Extremely happy with the results of SEM Color Coat..

[dgcantrell]

I found a thread here recently that recommended SEM Color Coat products for restoring (re-coating rather) vinyl and plastic parts like interior parts. The beige color of some of our 944s is fading and turning nasty. The thread I found gave match number of 15143 Sandstone in the SEM line. I must say it's damn near a dead on match. I removed my center console and scrubbed it with Castrol Super Clean diluted in water about 50% and a Scotch Brite pad. Let it dry thoroughly and gave it about 4 thin coats of SEM. I thought it looked great. I then removed the trim work above the lower part and upper part of the dash and cleaned it the same.

Before:



After:





Did the door handles next.



Every piece of the trim will have to be replaced and it was brittle as hell and already broken in places. All but one of the switches were hanging on by a thread and pushed through when I attempted to remove the electrical connections. So I'll be trolling for these bits soon. I figure I can find a piece of vinyl the same color as the rest to recover the console pad.

Still a ways to go before she's on the road though. Really needs paint though. The clear is coming off bad...

[BReif61]

How does the SEM paint compare with the Duplicolor vinyl paint? It looks like you achieved great results withe the SEM.

[dgcantrell]

I've not tried the Duplicolor stuff. I saw some demos of the SEM product on Youtube and decided to go that route. I could not find a matching color that I was sure of in the Duplicolor range either.

[TrailRider]

looks great. I'll have to do this too... The discoloration that happens on the dash and center console is really ugly. This will fix it up nicely...

[dgcantrell]

I'm really interested in how it holds up though. We'll see.

[jollyted]

Wow! That turned out really nice! I have the same color interior and the same nasty discoloration at the tops of the lower dash panels. I was concerned about how the coverage of the SEM would be over these dark spots, but it looks great.

Now I'm ready to order some Sandstone SEM and get to work!

Thanks for the post & the photos!

[dgcantrell]

I was surprised at the coverage even after one light coat. It's seems to have a lot of pigment in it. Dries about as fast as any other spray paint except that Appliance Epoxy stuff, I use the black and stainless steel colors all the time. One recommendation that I offer is to fill any small holes or cracks in the surface with something. I can still see a few little spots where the surface cracked. You really have to look but.. Something like some painters caulk would be a great filler for those tiny cracks.. Put a dab on with your finger and wipe off the excess with a wet rag and let dry. Spray away...

[jollyted]

Awesome! Great advice!

Thanks

[gmorken]

Over 3 1/2 years ago, I used SEM 15023 Cordovan Brown 13Z Color Coat - 12 oz. (available on Amazon for about $15) to redye the original faded brown carpet, door panels, and vinyl seats in my 85/2 944. Spring ahead to now for a car that has used as a daily driver all during those years and the interior color still looks fine.

I originally applied lightly using 3 separate coats on the doors/seats and 2 coats onto the carpet.

Anyone else paint their interior items who can share pictures?

[dgcantrell]

That looks great. I hope mine holds up that well.

[mweinst]

+1 on SEM holding up for the long term. I used it on some BMW seats a few years ago, and they still look good today. Great stuff.