Painting vinyl upholstery

[BA11AGO]

I'm putting together my old Triumph GT6 and am trying to avoid replacing the original cream/ivory headlining which is in really nice condition other than some discolouration in isolated areas.

Back in the 80s, I remember refurbishing a similar headlining with a spray on vinyl upholstery paint. It was quite easy to do with the interior stripped out and it looked as good as new once finished but I'm wondering if anyone has used a similar product recently.

I've seen this on Amazon but it gets very mixed reviews and I don't want to use something which is going to make what's there look worse.

Has anyone here got experience of doing something like this?

Any help and advice appreciated.

[ARHarh]

I remember using Vinylkote way back in the 80's with good results, whether this is still the same formula or not is anyone guess.

https://www.kolorbond.co.uk/car-interior-leather-p...

You used to be able to buy it in Halfords back then.

[miniman]

I’d get in touch with Furniture Clinic and see what they recommend. Their leather recolouring kits are well regarded but I’m not sure if they are suitable for vinyl.

[BA11AGO]

It's interesting seeing those interior colour change kits. As you can imagine, for a headlining, you wouldn't need anything like the durability of say seats, door cards or a dashboard.

[miniman]

In the headlining vinyl or fabric?

[BA11AGO]

It’s vinyl.

[markymarkthree]

Use Vinylkote. Its a bit pricey but brilliant.
I sent them a sample of my headlining to match the colour (putty), it was spot on. I used a few can of the stuff on door cards and rear seat, changing the colour from blue to black. Still looks great 10 years on.

[BA11AGO]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[uk66fastback]

miniman said:

I’d get in touch with Furniture Clinic and see what they recommend. Their leather recolouring kits are well regarded but I’m not sure if they are suitable for vinyl.

They are, as I redid my 240z interior with their ivory kit. Came out very well. Phone them for advice as you have to put something on first by way of prep, the name of which escapes me, before putting the colour on vinyl as it doesn’t seem to ‘take’ like leather does. Then you need a.lacquer on finally. There’s Matt, semi Matt, Silk and Gloss from memory.

The interior was worn and yellow. I had to replace this cover with a dyed Butterscotch one that someone gave me. It had to be an original 0ne so the grain matched.







I did the vinyl on the turrets and also the fibreglass panels, all of which had yellowed with age.





These panels are supposed to be thesame colour as the rivets … !

[Skyedriver]

Used vinyl paint on mini seats back in the 1970's & 80's worked very well then. Not so sure on the Furniture Clinic stuff on vinyl as it doesn't absorb like leather will. You need to call them and ask, they're very helpful.
Used the leather refinish stuff using a compressor & little gun they supply, coloured well but did tend to crack a little on heavy wear areas, maybe I hadn't cleaned as thoroughly as I should have? You do need to finish the colour coats with a clear finish coat, matt, satin or shine.
Good luck with the project.