Hairline paint cracks in plastic seat back

[David H.]

I plan to restore the seat back (plastic) on my 1980 Corvette. The sides/back of the seat have hairline cracks in the paint from aging/sun. Looking at the inside (cushion side) of the seat back there are no cracks, so I am reasonably sure the cracking is just the paint. I was planning to strip the old paint off before refinishing but, if there is another approach I would like to hear it. I am pretty sure if I just repaint over the existing cracks they will show up pretty soon. Also is there any way to retain the "grain" of the finish? Thanks in advance.

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[Paul J.]

Re: Hairline paint cracks in plastic seat back

These cracks, known as crazing, are caused by poor adhesion of the paint to the layer below, and is often seen where incompatible paints are used. In your case it looks like a very poor paint job. You need to strip all of the old paint and repaint it. I don't have the name of an appropriate stripper, but you can check the archives as there was some discussion on this last year. Whether you use a paint stripper, a solvent like lacquer thinner, or one of the many cleaners recently recommended for removing rattle can paint from a frame (also in the archives), put some on the bare plastic on the inside of the seatback to make sure that it won't melt the plastic.

Paul

[David H.]

Re: Hairline paint cracks in plastic seat back

Thanks. Pretty sure the finish is original so I don't think the cracks are due to incompatible paint, but I'll search around some more for compatible paint removers.

[Paul J.]

Re: Hairline paint cracks in plastic seat back

David, the glossiness of the paint, the very heavy application, and the fact that it was touched by something before it was dry (look at the very bottom of the panel), all point to a repaint at some time in the past. That type of crazing usually comes from incompatible paint. But I could be wrong.

Paul

[David H.]

Re: Hairline paint cracks in plastic seat back

Good point, I didn't notice the edge before. In any case, I'll strip the old paint off and see what I can do. Thanks again.