I've seen a few people take a shot at matching the rough texture of the dash, but it seems like most just end up going with Piano Black. Piano Black is easier to get close, but it's very difficult to match the gloss and depth of that black with just paint alone.

I'm fabbing a guage pod for the ashtray from fiberglass/bondo and want to match the texture of existing panel (not piano black and not the *very* rough texture that you see on the passenger airbag panel). Matchin the texture is the only thing that's holding me back at the moment from finishing this project. Is there a paint that replicates this sufficiently, or is there a secret zen method of roughing the filler before applying a matte black that will match it?

If anyone's done it, show me some pics!

 

You could try the SEM texture spray. I haven't used it but I've seen some great results. Some NAPA autoparts stores carry SEM so you could try calling them. I have read over and over again to practice with it before using it on your final piece. Hope that helps.

 

On my piece I misted the piece from a distance with a flat black to build up a little texture. I think it looks good but looks more like sued then ABS.

 

cool, that's what i was looking for..I'll check and see if NAPA has any in stock

 

SEM texture spray is some good stuff. But it takes practice to be able to use it well. Make sure you clean the tip often. Material will collect there and then eventually spray off onto your project leaving you with a big clump.