A cracked car dashboard is more than just an aesthetic issue; it signifies a structural problem that typical vinyl or leather fillers can’t solve. Dashboards are usually constructed from rigid ABS plastic or vinyl layered over a thick foam pad. Repairing these cracks is challenging and requires a flexible epoxy and a meticulous approach. While we at Car Repair Online often recommend simpler solutions like dash caps, we understand some prefer a hands-on repair. This guide will walk you through repairing a cracked dashboard, providing a more detailed approach than our initial recommendation of dash caps.
For those determined to tackle this repair, SEM Problem Plastic Epoxy is a recommended product. Here’s a step-by-step process for repairing your cracked dashboard:
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Prepare the Damaged Area: Begin by carefully trimming or shaving off any loose or raised edges around the crack. This creates a smooth starting point for the epoxy.
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Apply the Epoxy Filler: Fill the crack slightly above the surface level with the plastic epoxy. Use a card or a similar flat tool to smooth the epoxy into the crack, ensuring it penetrates thoroughly.
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Curing Time: Allow the epoxy to cure for approximately one hour. This hardening process is crucial for the next steps.
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Initial Sanding: Once cured, begin sanding the area evenly using 220 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. The goal is to level the epoxy with the surrounding dashboard surface.
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Repeat Filling and Sanding: It’s likely that one application won’t completely level the surface. Repeat steps 2-4 as necessary until you achieve a smooth, even surface.
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Fine Sanding: Switch to 500 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper for the final sanding stage. This finer grit will refine the surface and prepare it for texturizing.
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Texturizing the Repaired Area: Achieving a matching texture is key for a seamless repair. Plastic epoxy can be challenging to emboss directly. Sanding can also remove any texture attempts. Spray grain is an effective solution for replicating the original dashboard texture. Alternatively, you can experiment with tiny dots of super glue, dabbed and spread with a paper towel, and then hardened with baking soda. Sanding this creates a texture base which can be further refined with spray grain for optimal results.
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Applying Spray Grain: Apply spray grain in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for at least 10 minutes before applying the next. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. After drying, gently polish with 500 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
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Color Application: Apply your chosen color to the repaired area. Rub ‘n Restore® colors are designed to dry with a low-luster finish, ideal for dashboards. These colors typically do not require a sealant.
While this DIY method can repair cracked dashboards, it’s a complex process. For an easier alternative, consider installing a vacuum-molded dash cap. If you need a specific shade, custom color services are available.
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