Dashboard paint

I’m sure there is something on this in the forum but the search function didn’t offer up anything.

I have a 2010 with grey interior, dark grey dashboard.
My dumba$$ used goof off to try and remove some sticky sh|te on the dash and it seriously faded the color.

Has anyone used plastic dash paint and, if so, what color did you use?

$17 SM Arnold Refinishing Spray Paint - DARK CHARCOAL 11 Oz. - For Leather, Carpet, Vinyl, Metal, Plastic, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Acrylic, Lexan, Fiberglass | Pro Grade Aerosol Refinisher

https://www.amazon.com/Arnold-65-801-Leather-Plastic-Refinisher/dp/B016K08686?adgrpid=153178066551&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gbNiu3xLemhDP9sj1KQxEH_7wDARp2bY-bzNK-GICtiLnR3SPVK7AzKEj2ZkOirptGrikHq-s7tm2QrOqFXpnRjwaxyKbG-Ivy7xr_c9Wup3MRf2U56E7mid_ZAAIjUo3nRnEKxjj8SVU5-iKJgVbY2-5FCjMJuhj63BWEyc_XhLtmIESEddgMVf-4nDTJAecTdMR6ikvBNH3CwI95mekg.R_EnJ3ifkx6GO4j_y4T5SBVdCrluCrUwT3rbBH6MpUA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=664402451716&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9029600&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5428785944627565991&hvtargid=kwd-311854658551&hydadcr=155_1015150538&keywords=car+interior+dash+paint&qid=1714005917&sr=8-4&th=1#immersive-view_1714058730306

 

Let’s see a pic.

 

Ugh.

 

Subscribing as I have similar damage to my dash from a previous owner installing a dash pad/cover. People that install those things are the WORST. I've seen many dashes ruined by them. I've wanted to fix it, but to do it right you'd really need to pull the dash and I'm not sure I want to put in the work.

 

That seems like it could be mildly tricky to repair in a way that does not always stick out. I wonder if you could find a dash cover or some accessory mounting system that would cover?

 

Eastwood carries interior paints and dyes. That spot's not going to buff out..

https://www.eastwood.com/paints/interior-dyes.html

 

The SEM brand of interior paints work very good, easy to apply and extremely durable. Use their prep too.

I would remove A pillar trim, radio & dash cluster, clean with acetone. Mask everything including windshield. Prep & spray it.

 

Whenever I see a question about plastic and paint I recommend: https://semproducts.com/

Prep is key. It will easily take you three times longer with good prep but it's well worth it.

 

Find someone in your area who repairs damaged leather seats in cars. They'll have everything to match the color. You will spend way more time and money if you try to DIY it since it takes a lot of tools to get a convincing fix.

 

Acetone can damage the plastic tho so be careful and don't let it sit. Vinegar is less harmful to plastic. I like the professional idea above. I only have a few svratches in my dash so I may diy those; less noticeable.

 

Idk if SEM Trim black would match or need whole area painted the same to look good.

if it was me I’d put a dash mat of some kind.

debating getting one now. Had one in the past where it was more common there to protect dashes from blazing heat and sun.
They are cheap and removable.

 

Absolutely correct. I meant to say lacquer thinner. Acetone will work, but use very sparingly on plastic, it can soften/melt/deform it.

 

Took it to a local who, among other things, specializes in this kind of stuff.

For $200 they guaranteed I’ll never even notice that spot was there when they’re done and it’ll never fade or go bad.

 

Can’t wait to see the results!

 

I think this looks about as good as new.
I had to look really hard to see where the damage was.

 

Bang up job. For peace of mind and time, $200 well spent. Thirding SEM though for DIY.