Headlining

[stig of the dump]

Hi All, would anyone know if I change the colour of the head lining in my Mk1 escort with a paint. Currently beige, putty colour to go to black? Don't really want hassle of changing the headlining.

Oh and car is an estate that I am preparing for track events but also for road.

Cheers,

[The Surveyor]

'Vinyl-cote' is very good for this provide you can clean the existing beforehand. You will need a few cans of it and I personally wouldn't like to be breathing-in all the over-spray spraying upside-down. Can you remove the headlining for spraying?

Paul

[droopsnoot]

Going beige to black would probably work, the dark would cover the light quite nicely. I think removing it would be good, but it probably means pulling all the glass out, so unless it's coming out anyway for the repaint it's a bit of a hassle, especially with big rear windows.

[stig of the dump]

To be fair there is only three windows to come out, and I need to seal the windscreen as it leaks and the side windows need to come out for the budget rustoleum DIY re-spray. It's just the fear of breaking the side ones.

[TallPaul]

I painted the headlining in my mk1 Escort by spraying it many years ago! I took the visors & grab handles off, the glass was already out, I left the headlining in place and used quite thin cellulose matt black- took about 4 coats. Be prepared for the overspray to get everywhere so mask it off properly! The trick is to make sure its as clean and free of grease/nicotine/hair gel as you can, mine lasted perfectly for the 2 years I owned the car with no signs of cracking or flaking. Put the absolute minimum amount of paint on and it "should" be ok. This was well before the days of plasti dip/ vinyl coat so I dont know how well they would fare.