FStanley

I have a 1979 Cutlass Calais



I have a console center arm rest where the outside paint keeps cracking on top of the rest. Like concentric rings...


But not a deep crack, nothing that needs filling, otherwise still soft and supple cushion part.




We tried solvent based SEM, and water based SEM with proper adhesion promoter, etc..


over some time the cracks came back exactly like they were.


I stripped the paint, which I did back to bare black cushion, cannot see any problem i.e. cracks.


The car is a driver so I do not want to spend $$ for a re-vinyl from Just Dashes.


I was wondering is there a way to “seal” the vinyl to keep it from cracking.




I have a crazy idea of painting on a flexible epoxy first, then color coat.






Any help appreciated.

Rocketowner

I am assuming that the arm rest is vinyl ,am I correct. If so you may have sprayed the SEM with too wet of coats. Strip it back to the original ,and try spraying it by holding the spray further from the surface ,in order for it to go on dry, then wait ten minutes between coats.
I catch myself trying to make it shine by putting it in thick wet coats and that will cause it to build up too thick and cause cracking or crazing on the finish.
The water base SEM is designed primarily for use on leather,and the leather must be sanded or it will peel. Hope this helps, Larry