anyone out there successfully pull off something similar to what I'm trying to accomplish here and can share their methods?

 

[rydog1130]

I knew a guy that would paint cars w/ rustoleum farm and tractor paint by thinning it down and adding a little automotive paint hardner. Looked good for the most part

 

[jmangi62]

I did mine rattle can white, I clearcoated it also with rattle can, primer too. I remember it being very easy and fun, of course it was completely empty, no gauges, switches, nothing.

 

[73azbronco]

Take it down and have it powder coated, did mine for about $40 as i recall.

 

[pcf_mark]

+2 on the powder coat. Flat, easy to work with should be cheap. A million colors tough as nail. Or take it to a body shop and leave it - let them paint it whatever car color they are painting next. White, silver, black come in every day. You sand and prep.

 

[wsager]

You could get it to look good with thinned down rustoleum and a lot of wet sanding, but from what I've read, their isn't going to be much UV protection in that and as you are living in Texas, might not last long at all. Not sure what clearcoat you would use with rustoleum, but if I was to do it, I would use rustoleum clear. Just make sure they are similar in composition.

I think the other posters have some good suggestions. Take it to a professional and try to get a good deal, or use automotive spray cans with base and clear (it won't get as hard but you can get the automotive clear with UV protection).

 

[sykanr0ng]

Easiest is always going to be have someone else do it.

Powder coat will be the most durable, remember the keys usually rub the dash.

 

[KeithKinPhx]

remember the keys usually rub the dash.

Doing my dash too. The rubbing keys is why I went with push button start and well to be honest it looks cool.

I'm painting mine body color but I just sprayed the bay and tub interior with a Devillbiss rig and left over paint. If I didn't have that option I would have someone else powder coat.

 

[jim3326]

Another vote for powdercoat, then you don't have to be as careful when re-installing everything.

 

[73azbronco]

I'm using that stainless key rub device.

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Dash_Protector/Bronco_Dash_Parts

 

[sykanr0ng]

I'm using that stainless key rub device.

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Dash_Protector/Bronco_Dash_Parts

Those are a neat idea, but I would need to move my ignition switch to use that one.
Wonder why WH doesn't make one for the rest of us?

 

[rydog1130]

cant go wrong with powder coating ....

 

[FordBronc]

I'd take it and get it chromed...or even "golded". lol JK I vote for powercoat.

 

[rjrobin2002]

I vote go buy a $15 dollar Harbor Freight HVLP gun and buy a quart of satin black rustoleum from Lowes and thin it 25% with whatever the paint tells you to before you spray. Let your compressor fill up the day before and drain it and shut off the air valve and let the tank air cool. Then the next day hook up the air, turn the compressor on, drain it again, fill the hopper, and spray a few practice parts till you feel good. Then lay down 2 medium coats.

You will be very happy you learned a new skill cause you will find yourself spraying your frame, metal patio furniture for the wife and so on.

The key is having the tank full the day before and letting it cool. You have moisture issues when you run it all day sanding and then try to paint. Plus get you a disposable air filter/dryer and put it at your gun and leave it there indefinitely.

http://www.tcpglobal.com/DEV-HAF-50...aDFJNcDpkGvMfjcEqowaAuJDEALw_wcB#.Woy8eHNMHqA

 

[Skiddy]

I have done quite a bit paint with gloss black tractor implement paint in a spray can from tractor supply. glossy and pretty tough

 

[Broncovision]

Powder coat sounds like the way to go.
If you want it automotive color match, go to a automotive paint supply that will put it in a spray can for you. You can get base coat exact color match in a can and a 2 part clear coat, (push a pin in the bottom of can and mixes catalyst) these are about $25 a can, but for the dash a can each will do it..
Most important dont apply on a damp or cold day, Above 65 degrees is best and sand/prime before with 600 grit. Did the entire inside of my 67 bug this way before having professional painted outside and it looked perfect and matched the professional paint without having to pay them for jams and interior. ..got in a hurry with the bronco and had some cool damp weather affect the finish. Will be redoing it when i take the top off this summer..

 

[rguest3]

x2 ^^^ - How about an automotive paint supply in the color of your choice?

Original dash was Argent with a satin finish.

 

[Millercorey]

For those of you recommending legitimate auto paint, what’s your recommended application method. Shying away from a gun and I’ve heard the spray cans don’t give as durable of a finished product.

 

[PaveBronco]

I just finished one of my doors last night, used the Rustoleum farm and implement paint. Not used it before guess we will see. Got a good spray tip. I'm am not a paint guy at all, never wet sanded before. Clear coat and buffing would prob make it look better. I suppose it all depends on how good you want things to look. Powder coating would be nice, and think would be the way to go. Drop it off and pick it up done..and no mess in the garage...I know the color doesn't match, just experimenting with what color to paint the whole thing....one day not soon.

 

[KeithKinPhx]

My local auto paint store made me 4 cans of single stage enamel to match my body color for $80. It is a high quality paint. I have since painted the tub inside and the engine bay. They key is a good primer.

Talk to a local paint shop. They may even recommend someone to do it for you or to powder coat. Remember you and your passengers are going to be looking at the dash a lot more than almost any other upgrade you will do to your rig. You don't want to have that twinge of regret when you look at a poorly done job every time you climb in.