How to fix a crack in a vinyl dash

The caulking is applied in a light coat and then dried with a blow dryer. The heat will melt the caulking into the vinyl as well. When it is dry it is then sanded with 600 grit sandpaper and another coat is applied. Continue like this until the crack is filled. Since it is only a small crack no texture was added but for larger cracks, gaps or holes, while the caulking is squishy but not dry, the texture is added either with a spare piece of vinyl, a texture piece that comes with vinyl repair kits, or I have even done a mold using almost dry glazing putty on an inconspicuous area of the dash to get the same texture, letting it dry and using it on the repair area. As you can see the crack is not invisible but it is no longer a distraction to the owner.Here are the tools used for this repair. Since this dashboard is black, black silicone caulking will be used. Caulking also comes in white and tan but vinyl paint can be found in an assortment of colors that can be blended in. First the repair area is cleaned with rubbing alcohol and the area surrounding the crack is masked off. Then a razor blade was used to make a groove for the caulking to go into and 150 grit sandpaper is used to score only where the caulking will go. One final cleaning and a little heat with a blow dryer is applied to make the next step go smoothly.View the list »
The vinyl dashboard on this Dodge Intrepid has a crack right where the driver looks next to the windshield and is ruining the whole interior. This black dashboard can be repaired without taking off the dash and can be taken home the same day.

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This is a quick fix method for repairing crack in a vinyl dashboard. Vinyl cracks in the sun with time and they just look ugly so this an easy fast way to fill them in and make them look less unsightly.

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To make it look like new or for large cracks, holes, etc you will have to do the extra steps of taking off the entire dash, doing a fiberglass or plastic repair from the back and either find a spray can of matching vinyl paint and do a blend or dye the whole dash.

Things you will need:

  • sandpaper
  • cutting tool like a knife or razor blade
  • silicone caulking of matching or similar color that can be blended.
  • Vinyl paint is caulking does not match
  • tape
  • heat gun or blow dryer
View the list
  • The vinyl dashboard on this Dodge Intrepid has a crack right where the driver looks next to the windshield and is ruining the whole interior. This black dashboard can be repaired without taking off the dash and can be taken home the same day.
  • Here are the tools used for this repair. Since this dashboard is black, black silicone caulking will be used. Caulking also comes in white and tan but vinyl paint can be found in an assortment of colors that can be blended in. First the repair area is cleaned with rubbing alcohol and the area surrounding the crack is masked off. Then a razor blade was used to make a groove for the caulking to go into and 150 grit sandpaper is used to score only where the caulking will go. One final cleaning and a little heat with a blow dryer is applied to make the next step go smoothly.
  • The caulking is applied in a light coat and then dried with a blow dryer. The heat will melt the caulking into the vinyl as well. When it is dry it is then sanded with 600 grit sandpaper and another coat is applied. Continue like this until the crack is filled. Since it is only a small crack no texture was added but for larger cracks, gaps or holes, while the caulking is squishy but not dry, the texture is added either with a spare piece of vinyl, a texture piece that comes with vinyl repair kits, or I have even done a mold using almost dry glazing putty on an inconspicuous area of the dash to get the same texture, letting it dry and using it on the repair area. As you can see the crack is not invisible but it is no longer a distraction to the owner.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Anaheim Automotive Photography Examiner

Bonnie Peterson is currently a custom painter and has numerous certifications for auto body, refinishing, detailing and estimating and work experience at several high production locations. Bonnie loves custom cars and custom culture and has ambitions of owning her own custom paint and upholstery...

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