spray semi gloss over new shiny radio face?

[Sh3rpak!ng]

Has anyone ever done this? I know my biggest qualm about installing a new head unit is that is looks so out of place in the e36 center console. Too glossy chromed and shiny. So I am wondering what would happen if you CAREFULLY sprayed the face with a semi gloss clear. Probably could spray any chromed buttons and/or the volume knob semi gloss black as well.

I imagine that if done right, it would help to make a new head unit blend with the center console a lot better.

Thoughts?

[AndrewBird]

Might make things hard to read. Maybe mask off a small area and try it? You could probably remove it with a little acetone if it didn't work out well.

[audiquattrot]

I would try maybe cutting out 3M matte film to the shape of the headunit and applying?

[StereoInstaller1]

First: do NOT let acetone get anywhere near any part of your deck, it will make everything cloudy forever.

Second, the matte clear vinyl is a brilliant idea, but the clearances between the buttons would make it impossible, and you certainly couldn't just go over the buttons, they would all be pressed all the time.

Third, the paint idea is interesting. You can take apart a face pretty easy, the buttons are all removable and I don't think the paint will cause too much visibility issue, really. Don't even think of scuffing the finish first though, you would never get that pretty again. It is pretty soft stuff, I would think even 1500 grit would leave sanding scratches.

However, if you did paint it, I would not touch that deck ever. If you use the face buttons at all, the paint will wear quickly right by the buttons, leaving it greasy and glossy. If you are the kind of person that can live by phone and using the remote ONLY, I say do it.

....at your own risk, of course.

Best of luck and whatever you do, post it up.

Luke