Painted Shift Knob - Easy!

I didn't like the look of the unfinished shift pattern label. So I decided to paint it to match my interior (Black and Red Stitch). The process was really easy and cost under $30. Since the shift pattern is recessed, getting paint into the recesses is all you need to do. Then when the paint is still a bit tacky wipe the top surface of the knob to get rid of the excess and only leave paint in recesses.

Steps.

(1) Purchase the required items...
- Nail polish color(s)
- Nail polish remover / acetone
- fine tipped brush.




(2) Wipe the knob down with the acetone and clean out the shift numbers with a toothbrush.

(3) Using one color at a time, apply the nail polish into the grove of the the number or (r-line). Let it set up for a few minutes.
(4) Fold a paper towel into a small square. Put some acetone on the paper towel and wipe the excess off the top surface of the knob.
(5) Allow to dry, switch colors and or re apply as necessary.

First coat Results are pretty good. I'll apply a top coat after an hour or so, but its easy to see the difference this makes.



If I ever decide to go back to OEM unfinished look, it would be as easy as getting a dental pick and some acetone to clean out the paint. Overall I really like the OEM-Plus finished look that this modification creates.

Nice! It would interesting to see what all the letters in red would look like, as I have a red leather interior.

Here is mine. I think all red would be too much. The line in red is a nice touch too. I would definitely leave the gear numbers in black. I didn't use a brush, I used a bamboo toothpick, which I feel is perfect for this job. It's also a good idea to tape off the different letters you want to do in different colors to avoid cross color contamination. I didn't do this but would if I did it again.

I like it, looks great! Question, don't they all turn black fill in over time?

What would you guys do for a white and black interior with red exterior?

Did mine today. Seneca blue exterior, Alcantara with yellow stitch interior. Used the toothpick method of dabbing and satin paint from Michael's.

One member did white and blue which inspired me. Maybe black instead of blue but see attached for reference.

BLUEMIRA said:

One member did white and blue which inspired me. Maybe black instead of blue but see attached for reference.

Click to expand...

That was for Hapkin's question.

BLUEMIRA said:

Did mine today. Seneca blue exterior, Alcantara with yellow stitch interior. Used the toothpick method of dabbing and satin paint from Michael's.

Click to expand...

Ooo I like that. Would do red or black instead of blue but the white is a clean modern touch for sure