repaint or redo interior which first

[Zigmont M.]

The paint on my car needs to be redone and at some point I would like to change the interior over from black to original tan but I don't have the money to do both at the same time. Does it really matter which should be done first? I'm thinking that I would like the paint done first because that bothers me more than the interior. I'm looking to get it judged just a nice driver! Thanks

[Gary J.]

Re: repaint or redo interior which first

Paint first if you can afford it. Don't know what your plans are, but if things are not cover up you will be getting paint mist and body shop dust in the interior cabin. Remove the items to prevent this from happening.

[Bill H.]

Re: repaint or redo interior which first

In order to do a first quality paint job, no less than the door panels must be removed, as well as the exterior door handles and locks, door and window weatherseals, door and vent window glass and hardware, door sills...and that is just a partial list of door related pieces that come in contact with exterior painted parts. By the time the old paint is stripped or, at least, sanded to accept a new finish, then seal coats, primer, and top coat (the color coat) are extremely difficult to keep off of weatherstrip, interior pieces, trim, brightwork, etc. Door openings would have to be very carefully masked and covered completely with plastic sheeting, as well as the engine compartment and wheelhouse openings, headlight cutouts, and all underneath of the rear of the car. Paint and body work dust and overspray are insidious, and will penetrate or migrate to every unprotected surface, and be very difficult to remove once there. Since so many pieces must be removed to paint correctly, it is almost always best to do both paint and interior at the same time, if financially feasible.