Device panel restoration – how to paint a torpedo on your own

Restoring the dashboard, also referred to as the "torpedo," can significantly update your car’s interior. Dashboards are susceptible to fading, scratches, and damage from UV rays and normal wear and tear over time. Painting the dashboard yourself can be a satisfying and economical project, whether your goal is to give your car a new look or return it to its former splendor.

It’s important to grasp the fundamentals before getting started. The correct materials must be chosen, the surface must be properly prepared, and the paint must be applied precisely. Even if this is your first time working on a project of this nature, this guide will lead you through every step and guarantee that you turn in a polished product.

It’s important to start with the proper planning. To do this, the dashboard must be completely cleaned of any dirt, oils, or residues. To ensure that the paint adheres properly and to smooth out any imperfections, sanding may also be required. Selecting the right primer and paint type is also very important; automotive paints and primers are made especially to endure the special conditions found inside an automobile.

Painting can start as soon as the surface is prepared and the materials are ready. It will take time and attention to detail to complete this part. A smooth, even finish can be achieved by applying several thin coats as opposed to one thick layer, which can help prevent drips. It’s crucial to let paints dry completely in between coats, and for added shine and protection, a clear coat can be applied last.

You can make your car’s dashboard appear as good as new again by following these instructions. Painting your own dashboard gives you a sense of accomplishment and personalization, and it also improves the appearance of your car with a little time and effort. Let’s begin the process of updating the interior of your vehicle!

Methods of restoration of torpedoes

You can update a dated torpedo in a few different ways. Painting the instrument panel with a rubber-containing composition or enamel is the simplest method, followed by laying down. This approach will be the quickest and least expensive, but it is not without its challenges. For instance, it will shine after staining with a glossy torpedo composition, which will divert the driver’s attention while they are driving. Furthermore, the torpedo’s surface is not completely rigid, so the final coating may appear uneven and will require careful application.

Additional techniques for restoring torpedoes include the following:

1. Walling with vinyl film. On sale there are a variety of films made in a wide range – glossy, matte, under the skin, carbon. D. You can easily choose a material that is ideal for the decoration of the car interior. The film is applied with a single surface, without joints and seams, has an attractive and stylish look. Such a coating will last for many years, since it is strong and unpretentious to care. The disadvantages of the film can be called the complexity of gluing, as well as poor holding of the coating on some types of plastic.
2. Skin sheathing, eco -leather. Such a finish will cost an order of magnitude more expensive, but it will make the panel luxurious in appearance. Usually the skin is performed if there is a certain experience in such work. Otherwise, you should turn to professionals, since it is quite difficult to finish the torpedo with leather.
3. Floking. The technique implies the application of the flock to the prepared plastic surface. The material in the form of small fibers of the fabric is sprayed like a paint, as a result of a torpedo becomes as if covered with velvet or suede. Such a decoration serves for a long time and very beautiful.

Necessary tools and devices

Among the supplies needed to operate a torpedo, you must buy:

• a degreaser to prepare the base for staining (alcohol, acetone, white spite or other substance that does not dissolve plastic);
• a detergent for cleaning the torpedo;
• sandpaper for stripping scratches, chips, scuffs;
• paint in a spray can or other form for painting torpedoes;
• primer on plastic to enhance clutch with paint;
• varnish for finish processing of the torpedo (preferably two -component polyurethane);
• small grid for filtering paint and primer;
• putty.

Master jewelers frequently use a grinding machine in place of sanding. When there is enough experience on level, wide-area grounds, this device works well. It is preferable for the non-professional to use regular sandpaper instead of fine sandpaper because the torpedo is composed of soft plastic and has intricate relief, which could harm the base. In severe situations, processing curved surfaces can be done with a drill or grinder equipped with a nozzle.

The following are some tools that might be needed to process torpedoes:

• brush or roller roller;
• spray gun – manual or with a compressor for uniform application of paint;
• set of screwdrivers with various nozzles for dismantling and installing a torpedo;
• putty.

You can forgo a compressor and a spray gun if you intend to use paint in spray cans because the task will be much easier.

Preparation for recovery work

Staining is the least expensive way to update the torpedo in a garage. You must lay the groundwork beforehand in order to complete everything effectively. The following will happen as a prelude:

1. Cleaning the panel. Emerate dust, eliminate other pollution, washing the torpedo with any car detergent.
2. Drying panels. Give the surfaces to dry well.
3. Elimination of defects. With sandpaper, scratches and other defects are polished to smooth out their edges. Act carefully so as not to damage plastic. After blowing the base for the removal of polished particles. If there are large defects, they are covered with special putty for plastic or epoxy resin.
4. Degreasing. The torpedo is wiped with a degreaser or alcohol.

Additional lamps or other devices that can provide a sufficient level of lighting and enable you to quickly identify and remove even minor defects are installed in garages and boxing. If the work is being done in the winter, place heating devices as well. This will assist in keeping the paint’s drying temperature constant. The box itself is clear of dirt and trash.

Dismantling torpedoes

While it is preferable to remove the torpedo before painting, in more challenging situations, you may be able to leave it in place by using masking tape to paste the surrounding zones. The following will be the part’s order:

• turn off the minus terminal of the battery;
• put the car on the handbrake;
• reveal the location of the screws and other fasteners, carefully twist them so as not to damage (otherwise the re -installation of the torpedo will be difficult);
• disconnect the wires, remove decorative elements, steering wheel;
• remove the plastic lining;
• All plugs are thoroughly marked in order to return them to their place;
• The torpedo is pulled out of the passenger door through the passenger door.

It is advised that novices take pictures of every step involved in disassembling the torpedo because doing so will make the process of assembling the final product much simpler. Make sure that there are no missing latches, as you will need to search roadside stores for them.

The priming of the torpedo

Priming a surface before staining it will improve LKP adhesion and give the plastic a smoother, more even surface. The ideal primer is aerosol-based; two or three layers can be applied with a single bottle. Applying soil with a roller and a short pile can also be done with banks and a standard canister. Every additional layer of material is applied only after the preceding layer. After that, the surface is inspected, and if drones are present, more grinding is done using the smallest sandpaper (also known as "zero").

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Application of paint

If a spray gun is to be used for the task, the apparatus must first be adjusted. If the air tightened by the compressor is not dry, moisture will compromise the paint with plastic clutch quality and shorten the coating’s lifespan. Because Dear spray guns have a moisture detector, you can work more productively with them.

The spray gun’s nozzle needs to be spotless to prevent dirt and dust from getting into the paint. Before adding coloring material to the spray gun’s container, it must first pass through the filter (grid). In order to apply LKP automatically, a solvent is diluted in amounts that match the manufacturer’s recommendations until a fairly liquid texture is achieved.

Stained with a torpedo while keeping the device’s nozzle 15–20 cm away from the surface. Streams form on the plastic when you move the sprayer closer, and the clutch force on the LCP will lessen if the nozzle is too far away. From left to right, the layers are completed by lightly tapping the previous strip. Paint is applied in two to four layers, with a full drying period in between. Sandpaper is used to clean paint streams and droplets each time. In the same way, they function when coloring torpedoes using a spray can that is held 20–25 cm above the surface. Allow the torpedo to air dry fully.

Finished varnishing

For processing torpedoes, matte and glossy polyurethane-based varnishes are available for purchase. Selecting a paint composition from the same brand is advised. A thin coating is created by applying a thin layer of varnish. The first layer is completed before moving on to the second.

Painting "liquid rubber"

The car’s dashboard looks fantastic with rubber paint applied. It lets you create a coating that is rough to the touch, quick to dry, resistant to moisture, and doesn’t glare in the sun. Rubber-based paint doesn’t bubble, smell, or form joints or seams when it’s applied. One of the drawbacks is that mechanical exposure can scratch the surface; however, this can be avoided by varnishing the torpedo in two or three layers. Three layers of rubber paint are sprayed on using a spray can, allowing each layer to completely dry. Generally speaking, one 400 ml cylinder will suffice to paint the panel.

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Liquid vinyl treatment

Similar to rubber paint, liquid vinyl is applied in spray cans and works well for painting different sections of the automobile. Even the thin layer of vinyl lends strength and prevents damage to the torpedo. Temperature fluctuations, frost, and UV radiation do not frighten this material. The following is the process for applying vinyl:

• A spray can be shaken well for a minute so that the contents become homogeneous;
• Spray the first layer, which will serve as a binder and should be quite thin;
• They wait for half an hour, then apply another layer;
• After some time, 2-3 additional layers of vinyl are consistently performed, dried for at least 4 hours;
• During the drying period, dust is not allowed to get to the surface, in every possible way they exclude contact with garbage.

Painting of domestic models

Staining panels for home appliances is done using the same algorithm. The component is meticulously sanded after being cleared of debris, dust, and grease. After priming the surface and letting it dry, apply multiple coats of stain. In order to achieve the best possible quality for the final LKP, the panel must be varnished. They replace the part in its original location once it has completely dried.

Step	Description
Preparation	Clean and sand the panel to remove any dirt and old paint.
Priming	Apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres well to the surface.
Painting	Spray multiple thin coats of paint, letting each layer dry before adding the next.
Finishing	Once dry, apply a clear coat for protection and shine.

The "torpedo," or dashboard, can completely change the interior appearance and feel of your car. Restoring it is a satisfying project. Even though it might seem difficult at first, anyone can produce results that look professional with the right resources and a little perseverance. In addition to improving the dashboard’s appearance, taking the time to thoroughly clean, prep, and paint it can increase its lifespan by shielding it from additional damage.

To prevent dust, dirt, and oils from interfering with paint adhesion, a thorough cleaning is the first step in the process. This is an important step because it lays the groundwork for an even, smooth finish. A clean, polished appearance can be guaranteed by carefully masking off areas that shouldn’t be painted after cleaning. For optimal results, use paint and primer made especially for plastics, which will help the newly applied finish survive regular wear and tear.

It is better to paint in several light coats rather than one thick coat. This method allows for even coverage while preventing runs. Achieving a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish requires taking your time and allowing each coat to fully dry. Your freshly painted dashboard will gain a layer of durability and a polished appearance with the final step of applying a clear protective coat.

Restoring your dashboard is essentially a doable project that will dramatically update the interior of your vehicle. You can feel proud of your car again if you take a methodical approach and use the appropriate materials. Your efforts will be rewarded each time you get behind the wheel, regardless of whether you’re taking on this project to modernize your car’s appearance or to return it to its original state.

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