Folks, I have a bit of experience as a DIY'er with refinishing interior plastic and vinyl. I can go in to serious detail about how SEM products are far better than Duplicolor versions, but I'll save that for another time.

They say a photo is worth a thousand words. I'd say these photos do more to describe the effectiveness of SEM ColorCoat than any words could ever do.

Bear with me, because these aren't Mercedes parts. They're only meant to give you an idea of the results you can obtain with aerosol cans of SEM ColorCoat. Prior to being re-coloured, these parts sat in a salvage yard for a few years, and were exposed to the elements. They now look like new, and are a colour which was never offered from the factory for this particular vehicle.



The following photo shows the original black textured area that surrounds the gauge cluster, as well as area which has been sprayed with two light coats of SEM charcoal grey. Notice how the leatherette texture of the painted panel is still present.



I have a few more photos buried somewhere that I can post from various cars and parts that I have used this stuff on, and will try to dig them up soon.

From my perspective, there is no question in my mind that anyone still contemplating the use of Duplicolor vinyl spray on their Mercedes after seeing the results of the SEM products should be slapped in the head, and forced to forfeit their Mercedes for a used Kia.

I don't have any photos of the Duplicolor results anymore, but their product always covered poorly compared to SEM stuff, and the grain and texture of the original finish always vanishes behind the glossy, cheap plastic appearance of the Duplicolor. The Duplicolor also scratches through easily, and will look like complete crap in no time when applied to a part that sees a lot of use such as armrests and door pulls.

Show some interest, and I'll waste my money just to do a side by side comparison of the two products on samples of vinyl and plastic. I think it's that important for people not to ruin their Mercedes with Duplicolor vinyl products.

__________________
- K.C.Adams

'77 300D Euro Delivery
OM617 turbo / 4-speed swap
404 Milanbraun Metallic / 134 Dattel MB-Tex

Current status:
* Undergoing body work

My '77 300D progress thread