[KevinH1990]

I'm contemplating painting my own center console. I was originally thinking of having it done by BumperPlugs, but it looks like the price has risen to $629 and that is just a little too steep for current conditions - I have an offspring in college.

I probably won't tackle the project until late fall or winter, so I'm doing some research now. (If anyone has a spare console that they would be willing to part with for a reasonable price, please contact me. This would permit me to get started earlier since I could work on the spare console at anytime without putting the car out of action during some of the best top-down driving weather.)

I'm thinking of painting it either Arctic Silver like the rest of my car, or Alumnalook to match the shift knob and brake handle. Any thought on what would look best?

I haven't been able to find a comprehensive DIY thread anywhere, but here is what I have garnered from searching here and on Rennlist and Renntech. I would appreciate any comments or guidance on my processes especially if you have done this yourself.

1. Preparation - Apparently you can remove the soft touch coating with either 3M Safest Stripper or by sanding. The threads I've read suggest that you have to finish with sanding when you use stripper and the stripper can soften the plastic. So, right now I'm thinking of just sanding. I've seen some threads that recommend 400 grit sandpaper in order to avoid scratches. I was planning to start with 100 or 200 grit and finishing with 400.

2. Most threads appear to recommend using some type of bonding agent. Any suggestions?

3. Painting - I was thinking of 4 thin coats of color and 2 of clear coat with a wet sand in between each coat. Any thoughts or recommendations about the best grit for wet sanding. Also, I have an air compressor and I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to buy a spray gun from Harbor Freight or would a can of spray paint be just as good? Does anyone know of a good source for Alumnalook paint?

4. Painting the ashtray. It seems like this would use the same process as the rest of the project.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.