Paint for Instrument Cluster

[Patrick B.]

I had planned on using Krylon 1613 semi-flat black on my Instrument Cluster, but its poor performance on the steering wheel hub and steering column bezel have caused me to doubt its suitability. In the past, Krylon 1613 (lacquer based) always produced a smooth even painted surface, but when I used it on the steering wheel hub and steering column bezel it resulted in massive fisheyes. The steering wheel hub had been carefully glass beaded which is usually the best preparation. After many unsuccessful attempts at wet sanding and respraying the steering wheel hub, I glass beaded the paint off again and primed the hub. The primer prevented most of the fisheyes when the Krylon 1613 was reapplied. However, the original paint on the hub and the instrument cluster were used without primer.

The original paint on the cluster seems to be applied over the shiney casting without glass beading or primer. Have any of you had success with Krylon 1613 spayed on a shiney instrument cluster? Is there a better paint for instrument clusters? Do you have to prime the cluster unlike the original paint? What preparation do you use?

[Keith B.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

I too had problems with fish eye in the steering hub and column with the five ball 1613. so I started to use a self etching primer that solved my problem. I have great success using the paint else where

[Patrick B.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

I too had problems with fish eye in the steering hub and column with the five ball 1613. so I started to use a self etching primer that solved my problem. I have great success using the paint else where

Did you use it on the cluster with self etching primer? What is the brand of primer? Is it in a rattle can?

[Keith B.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

never tried to do a cluster. the etching primer I think was made by Dupli Color. I know I bought it at the Advance auto and it was in a rattle can

[Jim D.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Fisheyes are caused by only one thing, contamination. Clean with wax/grease remover used for auto painting. Do not use lacquer thinner as a cleaner.

[Larry M.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Fisheyes are caused by only one thing, contamination. Clean with wax/grease remover used for auto painting. Do not use lacquer thinner as a cleaner.

Agree...........typically caused by silicone contamination (Armour-All, etc). Use a professional Wax and Grease Remover from DuPont/PPG/RM or other MAJOR brand.

As you already discovered, glass beading, etc. won't remove it. You can buy a Fish-eye prevention additive also, but you need to add it to the paint when spraying. So it wouldn't work unless you do this first with a thin coat of bulk lacquer paint, and then topcoat with the Krylon.

Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Try John Deer Blitz Black. Better than the new krylon

[Edward J.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Another good product is Sems, semi flat black. I also like the etching primer works much better to adhere the paint. the chrome bezels paint does not stick very well.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Rustolium makes flat, satin, semi gloss, and gloss. I was pleased with their product on my cluster and it dries a bit slower so you can wipe the chrome.
Yes a wax & grease remover.

Dom

[Patrick B.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

I was surprised that glass bead and wet sanding was not a substitute for wax and grease remover, but I guess I proved it. I'll look at an auto paint supply store for wax remover. I'm not clear yet whether the fellows who had good results painting the gage cluster used primer as well.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Patrick,
I didn't use primer because I didn't want to loose the effect of the texture.

Dom

[Dick W.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

I was surprised that glass bead and wet sanding was not a substitute for wax and grease remover, but I guess I proved it. I'll look at an auto paint supply store for wax remover. I'm not clear yet whether the fellows who had good results painting the gage cluster used primer as well.

Prepsol is good Pat

[Gene M.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Prepsol is good Pat

this s good advice. the fish eyes are because of bad surface preparation. look for something better than krylon. the JD black in the can used with a spray gun is good stuff. tractor supply has a air can that is good too, brand name is magic.

[Dick W.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Best aerosol paint I have found is made by SEMS. Not cheap but danged good.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Paint for Instrument Cluster

Thanks guys, I ordered a couple of cans of SEM 39143 and SEM black primer. I am looking for Prepsol locally. The primer is a backup in case needed. I don't want to mute the texture.