This is an article on how to change or freshen up the interior color of your truck, Blazer, or Suburban using paint or vinyl dye.   

To plan your dye job, you must first determine how you are going apply the dye. If you have access to a compressor and a paint gun, this is the best way to go if you plan to dye all your interior pieces. If not, don't worry...you can still get quality results with spray cans "if" you take the time to prep everything correctly.

Regardless of how you apply the dye, you will need the vinyl dye and vinyl prep that goes on before the dye.

Before you start the tear down, you should examine all your existing trim pieces. Are they worth dying, or should they be replaced?  If they are cracked, deteriorated, or damaged in any way...now is the time to find replacement pieces.  The dye will not hide these blemishes and will leave you unhappy with the results and lighter in the pocketbook.

Check you dash pad real close (especially by the speaker holes), is it cracked?  What about your door panels & armrest pads?  You better replace them too if you want this job to come out looking good. Once all this is decided, it's time to move on.

Step #1.  The dirty work begins.  Remove everything that you want to dye from your truck.  It can be done while still installed, but it will make a big mess, so take the time to pull everything out now.  Put the screws in zip lock bags and tag them so you remember where they go.  Take your time so you don't cause any damage or lose any parts when removing all of the items you will be dying.

Step #2.  This step may be skipped if you don't have pieces that have previously been dyed. If any piece has been dyed before, it is best to strip the old dye off.  I found the best way to do this is with cheap lacquer thinner and paper towels...I would also suggest using gloves that are chemical proof too.  Cheap lacquer thinner is great for removing old dye, as well as layers of skin from your hands.  Trust me on this one.

Step #3.  This is the most important step to achieve quality results.  Every inch of every piece should be thoroughly cleaned.  Even if you have stripped them with lacquer thinner, I would still clean them with soapy water.  This is an "extremely" important step!  Make a solution of dishwashing soap and water.  It's a good idea to add a small amount of ammonia or Mr. Clean to the water to help strip the vinyl dressing and oil that the plastic emits as it ages is.  Wash every piece front and back with this solution, then rinse with clean water. Now repeat this process again.  Once you have repeated the process dry the parts completely.  Make sure that there is no moisture left anywhere on the panels.  If you can’t blow them dry with compressed air, it might be best to set them in the sun, or cover them and let them air dry over night.

Step #4.  Prep your pieces with vinyl prep.  Read the instructions and follow them closely.  Some preps are designed to dry completely before the dye is applied, and some suggest you prep then apply the dye right away.  Make sure you read the instructions and follow them closely.

Step #5.  This is the fun part.  You finally get to see all your hard work pay off, but do not rush this step...take your time and put on nice even coats.  Again, read the instructions and follow them closely.  If you are using a spray gun, once you get everything covered completely you will finish with a final overlap coat to make sure you don’t have any dry spots or stripping.  If you are using spray cans, save a fresh can to give everything a final coat.  This will ensure that everything is the same color as well as preventing any dry spots or stripping.

In closing...

If you are using a spray gun, check with your local automotive paint store for the brand that they carry.  They can set you up with the correct prep and dye and answer any questions you may have.  If you are going to use spray cans, the best brand in my opinion is SEM.  It can be bought through Eastwood, or ordered online from many supply companies.  If you have taken your time and done this correctly, the end results should like the pics I have posted below.

This is the door panel I purchased at a swap meet.  While it doesn't look too bad, the dye was really scratched up and peeling in places.
 

This is after 30-40 minutes of stripping all the old dye off.
 

Here is a close up "after" shot.
 

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