i want to paint the interior door panels, dash , etc. but somebody already painted it. from what i read here is that SEM is the choice product to use. can i put that on interior panels that has already been painted before, they were painted when i got the truck but i dont know what kind of paint was used.if i can, what is the proper processs to do? thanks

 

here is the only pic i have

 

SEM is probably the best you can use,I haven't heard anything bad about them.

What exactly makes you think the interior has been painted before?

 

the door panels and some of the other trim is a darker color brown and you can see where it is scratching off. i am not sure where to start

 

Check the tags for doors/panels etc. Plenty of info/advice/ideas. SEM paint for plastic parts is the most recommended.

 

ok so i think everyone here knows i'm a huge fan of SEM products. i swear they should give me a kickback for talking them up so much and I've had wonderful results with their products...but no matter how great a paint/dye product you have, it wont matter if what you're painting on top of is crap...since SEM is pretty expensive as far as paint /dyes go, I'd hate to see you spend the money and then have a big PAINT FAIL due to what's already on your doors / interior...

If i were you, I'd head to the junkyard and start pulling out interior pieces to replace yours...just find the best condition pieces in whatever color you find and then paint them all to match with SEM

think of it as a scavenger hunt

 

Getting some sandpaper to remove the old paint and scratches is another option. It will also help the SEM dye adhere better.

 

is there a product like paint stripper that would be safe on plastic?

 

I don't know of a plastic-safe stripper. I'm sure there's something that would work, but can't make any recommendation there. A paint supply shop would be your best bet for that info.

 

The best thing to remember though is PREP PREP PREP PREP!!!!

Prep is the key to a good looking and lasting repaint.

 

these guys have a bunch of ideas for stripping paint off plastic including bumper stripper and brake cleaner:
Link to outside forum on stripping paint off plastic

and dont forget to PREP!!

 

...Or else you'll be coloring in the scratches with a sharpie like I was.

 

You always want to strip older finishes off of the base surface, otherwise your new finish may flake off. I suggest using Peel-a-way 7 (my new favorite) its non-toxic, has no harmful vapors, and won't harm the base surface (I'd test on a small inconspicuous area first). It is also available at Home Depot, and probably Lowes. Works Great!