Textured dash paint - Rustoleum "durability" ???

I've started to redo the steering column and dash. It would seem there are three common options to duplicate the texture:
a) powdercoat - since my dash has some rust pitting and will need some bondo, this is not an option. This would without a doubt be the most durable BUT if it isn't perfect on the first pass, redoing it can be a real hassle.
b) reproduction paint - the cost for a small amount is quite high. Since its a lacquer, durability is questionable. There seem to be issues with duplicating the finish although that's probably more due to the equipment and the user.
c) Rustoleum rattle can - by far the least expensive and easiest method. The downside is that while the finish is virtually bang on, it has just a little too much gloss - the original being "flatter".

For my application the rattle can finish will do just fine HOWEVER, I'm concerned about durability. For those who have used the Rustoleum "textured" finish, what's your experience?

I have restoleum texture on my minilite rims. 3 of them I painted and then baked in the oven. One I just let air dry.

That one knicks easier than the other 3 three. It's got a couple knicks from removing lug nut if I use a deep socket. All have held up pretty decent. Been 5 years since I've been running them.

Have you tried putting a light fog over the final coat to dull it a little?

I thought of doing the light fog but that will roughen the texture to the point of being too much. Baking isn't an option because some things - like the dash - are just too big. I've been leaving them in the hot sun - black really soaks up the rays !!

I found some black paint for BBQ grills years ago at my True Value that was semi flat and had a light texture like the dash paint. I think it was specifically for Weber grills. It was designed to be durable and stand the heat. If you can find some, it may be worth checking out to see how it looks?

Yep I just redid the dash and column in the 68 with the Rustoleum textured. Looks pretty good but time will tell on the durability. dosent seem to scratch easily and yes it baked in the sun for a day.

I found the rustoleum attains the texture by using metallic. The finish is spot on, you just need to overcoat it with a flat finish.

D

metallic ?!? What are you using it on? Right out of the can the "textured" nails the finish, the only issue being the degree of gloss. I'm afraid a shot of semigloss clear would tend to level out the texture.

Do you guys shoot a primer before the texture? There's no primer under the factory finish and rustoleum is usually a "direct application" product. Just curious. The dash is next and that's the only thing that can't be taken out and redone (easily) if something happens!

I have for years used Totally Autos Organisol Black.
It already has the texture in it and it holds up.

Thanks but this has nothing to do with the post. We're specifically discussing Rustoleum textured paint. We're all well aware that there are other options out there.

I used the Rustoleum textured paint on my dash and steering column.It looks real close to oem but I think the texture is a little to coarse.You have to be very careful with what you use when you wipe them off.If I had to do it over I think I would use the correct interior paint.As far as durability I can't answer that as the car has only been done for a month now,time will tell. John.

rustolem enamel paint is some pretty tough stuff.
thier products have a few issues with compatability
with other products and it will gator if
you put it near something it doesn't like.

i would say it would have alot better durability
as compared to a laquer paint.

That is one reason I decided to try the Rustoleum.

I think the factory did put the dashes through a bake cycle though - the stuff is pretty tough!

Take the "textured" black Rustoleum paint in bright sunlight. Like it would be under your windsheild atop your dash. You will see what I mean, it reflects back at you. If it works for you great, I was not happy with it. I am just sharing my experience with the can of paint we had.

D

Oh, now I understand what you mean. I don't see any evidence of metallic particles, just the gloss of the paint.

I would be interesting to hear from some paint expert just what they use to achieve the finish. Back in the day it was called "suede additive".

In the early '80's I had a local paint supplier make me a spray bomb. I would have used it except that over time either the propellant has seeped out or the nozzle tube has plugged. The paint in the car is still liquid but it just won't spray. How's that for procrastinating ... over 30 years I've been meaning to do this !!!

I painted my 68 Dart dash frame with it. I also sprayed it with a semi-gloss clear. I don't think it looks too glossy. I am worried about how well it is going to hold up.

What brand of clear did you use? Does the texture still come through? I'll try it but don't want the paint peeling because the clear is incompatible!

I used Rustoleum clear. The texture still shows through.