How to Change the Color of a Vinyl Car Top
Back in the day, vinyl car tops were all the rage. The tops lent an upscale look and were offered as an option on most cars, and in many cases pickup trucks as well. When most auto manufacturers stopped offering convertibles in the 1970’s, vinyl roofs were often styled to provide the appearance of a convertible. Automotive fashion tastes changed as the years went by seeing a new car sporting a vinyl top was a rarity. However, there are still vehicles on the road with vinyl roofs. Most are classics; however, some are newer vehicles that have had vinyl tops installed by vehicle customizers. On occasion we receive inquiries from vinyl top aficionados asking, “Can I change the color of my vinyl top?” Our answer is an emphatic “Yes, you can change the color of a vinyl car top with ColorBond LVP!”
ColorBond LVP is a paint specially designed for use on leather, vinyl, and plastic. It looks fantastic and with proper surface preparation will not crack, flake, or peel. Check out these projects where ColorBond LVP was used to change the color of vinyl car tops.
Lincoln Town Car
Gary did a great job refinishing the vinyl top of a 2007 Lincoln Town Car. The top was cracked and discolored from years of exposure to the Florida sun. Replacement was considered, however, at a quoted cost of $500-$800 Gary decided ColorBond LVP was a far more simple and economical option.
Before painting, the top was carefully prepared, as proper surface preparation is the key to a great paint job. First, the cracks were repaired with light coats of vinyl filler and sanded. Gary then went on to mask the body and trim, which he reports took about 5 hours. Though that may seem like a long time, it’s easier than cleaning off overspray. After scrubbing the top with ColorBond Prep Cleaner he applied a few coats of ColorBond LVP, and then followed up with a top coat of ColorBond Dash Clear Protectant, which protects ColorBond LVP from the sun’s UV rays.
“I love that ColorBond dries in 45 seconds, as opposed to water based car interior paint which takes a while to dry. It turned out great and I used only six cans of ColorBond LVP at a cost of $140.00. Repairing the top was much less expensive than replacing it.” Gary says.
Pontiac Lemans
Al used ColorBond LVP OE to change the color of the vinyl top on this Pontiac Lemans. The top was originally black, but ColorBond LVP OE in Cuddy White was used to give the car a whole new look. Having previous experience using ColorBond LVP OE to restore his 1981 Cadillac El Dorado and his 1987 Chevy C10 pickup, Al was confident the color coating would produce great results with this project too.
Once again, preparation is important and needs to be thorough for the best adhesion of the coating and long-term finish quality. Al started by cleaning the vinyl of dirt, wax, grease, and oils using a variety of cleaning materials including ColorBond Prep Cleaner, which was used on the vinyl top. He also used alcohol and Rapid Prep. Al then sprayed the ColorBond LVP OE. Starting with a light coat followed by another 2-3 coats that became heavier as they progressed. Overall, Al used 6 cans of the vinyl color coating.
“ColorBond LVP OE is a great product and I recommend it to everyone” says Al. “I wouldn’t use anything else.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Change the Color of a Vinyl Car Top
If you are thinking about tackling this project yourself, the process is very doable as long as you take your time and focus on preparation. Here is a clear, step-by-step breakdown to help you get professional-looking results.
Step 1: Start with a Deep Clean
Before anything else, you need to get the vinyl completely clean. That means removing dirt, grease, wax, and anything else sitting on the surface. Use a proper prep cleaner and take your time here. If the surface is not clean, nothing you put on top of it will stick the way it should.
Step 2: Fix Any Cracks or Damage
Take a close look at the vinyl. If you see cracks, splits, or rough spots, now is the time to fix them. Use a vinyl filler, then lightly sand it down once it dries. You are not trying to make it perfect, just smooth enough so it does not show through later.
Step 3: Mask Off Everything Around It
This part is a little tedious, but it matters. Tape off the windows, trim, and anything else you do not want coated. It might take longer than you expect, but it is a lot easier than trying to clean up overspray afterward.
Step 4: Do One Last Wipe Down
After sanding and masking, go over the vinyl one more time with prep cleaner. This gets rid of any dust or residue you may have missed. Let it dry fully before moving on.
Step 5: Start with Light Coats
When you start spraying, go light. Do not try to cover everything in one pass. A light first coat helps the product bond to the surface and sets you up for a better finish.
Step 6: Build Up the Color
Follow up with a few more coats, usually two or three. You can go a little heavier as you go, but still keep it controlled. Let each coat dry before adding the next. This is how you get an even, factory-looking finish.
Step 7: Add Protection
Once you are happy with the color, apply a clear protectant. This helps protect against sun damage and keeps the finish looking good longer, especially if the vehicle sits outside a lot.
Step 8: Remove Tape and Check Your Work
Carefully pull off the masking and take a good look at everything. If you spot anything that needs a quick touch-up, now is the time to handle it.
Step 9: Let It Fully Set
Even though it dries fast, give it a little time before putting the car back into everyday use. Letting it fully cure will help the finish hold up over time.
Take your time, do not rush the prep, and you will end up with a result that looks a whole lot more expensive than it actually was.
Why Traditional Spray Paint Is the Wrong Choice for Changing the Color of a Vinyl Top
When it comes to vinyl car tops, standard spray paint is simply the wrong tool for the job. Vinyl is a flexible material, and most traditional paints are not made to move with it.
Standard spray paint tends to sit on the surface rather than bond to it. As the vinyl expands and contracts with heat and weather, that rigid layer can start to crack, peel, or flake. You may get a decent look at first, but it rarely holds up over time. On top of that, many general-purpose paints leave a thick, stiff finish that does not feel right and can take away from the original texture of the vinyl.
There is also the issue of durability. A vinyl car top is constantly exposed to sun, heat, and the elements. Traditional spray paint is not built for that kind of environment, which means fading and breakdown can happen faster than you would expect.
Why Choose ColorBond LVP OE?
If you want results that actually last, using a product designed for vinyl makes all the difference. Here is what sets ColorBond LVP OE apart:
Made to Flex with Vinyl
ColorBond bonds at a molecular level, which means it moves with the material instead of sitting on top of it. You do not have to worry about cracking or peeling as the vinyl expands and contracts.
Keeps the Original Look and Feel
Unlike traditional spray paint, it does not leave behind a thick, coated layer. The finish looks natural and keeps the soft, factory feel of the vinyl.
Fast Drying, Easy to Work With
It dries in seconds, not hours. That makes it easier to apply multiple coats and get even coverage without dragging the project out all day.
Built for Real-World Conditions
Vinyl tops take a beating from the sun and weather. ColorBond LVP OE is designed to hold up against UV exposure and everyday wear, so the color stays consistent over time.
Trusted by Pros and DIYers Alike
Whether you are running a shop or working in your own garage, it is a go-to product because it delivers consistent, reliable results.
If you are going to put in the effort to change the color of your vinyl car top, using the right product is what makes the difference between a quick fix and a finish you can be proud of.
Get Started with ColorBond Today!
If your vinyl car top is faded, worn, or just not the color you want anymore, you do not have to replace it to get a whole new look. With the right prep and the right product, you can completely transform it on your own.
ColorBond LVP OE makes it easy to restore or restyle your vinyl top while keeping the original texture and flexibility intact. Whether you are bringing a classic back to life or updating the look of your daily driver, you can get results that look clean, even, and built to last.
We always enjoy seeing how these projects turn out. If you have used ColorBond on your vinyl car top or any other project, feel free to share your results with us at [email protected].
