Painting old vinyl/plastic seats

Wildcat · May 24, 2009

I've used acrylic paint, the kind you get at craft stores in the small bottles, to paint my seats. The paint stays flexible and holds up well. I usually give it 3 or 4 thin coats, 30 minutes between coats, then wax the seat with car wax after it has dried well. The seat doesn't get slippery with the wax, it just gives it a shiny appearance. I buy this paint at walmart in the crafts section along with the cheap foam brushes. Here are some that I have done:

The left seat was white, the one on the right was black.

My crash rail seat from a 64 starlet, before and after.

This seat was originally burgundy.

This seat was originally blue and white.

Tommy Atoms · May 31, 2009

Man I cant believe how awesome that looks. How well does it hold up for say a daily rider?

Wildcat · May 31, 2009

It hold up well. I've put about 100 miles on my Schwinn since I painted it and it still shines. One seat was scratched during our move, but I touched it up and you can't tell the difference.

Galtbacken · Jun 1, 2009

Great tip, thanks!! I think it will come in handy!

Tommy Atoms · Jun 5, 2009

I really want to try this! Is there anything you put on the vinyl to prep it? I have used armor all which is a vinyl/rubber protectant on my seats and im sure paint will not adhere well to it so I will have to clean it with something. Any suggestions?

Wildcat · Jun 5, 2009

I just scrubbed them with soap and water, but they usually just had years of dirt on them. I think armorall permeates, it sinks in, so maybe a degreaser, like used on pots and pans might get it off.

bikeriderx · Sep 2, 2009

Rubbing alcohol is a good, mild degreaser/solvent...

stretch · Sep 6, 2009

dont use any kind of paint thinner, even shellac thinner, as it breaks down the vinyl. if you scrub it a bit, you can see the color of the seat on the rag. :shock: