interior paint peeling off SLK 230

[oberoi]

Hector,
You're not late in looking, this is a thread without an end!! - sent all the details to your email address

Oberoi

[Light-Zone]

I just got around to doing my console, using the anthrazite paint. The color match is very, very good, but it was not perfect, and as a result, I ended up doing the entire center console, starting at the back of the armrest, all the way up to the dash. I taped off the areas to be protected, and used a piece of MF cloth. I did a small portion using a bit of the dulling agent, but opted after letting it dry, to use the paint as is. Instead of stippling, I wiped the are with the MF applicatorand the finish was without streaks or bubbles. I did give the stippling a try, but the paint seemed to cause the MF applicator to leave lint/fuzzies. When wiping, this problem was avoided. Another tool I used was a foam paint brush. I was able to trim it down to get into tight areas and get right up to the edges without slopping over into areas I wanted to keep unpainted. This turned out to be a very useful tool. I would paint witht he edge of the brush, and use the flat portion afterwards to blot the pain for better blending.

I must admit that I paniced when I first started. But after giving in to the idea of doing the entire console, the results are fantastic. What I did come to realize was this. There are some parts, ie. by the small cargo net on the passenger side, that are amade of a much darker plastic, and this paint does NOT match those parts. But by carefully taping areas off, the results are well worth the effort!

In the close up picture, the glove box to the right was not painted, and the center console strip was. The other shot is the "after" shot....sorry, I did not do a before. I did not have peeling, but the console had been touched up using an airbrush, but the paint was too dark, and gave the area a blotchy look. Now it's perfectly even!

[oberoi]

Glad it worked out well Light-zone, I'd say that the MF cloth probably would lose a bit of lint and thanks for for posting other suggestions of how to apply the paint. - I'll add those to the fact sheet.

Did you do the console lid ? - the paint was designed for vinyl and really works well on the lid.

Oberoi

[Light-Zone]

No, I left the armrest lid. I think the slight difference in color (the lid being a bit darker) is not offensive, and actually matches the darker plastic portions of the dash. After the MF applicator was sufficiently saturated with paint, it no longer left lint behind.

After sufficient drying, can this paint be cleaned with standard interior cleaning products?

[oberoi]

You left a bit of gloss in there - the manufacturer states that gloss levels can affect the colour ! - looks really good tho'- It's gonna drive you nuts if you don't paint the lot!!??
I've got a call into the manufacturer for an answer to cleaning/after care - I'm sure it's pretty bullet proof as it is designed for those big vinyl covers on trucks
Will post shortly

Spoke to the manufacturer :

CLEANING- Use a non alcohol cleaner and wipe clean with water (alcohol is used for cleaning the paint surface, prior to re- painting only)

CARE - Any leather rejuvenation product containing plasticisers is great. No need to use until after the first 12 mths - Do not use any product with silicone in it - (usual repainting issue.)

This advice would apply to the original finish as it is the same material.

Oberoi

[Light-Zone]

Thanks for the information. The lighting in the first picture makes the gloss difference look extreme than it really is.

I guess I should have asked first, but should I have added the entire amount of dulling agent to the enitire 100ml of paint to acheive the proper gloss? The way I perceived it was, use a bit of dulling agent to make it match, in other words, by trial and error. I did a small sample using the dulling agent but it was too matt for my taste.

[oberoi]

The dulling agent is only sent in case you need to dull further - It's a case of trial and error to get the degree of gloss for your car - particularly with a dark colour like anthracite.
I agree, the light reflecting off the new paint does give it a lighter look. - almost looks silver.

[Light-Zone]

Right, and when you look at it under diffused lighting, ie the flouresent lightiong in the garage, the difference in gloss is minimal, and the color match, when compared to the glove box, is very slight. In fact, someone who was not aware of the re-paint would be hard pressed to notice the difference at all.

All in all, a great solution at an incredible price! Thanks again for all the help!

Bill

[phadamo]

Just finished refinishing all of the chipped areas. Looks fabulous. Will post before and after pictures in the next few days....
SO glad I found this info and Bruce! I was really ready to contact Mercedes for a replacement parts. Instead, I was able to solve this problems that was really weighing on my mind with just a few bucks and very little time.
By the way....I used a cosmetic sponge/wedge as an applicator. This gave me excellent control and worked great!

[oberoi]

Posting these pics that PHADAMO sent me - the resolution in the originals was great but had to lower it a bit to get them on the forum

Great result - That Sienna beige/leather sand 225 always works well.

Thanks for taking the trouble PHADAMO

PS : I've just ordered another litre of Sienna beige /leather sand 225 and Anthracite (modified slightly darker) for anybody interested - $25 per 200mls which includes postage to USA,- or $14.00 for 100mls. (200 mls is a better deal due to postage wt. breaks)
200 mls of Siam beige 215 also available.

Oberoi