paint/dye for dashpad SEM?

I know that you guys all throw out the name SEM for interior paints but I have two questions...

Where do I find it?

How do I know what color to get?

I want to dye my red dashpad blue because I'm not a fan of the overlay I got and Its going back in the box. I thought i was getting a new pad whoops.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Get your stuff here. He custom mixes colors, great service too. http://www.vinylpro.com/

Not sure if the box color codes are the same. Run your vin and see what it comes up with for an interior code.

Hi Matt

SEM you can buy many places, they usually just have basic standard colors. You are going to need a mixed color. This is who to contact, they can help you: http://www.vinylpro.com (770) 933-8299

Very helpful. I think the owners name is Matt also. You usually end up talking to him. He has matched both the blue and tan wagons, perfectly.

Tom

silverfox103 wrote:

Hi Matt

SEM you can buy many places, they usually just have basic standard colors. You are going to need a mixed color. This is who to contact, they can help you: http://www.vinylpro.com (770) 933-8299

Very helpful. I think the owners name is Matt also. You usually end up talking to him. He has matched both the blue and tan wagons, perfectly.

Tom

PSSST :

Cadet57 wrote:

Get your stuff here. He custom mixes colors, great service too. http://www.vinylpro.com/

Not sure if the box color codes are the same. Run your vin and see what it comes up with for an interior code.

Sorry, I was typing while you must have been posting. Obviously you have had good luck with Vinylpro also.

Tom

Wow, I wonder if that guy can mix me up paint for my Tahoe's dash bezel and dashboard itself. I see they want you to send in a swatch so they can match it though...hmmm

Matt Trakker wrote:

Wow, I wonder if that guy can mix me up paint for my Tahoe's dash bezel and dashboard itself. I see they want you to send in a swatch so they can match it though...hmmm

You can either do that, or match via their color chart. Or if you happen to know the SEM equivalent to your interior code he can mix that way too. That said, I think the next time I order that stuff, id send in a sample to make sure its as close as can be.

I've been going nuts trying to figure out the exact SEM # paint for my trucks dash. I think it's the darker of the "Neutral" colors offered, but the swatch online on the SEM color card looks more gray than my truck's interior, so I'm wary of buying it. Late Model Restoration Supply sells mixed SEM-type paint in aerosol cans, but it's almost 30 bucks a can shipped to your house...lol

Matt, they should be able to match your color; but like Justin said they need the codes. Don't try to make one fit off of the shelf. It won't match. Call them up, they can help.

Tom

Cool. I know the code from my SPI label in the glovebox, it's "52 I". My issue was my truck's interior is two tone, a Neutral then a "Lighter Neutral". lol

We'll see!

Wait, who's Jason?

just check with any local automotive body supply store ! you don't need to order on line......

Guarantee you will find one that has right SEM color ( and other types )

most places will have charts or a computer to get the correct matching color, some places can even mix it.

and if they have to order it, you wont pay the shipping

...... I use Pines AutoBody Supply and Parts here in Nashua NH for everything , walk in and they have your color there on the shelf.

bowtiepimp wrote:

just check with any local automotive body supply store ! you don't need to order on line......

Guarantee you will find one that has right SEM color ( and other types )

most places will have charts or a computer to get the correct matching color, some places can even mix it.

and if they have to order it, you wont pay the shipping

...... I use Pines AutoBody Supply and Parts here in Nashua NH for everything , walk in and they have your color there on the shelf.

Damn dude, thanks. I'll probably shoot up that way when I get a chance if I can't find something closer.

Try Cooper Lewis in Lynn (on the Lynnway)

sdstick wrote:

Try Cooper Lewis in Lynn (on the Lynnway)

theres probably a place in Lynn, Danvers, Peabody, definitley more than one or two places out your way.

Hell the Woodworth? chevy caddy dealerships in Andover Mass. have a busy body shop, so I sure they get there supplies in town or the next one over...

bowtiepimp wrote:

sdstick wrote:

Try Cooper Lewis in Lynn (on the Lynnway)

theres probably a place in Lynn, Danvers, Peabody, definitley more than one or two places out your way.

Hell the Woodworth? chevy caddy dealerships in Andover Mass. have a busy body shop, so I sure they get there supplies in town or the next one over...

Woodworths FTL, they get very nasty when they realize they cant outright rape you. Thats they're MO.
The 1 time my car was in a dealership (in 30yrs), it was there for a quick starter.
They tore the sideview 1/2 off, propped it back in place & I was 1/2 way home before I noticed.
Ya.....I'm no longer welcome there

What a sin, it's a cool looking dealership. lol

Hey Matt we should both go hit up that place in Lynn sometime, I need to figure out their hours of operation...I looked up their website. Maybe I'll drop by if I'm working over that way.

Matt Trakker wrote:

What a sin, it's a cool looking dealership. lol

Hey Matt we should both go hit up that place in Lynn sometime, I need to figure out their hours of operation...I looked up their website. Maybe I'll drop by if I'm working over that way.

Yeah next time we drive past eachother...so tomorrow. LOL

Yeah or if the place chris mentioned is close enough to crovos and is open on sunday (i doubt it)

I stopped by Cooper Lewis on the way home from Gloucester today, they have SEM in the showroom, mostly the common colors. I used to the paint swatch card they had in the store to find the colors of my truck's interior in the parking lot. They ordered 2 cans of Color Coat (I got that since it is hard plastic I am painting) for me, one in the light neutral for my glove compartment door which has scraped off paint in a few spots, and medium neutral for my dashboard and bezel. I am picking them up tomorrow. 26 bucks altogether, not bad considering I was gonna have to pay more for one can via Late Model Restoration Supply, and that was their own mixed paint, not SEM. Won't have to pay shipping, I am sure of the color match, and the price for the cans wasn't much more than it is online.

Thank you Chris for the tip on where this stuff can be found, and thank you Steve for the tip on Cooper Lewis, I find it ridiculous I didn't know about that place since I have driven by it literally thousands of times, I used to take some classes at the NSCC Lynn Campus, LOL.

Matt, I did the hard work for ya, now you know they have it.

Matt Trakker wrote:

I stopped by Cooper Lewis on the way home from Gloucester today, they have SEM in the showroom, mostly the common colors. I used to the paint swatch card they had in the store to find the colors of my truck's interior in the parking lot. They ordered 2 cans of Color Coat (I got that since it is hard plastic I am painting) for me, one in the light neutral for my glove compartment door which has scraped off paint in a few spots, and medium neutral for my dashboard and bezel. I am picking them up tomorrow. 26 bucks altogether, not bad considering I was gonna have to pay more for one can via Late Model Restoration Supply, and that was their own mixed paint, not SEM. Won't have to pay shipping, I am sure of the color match, and the price for the cans wasn't much more than it is online.

Thank you Chris for the tip on where this stuff can be found, and thank you Steve for the tip on Cooper Lewis, I find it ridiculous I didn't know about that place since I have driven by it literally thousands of times, I used to take some classes at the NSCC Lynn Campus, LOL.

Matt, I did the hard work for ya, now you know they have it.

Thanks buddy! Maybe I'll see ya there tomorrow!

Went by Cooper-Lewis today and got my SEM! Thanks for the tip Steve!

I got mine too, lol. Did they have yours in stock?

Wow, does this place have GM colors in stock or something?

They have a rack in the showroom with cans of SEM on it in varied colors, but I had to order mine and then pick them up today. The guy made it sound like they don't keep a lot of it in stock at the actual store anymore nor do they custom mix it for you there, but they still will just order it from you. They have another store in Providence and it kinda sounded like the guy at the counter called them up and got my paint from there.

Matt Trakker wrote:

I got mine too, lol. Did they have yours in stock?

Yeah I yanked a huge chunk off my dash before I went in and used that to match the paint LOL Was in and out!

I figured they'd have it, they did have a lot of cans there. Apparently mine is weird.

I didn't get any of the prep stuff, only the color cans. Did you? I was just going to scrub the dash with soap and water, maybe some acetone to get any grease off that might be there then soap and water after with a scrub pad to smooth the peeled paint, then adhesion promoter and paint.

Matt Trakker wrote:

I figured they'd have it, they did have a lot of cans there. Apparently mine is weird.

I didn't get any of the prep stuff, only the color cans. Did you? I was just going to scrub the dash with soap and water, maybe some acetone to get any grease off that might be there then soap and water after with a scrub pad to smooth the peeled paint, then adhesion promoter and paint.

When I did my seats I scrubbed the shit out of them with Simple Green dried them really well gave a very light pass-I mean barely touching the seats- with 2500 grit paper to help the stuff stick and did 3 nice even coats. Don't bother with that adhesion promoter. The key is to have the seats as clean and dry as possible. If they aren't nothing will work.

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

I figured they'd have it, they did have a lot of cans there. Apparently mine is weird.

I didn't get any of the prep stuff, only the color cans. Did you? I was just going to scrub the dash with soap and water, maybe some acetone to get any grease off that might be there then soap and water after with a scrub pad to smooth the peeled paint, then adhesion promoter and paint.

When I did my seats I scrubbed the shit out of them with Simple Green dried them really well gave a very light pass-I mean barely touching the seats- with 2500 grit paper to help the stuff stick and did 3 nice even coats. Don't bother with that adhesion promoter. The key is to have the seats as clean and dry as possible. If they aren't nothing will work.

.... the fat guys right..... the adhesion promoter will be more headache than wanted! Like he said clean the seats or trim piece really good and make sure it's 100% dry. A light scuff pad or 2500 grit will help give the paint something to bite into, not needed but does help.

use in light even coats! dont build it up wet or you'll have uneven funny spots when it does dry. Lay the coats on light and about 5 mins apart to you get it smooth to your liking.

important: Always test spray on something else to make sure the flow out the can is even so you dont get gunk spitting out onto the piece your working on

Also, one of these things helps keep control of the can to keep things nice and even.

Cadet57 wrote:

Also, one of these things helps keep control of the can to keep things nice and even.

well of course you would use that....

........ its a 50 50 tool, you like it or cant f'n stand it......

bowtiepimp wrote:

Cadet57 wrote:

Also, one of these things helps keep control of the can to keep things nice and even.

well of course you would use that....

........ its a 50 50 tool, you like it or cant f'n stand it......

Lol I love that thing. It makes painting so much easier

like i said, some do some don't..........


....... Im pretty crafty with an aerosol can...... walls, trains, sidewalks, even a cop car.

Cadet57 wrote:

Also, one of these things helps keep control of the can to keep things nice and even.

hmmmmmmmmm


...... wonder if it fits onto undercoating cans?

bowtiepimp wrote:

Cadet57 wrote:

Also, one of these things helps keep control of the can to keep things nice and even.

hmmmmmmmmm


...... wonder if it fits onto undercoating cans?

The one I have by Rustoleum does. Got it at Autozone.

bowtiepimp wrote:

Cadet57 wrote:

Matt Trakker wrote:

I figured they'd have it, they did have a lot of cans there. Apparently mine is weird.

I didn't get any of the prep stuff, only the color cans. Did you? I was just going to scrub the dash with soap and water, maybe some acetone to get any grease off that might be there then soap and water after with a scrub pad to smooth the peeled paint, then adhesion promoter and paint.

When I did my seats I scrubbed the shit out of them with Simple Green dried them really well gave a very light pass-I mean barely touching the seats- with 2500 grit paper to help the stuff stick and did 3 nice even coats. Don't bother with that adhesion promoter. The key is to have the seats as clean and dry as possible. If they aren't nothing will work.

.... the fat guys right..... the adhesion promoter will be more headache than wanted! Like he said clean the seats or trim piece really good and make sure it's 100% dry. A light scuff pad or 2500 grit will help give the paint something to bite into, not needed but does help.

use in light even coats! dont build it up wet or you'll have uneven funny spots when it does dry. Lay the coats on light and about 5 mins apart to you get it smooth to your liking.

important: Always test spray on something else to make sure the flow out the can is even so you dont get gunk spitting out onto the piece your working on

Good to know! I have some scotch brite pads here I was gonna use but I also have super fine grit sandpaper I can grab too. Apparently my radio face is due for delivery, might do that today...and paint the dash pieces when I have them apart...

I got the touch up all done-

My reviews are mixed, although I doubt my issues are the paint's fault.

For one thing, the color match was spot on. PERFECT. Unreal.

I sanded down very gently and scrubbed clean the bad areas, removed the bezel from my truck and let everything dry as well. I then worked in light coats, doing about 4 slight passes from up above (Had towels and stuff all over the place masking the interior off) and tried to blend in an area around the peeled spot.

Also did the bezel outside with the black taped off. Anyway, something reacted on my bezel as well as a little bit on the dash, and the old paint underneath bubbled up a little. SEM seems to dry very fast so I went and did a few things then came back and very gently wetsanded the problem area with 2000 grit, then wiped clean, and retried when dry. It came out better but I had to repeat this process a couple times. I don't know if there was something on my parts I didn't get all the way cleaned off or what.

On my dash some of the old paint where I touched up wrinkled slightly, but it's not noticeable all that much, esp with everything put together. The new paint seems a little more flat/satiny compared to the rest of the dash, but that's probably because I did the rest of it with 303 as I cleaned the truck (didn't do the bad spots in prep for this touch up). I will let the paint cure for a few days then go over it all with 303 again, that should blend it in pretty good.

I do have a lot of paint left over so I can always try again I guess.

bowtiepimp wrote:

like i said, some do some don't..........


....... Im pretty crafty with an aerosol can...... walls, trains, sidewalks, even a cop car.

No officer.....I wasnt involved....(hiding paint on his index finger)