There are a couple of reasons you would want to sand first...

1. Is to get a smooth surface.

2. You would also sand if you have a glossy surface (rough or smooth) nothing likes to stick to glossy surfaces except primer. You sand to scuff up the surfance to help the primer adhere to the surface better, then the paint adheres to the primer.

So if you do not absolutely have to have a smooth surface do light coats of primer on the peices you will paint. Before you paint the I would wash the peices in soap, like a kitchen soap like Dawn to break through the grease from hands and what not. Then prime, let it dry, then paint.

I have never painted any interior plastic peices on cars but I would spray, dont brush. Brushing leaves stroke lines depending on the composition of the paint, some of it doesnt lay flat like it does when you spray.

Like JuBean said, watch out, spray paint is thin and when it gets out of the can it runs like none other. If you do mess up then you have nothing more to loose so try using a mild striper to strip off the paint, even if you do strip off some of the dash finish you can still try painting over it again. Also, since it is winter and I dont know the weather in Texas, dont paint if its colder than like 35-40 degrees, all the paint will do is crack and be a pain in the ass.

You probably already knew how to do it, but I am bored since I cant go out on Friday nights because I spent my money on mods tonight. :fordrules:

__________________
1999 F-150 AirRaid, 4.10 gears, tint, superchip, see my gallery for more.