how to simulate factory gray vinyl on dash?

liquid30 · 04-20-2008, 02:04 PM

i'm hoping to hack up an accessory console on my dash for a motorized LCD but would first like to know how the texture and color on a dashboard can be duplicated? my car is about 7 years old and the chance of an exact match seems hard.. would this mean i have to refinish the entire dash? thanks in advance!

rdholtz · 04-20-2008, 04:13 PM

First, give the dash a good cleaning to get the real color to show. Use a vinyl nourishing cream to get it bright.

Then find a material that's the same texture -- try Joanne Fabrics or the like, and get small samples of several colors, especially those close to what you want.

Finally, find a the color -- either a spray or in a tube -- you want to use on it. Keep working the color on the vinyl samples until you find one that's a match. Then cover your console.

If you can't make a match, you could still finish both pieces -- the dash and the console -- to match.

A final option would be to make the console a different but compatible color -- darker gray or lighter gray -- or a contrasting one like black.

It sounds so simple written out like that, but it takes some work. We did it several times on cars, but I haven't played with vinyl for a number of years, now. We used contact cement to adhere the vinyl, with good results.

liquid30 · 04-22-2008, 01:25 PM

thank i will try that, worse case scenario i will redo the entire dash and make a few mods along the way

monkeyracer · 04-22-2008, 04:09 PM

A lot of shops that sell automotive fabrics will have a HUGE selection of different shades and grains, etc, you might find the exact one for your car. Also, some (most) craft fabrics are not designed for colorfastness or higher heat in direct sunlight, so something designed for in-car use might yield better long term results. (And save some labor time on the back end...) In my area, a place called Keyston Bros is where I go to for this stuff. They have a way better selection than any of the craft stores.

dopey273 · 04-23-2008, 10:13 PM

you could find some vinyl that is close to your dash in color and texture.. (more so in texture). Wrap your piece then take a piece of your dash of the color you're looking for, i.e. your glove box door , etc. Take it to your local paint supply store.(automotive paint that is) and have them die match the color for you. That way even if you have faded coloring, they can match it perfect. They usually have some type of glass bottle with and aerosol top , like a spray can , that you can put it into and spray on the vinyl like paint.That way it's a perfect match to your dash.. Take your time stretching vinyl it can be difficult to work with. You should get something that will stretch in multiple directions making it easier to work with. A little bit of heat will help a great deal to.. Just warm it up get it too hot will melt the vinyl or show stryations or fingers in the vinyl.