can you use Vinyl dye on plastic interior parts?
such as seat backs and sides.

Yes Donnie, check out SEM and use "Bulldog" first.

Yes Donnie, check out SEM and use "Bulldog" first.

I've seen "Bulldog" mentioned many times before, but nothing more than a mention. Just in case Donnie is in the dark just as much as I am, wanna tell him who makes it and where he can get it?

Donnie,

I used SEM vinyl dye on all the interior pieces of the Charger from the seats, to door panels to kick panels, console, arm rests, sun visors, etc. I had very good results. I also used a wax and grease remover to clean each part before application. Make sure you use light coats though, anything more than a dusting on the first coat will fish eye and make the grain of the part not look right.

I've seen "Bulldog" mentioned many times before, but nothing more than a mention. Just in case Donnie is in the dark just as much as I am, wanna tell him who makes it and where he can get it?

Most paint supply stores carry it, for making paint stick too plastic surfaces.

Sem also has a product called adhesion promoter.

thanks guys,
I had some PPG 8819 Ivory mixed up in vinyl dye. to dye some headrest and just wanted to make sure that I could also use it on the plastic.

when i painted hard plastic, i used a plastic primer, you can get it in rattle cans or bulk and spray-sometimes just spraying w/o primer, you get fisheyes

SEM products work great on all types of plastic. Just be sure to use the prep and adhesion promoter before you paint. Interior parts are loaded with silicone and you won't get it all off any other way.

Tom

Bulldog brand adhesion promoter is commonly available at O'Reilly's Auto Parts if there's one near you. It's a somewhat "universal" adhesion promoter as the can says it's good for ABS, Polypropylene, etc.

SEM PRODUCTS "Adhesion Promoters" -- SEM makes a number of products considered "adhesion promoters" for plastics BUT SEM is more specific about which of their products to use depending on the TYPE OF PLASTIC.

>Polypropylene--This is the bucket seatbacks and bottoms, kickpanels and most times the armrest bases. SEM recommends there Flexible Bonding Clear for use as an adhesion promoter on Polypropylene.

>ABS---This is things like dash bezels, sometimes armrest bases, and consoles.
---ABS is a stiffer, more rigid, plastic when compared to Polypropylene. I think SEM recommends #39864 "Plastic Adhesion Promoter" or another product they have called "Sand Free".

A couple other pointers:

>You can't get your parts TOO CLEAN...scrub the heck out of them with a good nylon bristle brush, as hot of water as you can stand and good dishwashing soap.

>Carefully inspect the condition of your seatbacks prior to scrubbing...if they are dried out and chalky (common on just about any color other than black) then be aware you may start scrubbing off this "dead" plastic which will change the texture and look of the seatbacks.

>FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE SEM or BULLDOG cans....from what I recall each brand has different application instructions. Bulldog says spray, wait, spray another coat of Bulldog, wait and then paint.

SEM, at least on Sand Free, says spray and then shoot a light tack coat (first coat) of the paint dye WHILE THE SAND FREE IS STILL WET.

I have had great luck with Parasol Inc. vinyl dye and adhesion promoter on plastic parts.