Convertible Top Color Changed with LVP OE
A convertible top color change is no easy task. These surfaces face constant movement, weather exposure, and wear, making them especially difficult to refinish without cracking, fading, or peeling. Traditional dyes often fail to penetrate evenly, and water-based products can lack the flexibility needed to hold up over time, especially when the top is repeatedly folded and stretched.
ColorBond LVP OE was engineered to overcome those challenges. As a solvent-based refinisher, it chemically bonds to the surface rather than soaking in. Its ultra-thin, flexible film resists cracking and maintains a factory-like finish, even under stress. With over 200 OEM-matched shades, it’s the ideal solution for restoring or changing convertible top colors without compromising durability or appearance.
That’s exactly what caught the attention of Steve Chopko, a seasoned restoration expert and owner of The Dye Guy. When a client requested a color change on a Jaguar XK8 convertible top, Steve was hesitant—until he gave ColorBond a try.
ColorBond LVP OE: A Game-Changer for Convertible Top Refinishing
Steve Chopko is a believer in ColorBond LVP upholstery color spray coating. He is the owner of The Dye Guy, a company he founded in 2007 that specializes in reconditioning leather, vinyl, and plastic on automobiles, planes, boats, and RVs. As a family business, The Dye Guy employs Steve, as well as his wife and son. With over 30 years of industry experience, Steve knows a lot about recoloring these materials.
About a year ago, a customer approached Steve about dying the convertible top of his Jaguar XK8 from tan to black. Wanting to achieve results he could stand behind (reputation is everything), Steve didn’t believe a standard dye procedure or use of waterborne-based colorants would get the quality results he demanded, so Steve declined to take on the job. His customer still insisted he do the job and even told Steve he wouldn’t hold him accountable for the results. Steve was still hesitant about taking on the job, but then he discovered ColorBond LVP OE.
Why ColorBond LVP is Great for Refinishing Convertible Tops
ColorBond LVP is a solvent-based interior elastomeric coating that bonds to the surface of the material rather than having to soak in like a dye. Also, the film thickness of ColorBond LVP is much thinner than that of a water-based product, so it won’t crack as it flexes when the top is folded. This makes it an excellent convertible top coating. After discussing the product with ColorBond, Steve decided to give it a chance.
Convertible Top Colors
Over the years, there have been different convertible top colors offered for Jaguar XK8 models. While black has been one of the more popular and traditional Jaguar convertible top colors, differing shades of tan have been popular as well. Blue is another interesting convertible top color that was available. What’s great about ColorBond LVP is that the elastomeric coating is offered in over 150 colors, so it’s easy to find the perfect hue for a convertible top color change.
Convertible Top Restoration
To avoid “tiger stripes” Steve prefers to use spray guns to apply coatings, so rather than purchasing ColorBond LVP in aerosol can form, he ordered concentrate.
“I was skeptical and thought the convertible top wasn’t going to look right. But the convertible top color turned out great and made a big difference.” States Steve.
The convertible top was first prepped by scrubbing with isopropyl alcohol and water solution. It didn’t require much cleaning as the car was always kept clean and stored in a garage. Steve says it dried fast because of the alcohol. Masking off the body with tape was then performed.
“The job to change the color of the convertible top took about four hours, including prep, cleaning, and masking. ColorBond LVP OE was quick and easy to apply. It dried quickly, so the turnaround time between coats was amazing. I applied three coats, which used about a quart of concentrate. It was so easy, and there were literally no challenges with using the ColorBond LVP. After I was done, I simply untaped the car, and it was ready to go. No other work was required. I’m now totally confident in ColorBond LVP OE and will use it again to change convertible top colors!” Steve concludes.
Get Started Today with ColorBond!
Ready to transform your convertible top with lasting, professional-grade results? Whether you’re restoring a classic or giving your daily driver a bold new look, ColorBond LVP OE delivers the performance and finish trusted by industry pros.
Unlike traditional dyes or water-based products, ColorBond’s solvent-based formula bonds to the surface, flexes without cracking, and maintains a rich, factory-like finish—no peeling, no fading, no compromises. With over 200 OEM-matched colors, finding the perfect shade has never been easier.
If you’re serious about quality, it’s time to use what the pros trust. Explore ColorBond LVP OE today and see what’s possible when you use a product made to outperform.
