Painted center console

[spark00]

looks great!!! better job than what i've done from seeing the detail. i'm happy with how mine turned out over the weekend but may redue it when i have some time just to satisfy my needs. it took me a little bit of figuring out on how to put the center console back but it went easy once i figured out the seat position (seat pulled forward all the way then recline it all the way down seem to be the trick to putting it back in).

[Perfectlap]

Been wanting to do this for some time but I can't make up my mind on silver, black or some sort of metal finish (not painted but actual metal).

I'm weary of paint because this is a high traffic area and its bound to get scuffed up. Silver with black scratches peeking through would drive me nuts and I would hate to have to break out the paint each time there was incident.
But on the other hand glossy black console with the silver horseshoe shifter trim would look great.

[John V]

Anal-retentive though I may be, I really am glad I covered the high-traffic areas with clearsheild film. It's barely noticable (I wrapped the edges) but it made a huge difference in durability. I did the areas where the seatbelt latches are, the top (near the button for the center console lid) and the ashtray / power window switch panel.

Several coats of clear provide a lot of protection as well for those that don't want the hassle of doing the clear film. I did both.

I cannot imagine painting it and not putting a clearcoat over the top. IMO it would look terrible.