GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Need some experienced insight, I've been told to use fine grit sand paper for interior dash pieces. Is this correct?And on a second note, is clear primer suggested or does it matter if I use a coloured primer?

fine grit sand paper is good, depends on what grit..and what you're doing..if you want a really smooth finish, use like a 2000 sand grit and also do some wet sanding with a 3000+...as for primer, i dont think it really matters all that much..i like using lighter colored primers, depending on the color im painting though, if you're doing darker colors, try and get a darker primer

Thanks a lot, will let you know how it turns out! I am painting those specific pieces as close to Envy/Sublime green as possible. Could you clarify what wet sanding is? (As you may assume, i am completely new to this whole painting thing and appreciate all your help!)

Wet sanding is just that!Sandpaper that is soaked in water and sanding making sure the surface and the sandpaper stays wet.

Just use a red or gray scuff pad from 3m. Unless you are going for a 100 smoth finish to a textured piece, there is no reason to use actual sandpaper..the scuff pad will do the job, and will not tear up your parts..

Quote, originally posted by The Lox »Just use a red or gray scuff pad from 3m. Unless you are going for a 100 smoth finish to a textured piece, there is no reason to use actual sandpaper..the scuff pad will do the job, and will not tear up your parts..+100 Scotchbrite... you will have MUCH less problems with it, as it will conform to the curves better than paper will... Just don't go to corse or you will see the sanding scratches under the paint... Oh and "wet" sandpaper is different than "dry" sandpaper, so understand that, you can't use dry paper in place of wet paper, it will just disenigrate in water... Wet sandpaper is usually used for automotive refinishing... and as others have mentioned, it's used with water, the water is there as a lubericant and it also helps to keep the paper from "loading" up, or filling with paint that's been removed.. I do some wet sanding on my models when I build them, but it's takes practice..

I thought this thread was going to be about replacing parts of the dash or something with sandpaper.

Thanks for all the help guys much appreciated. I hope to have it done sooner than later and will hopefully post pics once it's done, just don't hold your breath!

also rubbing alchohol completely strips those pieces...i believe mine was at like 85%

Ok, since you're on-line hopefully I can get some help from you. I bought a automotive primer at my local hardware store, will that work for the plastic dash pieces or should I get a plastic primer from Home Depot?

Any primer will work. If I was you I would go to Orielly's and get some bulldog adhesion promoter too. You spray that on immediately before primer. It helps paint stick to plastic...