Ok, so you want to spruce up your interior?
Don't fret over it, just do it!

Firstly, a checklist of requirements for removal of parts. (Multipla, other models may vary)
You will need.
  1. 5mm Allen Key
  2. 3mm Allen Key
  3. Medium Flathead Screwdriver
  4. 3mm Posidrive Screwdriver

Locate the pop covers that hide the bolts which anchor the door cards to the door frame. Some are twist and pop, others are just snap on and off. Remove these to expose the 5mm Allen bolt head.
Before removing the bolts, use your 3mm Allen Key to remove the door handle, as this exposes another 5mm bolt.
Pop the cover of the speaker guard and remove speakers using 3mm Posidrive.
From here, undo the 5mm fixing bolts and the plastics will come away.

BE CAREFUL HERE AS THE WINDOW SWITCHES ARE ATTACHED.

Remove plug from Switches et voila, you've removed the plastics.

I found it useful to return the bolts and screws to their original location to avoid loosing them. Remember that the plastics WILL be off the car for at least 3 days if you want to do this properly. :idea:



Ok, so, onto Preparation....

There are different schools of thought when preparing plastics for paint.
Newer plastics will require you to heat them with a blow torch and wipe off the release agents used in the moulding process with alcohol at least 95% as the paint will not stick.
I didn't have to go down this route as after 10 years of baking in the car, the sheen had well and truly worn off.
I just gave everything a good wash off in a strong washing up liquid to remove grease and dirt, using the scour side of a sponge. Rinse with hot water, dry and then air dry.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE SWITCHES

Ok, now the plastics are clean and dry, we'll sand.

Using an 800 grit paper, gently scuff the surface to remove shallow and the edges of deep scratches and to allow the paint to key too. Take your time here, if you dont, your paint job WILL look shabby.
Once you've achieved the level of finish you require, it's back to washing and drying and a well earned cuppa.

Onto Painting......

  1. Plastic filler primer
  2. Paint in your colour of choice
  3. Lacquer
  4. 1200 Grit Wet and Dry Sandpaper

So, you've cleaned and prepared the plastics it's time to paint.
I used a plastic filler primer from Halfrauds. They give advice to shake can for 2 mins and to spray approx 10 inches away from plastic.
Give the plastics a first coat of primer, this coat is only a light coat, not intended to cover all of the plastic with a thick coat, just a dusting and will look patchy, don't worry.
Allow 15 mins to dry before stepping up to second coat.
Second coat is a slightly heavier coat, this will appear to give a fuller coverage.
Again, wait for 15 minutes before applying third coat.
This coat should give even coverage all over the plastics in preparation for the next sanding stage.

Leave the plastics for 24 hours to properly dry. This will allow a true hardened surface that can be sanded to remove any runs, paint buildup or blemishes.

Sand gently with a small portion of 1200 W&D Sandpaper.
It is recommended by professionals to use an air gun to blow away paint particles but I don't have a compressor, so I went the reverse route and used the brush attachment of my Hoover.
Note - don't let the Mrs see you do it, she'll go nuts :bang:

Paint, paint, paint....

Following the directions on the can, shake well, 10 inches, bla, bla, bla, apply your first coat.
This coat again will look blotchy but as with the primer, it's supposed to as its your first coat.
Apply second coat 15 mins later, this will appear to give a better coverage. Make sure that you get it from all angles with this coat as you want an even finish here.
Wait 15 mins, apologise to Mrs for Hoover incident, promise to be more considerate in future.
Now it's time for third and final coat.
This is the important coat as its the one you'll see. TAKE YOUR TIME.
Apply an even coat, look for blemishes, under no circumstances get the can closer as you will create runs and you'll need to sand off and start again, TOMORROW.
Once you're happy, you have an even coat and a multicoloured garden table, stand back and admire your handy work.

Leave for 24 hours to set.

Next step is the hardest I found. LACQUER.

Following the directions on the can.... AGAIN, apply an even coat, this is difficult to do outside because of the wind and dust particles love to stick to your work. Do this in a shed or garage but ensure its ventilated and wear a mask.
Allow 20mins to dry.

Repeat with another coat, allowing an hour to dry.

I didn't want a super gloss finish, so I didn't sand, buff or polish, but you could.

At this point I carefully re fitted the parts to the car as the Multi is like a greenhouse, thus baking the painted items.

Ta Da, you've painted your plastics.

A note on the rubberised plastics. These little beasties are a nightmare if you attempt to peel them off. My advice is to apply more FILLER primer to the scuffed areas, unless they are deep scratches that are back to the plastic, then I used my thumb nail and nail varnish remover to rid the adhesive.
Make note to apologise to the Mrs for using it after.... Then follow the guide for how to paint.