How to Paint Vinyl on Car Interiors

Vinyl is one of the most commonly used materials for interior trim and can be found on everything from door panels and center consoles to dashboards. Over time, vinyl can fade, get chipped or simply look dated. But it can easily be repainted with vinyl spray paint for a fresh, like-new appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Mineral spirits
  • Vinyl paint
  • Masking tape
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket set and ratchet
  • Remove the vinyl parts that are going to be painted from the car. Spray paint creates a lot of overspray that you don’t want to get on nearby interior parts. Most trim is fastened with screws, bolts or clips.

  • Use masking tape and paper to mask areas around trim that is not going to be removed to avoid getting overspray on other parts.

  • Clean the vinyl parts thoroughly with mineral spirits to remove any oil, dirt and residue. Preparing the surface for paint is vital. Dry the parts with a clean, lint-free rag.

  • Use vinyl spray paint, which comes in brands such as Rustoleum. Shake the can for a minute or so before painting. Spray on a light dusting and let the paint dry for a few seconds. Apply three or more coats, spraying with a consistent back-and-forth motion about 10 inches from the surface being painted. Allow each coat to dry for 10 to 15 minutes before applying the next coat.

  • Allow the finished paint to dry for 48 to 72 hours before refitting the parts in the interior of the car.