center console

[Francais D.]

I have my center console out and would like to restore it. It is in good shape except the textured part is faded or worn , I would like to paint it. Any suggestions of what products to use would be greatly appreciated

[Mark E.]

Re: center console

Are you referring to the vinyl-skinned console itself? Or the metal shift plate with a black painted, textured surface?

[Francais D.]

Re: center console

I am trying to clean up the shift console , the smooth part on the ash tray door and where the shift pattern is are in good shape but the textured part is worn . I just need to give it a nice coating and if I can do that I might put ahit on the forward lamp fiber optic plate

[Mark E.]

Re: center console

I've used a variety of semi-gloss/semi-flat black rattle can paints. If it turns out not to be quite the finish you want, scuff it up and apply another paint, but avoid mixing lacquer and enamel to prevent lifting. I prefer lacquer since it dries faster and feathers easier.
The secret is proper surface prep. Start with wax/tar remover, then scuff with scotch-brite, then tack cloth. If there are scratches, feather and prime, or remove all existing paint and refinish. Latter approach is preferred since no primer used originally. 2-3 light coats to retain surface texture.

[Leif A.]

Re: center console

Francais,
You never state what year car or what color the console is...that would be very helpful. I did read where you were talking about the forward fiber optic plate, so I'm going to assume an early C3?

[Francais D.]

Re: center console

Sorry I am not to good at this . It is a 69 shift console plate with the textured surrounds. I have a restored heater control non a/c, the ash tray door and shift pattern plate are in great shape. The textured part is wearing thin. Just trying to see if someone has done this and find out what product they used , also if a clear coat is involved. Mark has me headed in right direction.

[Patrick H.]

Re: center console

SEM Trim Black
Available on Amazon but often at your local auto parts store as well.
Works great and matches the factory color. I have used it extensively. There are posts on this forum about how to restore that shift plate ( the common name for it).
https://www.semproducts.com/product/trim-black/39143

[Leif A.]

Re: center console

Francais,
Mark has given you very good advice in his post #4. I have used Krylon #1613 Semi Flat black with very good results. Just be sure to get the Industrial 5-ball Krylon...only available online. I've, also, heard that SEM Trim black is a very good product but I've never used it.

[Francais D.]

Re: center console

absolutely fantastic thanks everyone

[Mark E.]

Re: center console

...Just be sure to get the Industrial 5-ball Krylon...only available online...

Leif,

I haven't heard of this. What is it and why do you recommend it?

[Leif A.]

Re: center console

Leif,

I haven't heard of this. What is it and why do you recommend it?

Mark,
It was recommended to me years ago and I've always had tremendous success with it. It's lacquer and dries quickly to a perfect sheen. Touch ups are virtually invisible. I just tend to dance with the one that brung me.

1613 is semi flat, not gloss. I'd say on a flat, egg shell, satin, semi gloss scale, it's around egg shell and satin. Typical of a non reflective auto interior paint.

[Mark E.]

Re: center console

Industrial 5-ball Krylon...

I get it... Krylon's "industrial" line of spray paint, and Krylon's logo has 5 balls. I thought 5-ball referred to a special rattler in the can or something.