Vinyl dying seats

68 Sport Satellite · Feb 25, 2013

I'm about ready to start on my car's interior. It needs new carpet and some trim, but the seats and headliner are in excellent shape. Right now the front and rear seats are covered in stock white vinyl. I would really like to dye the seats black instead of complete re-upholster. Anyone do this before? Am I crazy?

Gpuller · Feb 25, 2013

I reupholstered the front seats in my Charger. The rears were in good shape but the stitching was faded so I sprayed them with SEM Color Coat. I did keep them the original black they turned out nice and match the new Legendary covers on the front. I would say its do able.

Dako · Feb 26, 2013

It will save you the cost of repopped covers minus the cost of vinyl dye (paint). Provided the seats are completely and properly cleaned, you should have good results. As for how long will it last?...The durability of the application is determined by how well you prepped (cleaned) the surface and how much 'azz' the seats see. Years ago, I had done some door panels on my daily transportation. The 'hard parts' held up well, while the arm rests needed re-coating once a year. I did the arm rests & visors on 'The Kansas Belle' over a year ago and they still look as good as new, but I am much more careful with her.

dryheat · Feb 26, 2013

I have used the vinyl dye and always has great success. Dako hit it on the head ... proper and thorough preparation is the key.

68 Sport Satellite · Feb 26, 2013

dryheat said:
I have used the vinyl dye and always has great success. Dako hit it on the head ... proper and thorough preparation is the key.

Dry heat and Dako, what did you guys use for your dye? Was it also SEM color coat?

Dako · Feb 26, 2013

Latest stuff I used was 'off-the-shelf' from Autozone.

19polara64 · Feb 26, 2013

Hi, guys. I'll be doing the same on a few items. What did you use to clean your stuff? Thanks, Rene'

Gpuller · Feb 26, 2013

I washed the seats with soap and water. Then wiped them down with PPG DX103 before spraying. Make sure that water will not bead up on the vinyl, if it does there is silicone still there, that will make fisheyes.

Dodge 330 · Feb 27, 2013

Wash thoroughly with soap and water and use a good wax remover (I prefer PPG).

I've had great luck with door panels and armrests doing this.

eric383 · Feb 28, 2013

I like to use TSP to clean interior parts prior to dyeing. Also a wipe with some kind of paint prep after is good. I also like to use an adhesion promoter like Bulldog or you can find a similiar product in the same aisle with the dye. Like previously stated make sure the plastic is super clean and all of the Armor All is off. Dawn dish detergent is also a great grease remover but not as agressive as the TSP. If you don't want to recoat the front seats as it wears off what about just replacing the front seat covers because if you are like me typically my back seat sees very few passengers.

ram250098 · Feb 28, 2013

I have done a complete interior colour change in a old 35 5 window coupe and it came out great the seats held up very well. Yes prep prep prep is the key. The other big tip is try your best not to get any runs in the dye..they are a pain in the butt to correct and can be noticeable.
AL

68 Sport Satellite · Feb 28, 2013

I talked to a local upholstery guy here and he told me if I dye the seats to make sure to use a good primer. Also warned me on using simple green for cleaning because if the threads are not good quality bonded thread it will stain the thread green. Also can be tough to remove if you get it in crevices.

Vinyl dying seats

68 Sport Satellite

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Gpuller

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Dako

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dryheat

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68 Sport Satellite

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Dako

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19polara64

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Gpuller

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Dodge 330

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eric383

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ram250098

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68 Sport Satellite

FBBO Gold Member

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