7 replies to this topic

[Mark1275GT]

Ive just had my dashboard make..
Now all i have to do is spray it
But i dont know how to prep the wood, or what paint to use etc. could someone help me out please, or send a link on how to, from start to finish please.. thanks

[Minwah]

But i dont know how to prep the wood, or what paint to use etc. could someone help me out please, or send a link on how to, from start to finish please.. thanks

What sort of wood is your dash made from? Do you want a super finish like a car body? Do you want to use aerosol paint?

Generally, I would say prime/sand the wood several times until you have a really nice smooth surface. If you are using MDF then this absorbs a lot of paint and also has lots of fibres so can take a lot of work to prepare - but it is worth spending a lot of time on this preparation in order to get a good result. When you have a nice smooth primed surface, apply the topcoat...how many coats depends on many things but your eyes should be able to tell you once you have applied enough. The key here is again, don't rush and let the paint dry before applying another coat. Some people like to flat back the top paint between coats to get a really good result...I must say I do not generally do this though, and have still got good results.

Edited by Minwah, 21 February 2007 - 02:37 PM.

[Mark1275GT]

But i dont know how to prep the wood, or what paint to use etc. could someone help me out please, or send a link on how to, from start to finish please.. thanks

What sort of wood is your dash made from? Do you want a super finish like a car body? Do you want to use aerosol paint?

Generally, I would say prime/sand the wood several times until you have a really nice smooth surface. If you are using MDF then this absorbs a lot of paint and also has lots of fibres so can take a lot of work to prepare - but it is worth spending a lot of time on this preparation in order to get a good result. When you have a nice smooth primed surface, apply the topcoat...how many coats depends on many things but your eyes should be able to tell you once you have applied enough. The key here is again, don't rush and let the paint dry before applying another coat. Some people like to flat back the top paint between coats to get a really good result...I must say I do not generally do this though, and have still got good results.

Its MDF.
I want to use spray paint. what sort of grade sand paper do i use, and what primer and spray paint ? thanks

Edited by Mark1275GT, 21 February 2007 - 03:50 PM.

[Steve@RetroDash]

http://www.paints4u....?productID=3439

This will do as a primer mate. Rub down the MDF with 120 grit then 240 grit. Wipe all the dust off before spraying using a tack rag.

Use wet and dry between coats and finish up with a nice car polish like Meguires.

[Mark1275GT]

http://www.paints4u....?productID=3439

This will do as a primer mate. Rub down the MDF with 120 grit then 240 grit. Wipe all the dust off before spraying using a tack rag.

Use wet and dry between coats and finish up with a nice car polish like Meguires.

What about top coat. what sort of spray do i use.... thanks..

[Minwah]

What about top coat. what sort of spray do i use.... thanks..

I would have thought any cellulose paint aerosols would be ok. You can usually buy these off the shelf in motoring and DIY shops.

[Steve@RetroDash]

When I first started dashboards I used rattle cans from Halfords but I bought myself a spray gun and now use water based paints due to environmental issues.

[Retro_10s]

My local halfords paint they mix is acrylic...

Water based (waterborn) takes alittle getting used to and has a higher curing time than things like 2k,... but it's finish i sgood, and not as easy to orange peel as two pack is.