Interior Paint Tricks

17 Oct 2003 Interior Paint Tricks

IMO, one of the best posts to the list regarding this is by Dan Ward
8/15/02. ref: list archives Keywords Ward, Krylon, cockpit color, Faux
Granite… What follows is my implementation of the process he “invented”. From: “Vincent Himsl”
Subject: RE: RV-List: cabin interior paint

–> RV-List message posted by: “Vincent Himsl”

Hello,

IMO, one of the best posts to the list regarding this is by Dan Ward
8/15/02. ref: list archives Keywords Ward, Krylon, cockpit color, Faux
Granite… What follows is my implementation of the process he “invented”.

MATERIALS:
It is a three step method using:
Krylon Smoke Gray Gloss – 1608
Krylon “Make it Stone” – Black Granite (textured paint…other colors
available)
Krylon Clear Coat – 1313 (or “Make it Last” Clear Coat)

I would add NAPA 7220 primer and NAPA 7234 cleaner.

PROCEDURE:
Take a piece of scrap aluminum, gouge it up, put in some rivets and then:
1. Clean with NAPA 7234 cleaner (or whatever you are using)
2. Spray with NAPA 7220 primer (tempo or other self etching will work fine)
3. Spray with Smoke Gray Gloss, wait a minute or two and then spray with the
‘Black Granite’
4. Let dry a few minutes and then Spray with the Clear, let dry overnight.
5. Stand back and decide if you like it. Notice how it hides
imperfections(gouges) and the rivets! After letting it dry a couple of days,
gouge/scratch it again to simulate the inevitability of life and to get a
feel for its durability. Then retouch and notice the results again. You
might want to use a light source to help get a feel for its ability to
minimize reflections into the canopy.

COMMENT:
As Dan says in his post, the process “may sound difficult but it is really
easy”.

I liked it so much I painted the complete interior with it. I have
subsequently had to touch up because of scratches, etc. but it blends in
together so well that you can’t tell it is a touch up job. It is very
forgiving…runs, drips, and plenty of errors. And the best part, is that
you can do a big area or a small piece or two. Also it is readily available
locally, as in small town in Idaho.

My RV8 is still under construction (naturally) but I have had time to make
observations on the durability from the construction process which I believe
is much harsher than normal use. It scratches rather easily (rivet ground
in by twisting shoe), but its resistance to scuffing is pretty good. After
staring at it for awhile, I am still quite happy with it.

As for color matching, my interior is gray and I have different
shades/tones. But it doesn’t matter as the combined total affect is pretty
good. My interior is different from the light blue/gray Powder coat from
Vans. I had the roll bar done in standard battle ship Gray powder coat to
minimize reflections, the panel will probably be slightly different, and the
interior fabric will most certainly not be an exact match. But! It will ‘in
total’ look great (so far). If you check out the interiors of newer cars,
you will notice this effect.

Sorry for long post, but the hour is late, and the compressor is low. I
suggest you also scan the list archives which contains at least 7 hours of
continuous reading on this subject.

Hope this helps

Vince Himsl
Moscow, Idaho USA
RV8-SB Finish