I have a console that I want to restore for my 68 Mustang. The padding has been painted and is starting to flake off. I thought I read somewhere that its better to use vinyl dye than paint. First question is what do I use to get the old paint off the vinyl padding without damaging it and the second question is what kind of dye is best to use?

 

i dunno about getting the old paint off of your vinyl. you may have to skin it and start again.

 

Ok, I’m not 100 % sure but I think if you use a soft brush and lacquer thinner it should work!

 

try it but be really gentle. and don't slop the thinner on it.

 

You need to take off the old paint, then order a can of vinyl paint. Use a self etching Primer then add the new color.

 

so if I attempted to use the vinyl dye over the paint, it wouldn't work? sounds like taking the paint off will be a trick.

has anyone successfully removed paint from a vinyl surface before? I'm afraid to damage the original surface.

 

Yes, you'll need to remove the old paint first! I don't think the lacquer thinner is going to kill it. You can always reduce the thinner, this way it's not 100 percent thinner!
Try 50/50 mix if it works your golden, if not try 80/20 mix

 

After you get the paint off, the vinyl dye in a can you get from the auto parts store is great. I have used in on my console and various other things, and have had it on my red truck seat dyed black for 5 years now sitting on it everyday and it hasn't worn off yet. The key is just getting it super clean.

 

one last question. If a console has been dyed, can it be re-dyed later another color?

thanks for all the help guys!

 

I don't see why it couldn't. Just be sure to clean it good again.