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How do I paint car interior trim?

I want to accent the interior of my car by repainting the trim. I want to do a professional-quality job. What’s the best way to paint the trim inside my car?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Painting the interior trim of your vehicle a color that matches or contrasts the exterior of the vehicle is a great way to add an appealing aesthetic to your car. Thankfully, the process is far easier than you might think and much cheaper than a
professional paint job
.
To start, remove the trim that you intend to paint. In some cases, you’ll need to use a screwdriver to pry it out. Other pieces may require the removal of one or more screws. Either way, make sure to cover the tip of the tool with a rag or remain extra vigilant to avoid damaging or scratching the trim.
Once you’ve removed the pieces you’d like to paint, sand them by hand or with an orbital sander using 400- to 600-grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until the surface is smooth. Next, use mineral spirits to wipe down the trim and remove excess dust. This will ensure the paint job won’t have any bumps or imperfections.
Next, grab a can of spray primer and make even passes from side to side over each piece. Allow it to dry for 20 minutes, then apply extra coats as necessary.
If the surface is still a bit rough, you can sand it again with ultra-fine sandpaper—typically, 1,500 grit or higher.
Finally, spray paint the trim the color of your choice using side-to-side strokes like you did with the primer. Again, repeat as necessary.
Let the paint dry for about 24 hours before you reinstall it, and your car will have an amazing new look.
To protect your newly painted asset, make sure you have great car insurance—and aren’t overpaying for it.
Jerry
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