I'm in the process of pulling my dash out of my ute to paint and I'm unsure where to start.

First of all my dash pad is in uncracked but looks very dry and starting to change shape. This is my daily so I want to treat it and prevent it from cracking. What do you guys recommend to use? as I've heard products like armorol can make it worse.

Second, do I treat the dash before or after I paint it? You need to wash the dash pad before painting so will treating before hand just ruin the paint prep?

Once it's painted will treating the dash pad affect the paint or even help once there is a coat of paint on the dash?

Thanks

Most of the plastic restoration products like Armourall contain silicones and other chemicals that are enemies to most paints.
Therefore I would recommend not to treat the dash before you paint it. Otherwise there is a high risk of the paint flaring up.

As far as what product to use after you paint it..it may depend on the type of paint/coating you use.
I had my dash professionally re-skinned awhile ago and they told me to only use soap and water on it.

Have a look at some of those rubberised paints like Plasti-dip as I'd love to see how it works on a dash.

I was planning on using Dupli.Color Vinyl and Fabric coating. There is not too much info on the can. I would love to know if a treatment or protectant is able to be used once painted.

Plain old fashioned petroleum jelly for the dash. Rub it in with your hands and buff off the excess. Follow up with more of the same over the weeks until you can see it has been absorbed in and restored the original colour etc. Then redo it every 12 months or so.

Cheers DVR1000, I wonder if this would stil work after the dash is painted?

If you use vinyl paint, no conditioner is needed

OR

If you use unpainted dash, it will fade & dry over time (20-40 years)

I just finished painting my dash pad. It looks pretty good, but the sun damage and raised areas from the cracking are still visible to a degree.