How to Add Color to Your Jeep

DIY Interior & Exterior Accents (Purple Interior Completed!)

Adding color to your Jeep is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make it stand out. Whether you want bold accents or subtle highlights, this DIY project lets you personalize your ride with just a few tools and some creativity.

In this guide, I’ll show you how I added purple accents to my Jeep Wrangler interior and hood — step by step — using basic tools and spray paint. 

👉 Watch here: Places to add Color to Your Jeep

👉 Also see: How to Add Color to Your Jeep and DIY Diff Cover Paint

 

Why Add Color to Your Jeep?

Adding color isn’t just about looks — it’s about personality. Custom paint accents make your Jeep uniquely yours, especially if you love showing it off at events or trail rides. Best of all, this project is budget-friendly and requires minimal tools.

DIY Jeep Interior Accents

Step 1️⃣ – Remove Door Accents

I started with the door handle inserts and air vent covers.
All you need is a Jeep Torx Screwdriver to remove the interior door accent screws.

🧰 Tools Needed: Torx screwdriver, patience, and a clean workspace.

Jeep Torx Screwdriver

Step 2️⃣ – Spray Paint Your Accents

Once the pieces are removed, it’s time for color!
I used Valspar Premium Finish with MicroMist Spray — it’s a paint and primer combo that provides smooth, even coverage.

💡 Pro Tip: Use light, even coats and let each layer dry before applying the next. Rushing causes drips or uneven texture.

Step 3️⃣ – Air Dry & Reinstall

Let the paint dry completely before reinstalling your accents.
When ready, snap the pieces back into place and admire your new look.

purple door accent

Adding Color to the Air Vents

Step 4️⃣ – Remove the Air Vents

Removing the air vents can be tricky, but don’t worry.
Here’s what worked for me:

1. Locate the small hole inside the vent.

2. Turn the vent to align that hole with another hole in the outer casing.

3. Insert a flathead screwdriver and gently push down the lever inside.

4. Turn counterclockwise and pull the vent out.

Jeep Air Vent Removal 

removing air vent

🔦 Use a flashlight to help align the holes — they’re near the top of the vent housing.

Jeep air vent

Air vent tab

Step 5️⃣ – Paint the Air Vent Rings

Gently lift the silver tabs on the vent ring using the screwdriver and pop them off.
Spray paint them using the same paint and primer as your door accents.
After drying, align the tabs and snap the rings back on.

To reinstall, line up the “Jeep” lettering at the 11 o’clock position, insert the vent, and turn clockwise to lock it in.

Purple air vent ring

purple interior accents

7 Simple Steps to Add Color to Your Jeep Hood

Want to take your customization outside too?
Here’s how I painted my hood Footman loop for a matching pop of purple.

Step 1️⃣ – Open Your Hood

Use the hood prop rod to secure it open.

Open Your Hood

Step 2️⃣ – Lift the Hood Insulation Tabs

Under your hood, gently lift the plastic tabs that hold down the insulation material.

Under Jeep hood

🧰 Tools Needed: Flathead screwdriver or trim tool, pliers (optional).

Step 3️⃣ – Remove Tabs and Hardware

Use a 9mm socket to remove the washer-nut combos securing the Footman loop.
Keep your screws and tabs in a safe container — nothing’s worse than losing Jeep hardware in the garage.

Pliers and plastic tabs

Step 4️⃣ – Prep and Tape

Once removed, tape off the sections you don’t want painted.
Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt or oils.

footman loop

Step 5️⃣ – Spray Paint

Spray several light coats of plastic-safe paint in your chosen color.
Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

painting footman loop

Step 6️⃣ – Reattach Hardware

Reinstall the Footman loop using the same 9mm socket.
If you’re working solo, use tape to temporarily hold the loop in place while you thread the bolts.

purple footman loop

Tips for Success

• Always paint in a well-ventilated area.

• Allow parts to dry fully before reinstalling.

• Keep colors consistent — metallic, matte, or glossy — for a clean look.

• Store all screws, tabs, and hardware in labeled containers.

FAQs: Adding Color to Your Jeep

1. What kind of paint works best on Jeep interior parts?

Use plastic-specific spray paint with built-in primer. Brands like Valspar or Krylon Fusion are designed to bond well to plastic surfaces.

2. Can I paint without removing the parts?

You can, but removing the parts gives you a cleaner, professional-looking finish and prevents overspray on other interior areas.

3. How long does it take for painted parts to dry?

Allow at least 24 hours for full curing before reinstalling, especially if temperatures are cool or humidity is high.

4. Will paint hold up to heat and UV exposure?

Yes — as long as you use automotive-grade paint and primer. For added durability, apply a clear protective topcoat.

5. What are other easy areas to add color to?

• Grab handles

• Gauge trim rings

• Speaker covers

• Gear shift bezels

• Hood latches and exterior hinges

Customizing your Jeep doesn’t have to be expensive.

With a few cans of spray paint and some creativity, you can transform your Jeep from factory-basic to full of personality. My purple Jeep interior makes me smile every time I climb in — and it’s a fun weekend project you can do yourself!  

My First Jeep Badge of Honor Adventure

Trail 11 in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Adventure is just a push of a button away—at least, that's what I discovered during one of my early off-roading escapades in the captivating Blue Ridge Mountains. This journey wasn't just another mark on the map; it was a rite of passage where I earned my very first Jeep Badge of Honor. Trail 11 at Rausch Creek Off Road Park turned out to be the perfect battleground for my stock Rubicon.

My First Jeep Badge of Honor 👉 Trail 11

Selfie inside Jeep

Earning the Badge

Trail 11 at Rausch Creek offers a mix of challenges for a newbie in the off-roading world.  Rated between 2 and 4 in difficulty, this trail is no Rubicon Trail (a solid 10 on the scale), but it’s the perfect starting line for anyone looking to dip their tires into the world of off-roading. Surrounded by glacial depressions filled with dense woodlands, the trail provided a stunning backdrop to a series of small obstacles, from hard-packed dirt to sneaky mud patches and playful rocks.

What truly amazed me was how well my Rubicon, with factory clearance, handled the more daunting blue trails we tackled.  Amidst the twists and elevations, my Rubicon moved with the grace of a ballet dancer and the agility of a mountain goat. 

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park  👉Blue Trail

Jeep posing on rocks at Rausch Creek

Axle Lock: My Secret Weapon

The real magic happened when I engaged the Axle Lock. As I watched others in my group cautiously navigate a rocky ascent, memories of driving the Clayton Offroad Jeep flashed back. That is when I felt a surge of confidence. With a simple press of the Axle Lock button, my Rubicon transformed. The feature, which might seem just technical jargon to some, was my ace in the hole, enabling me to conquer terrain that challenged even the most decked-out jeeps in our convoy.

On a rocky trail at Rausch Creek

Trying Out My Axle Lock Button 👉Jeep Momma uses the axle lock button

Twisty: The Suspension's Ballet

One of the most thrilling parts of Trail 11 was "Twisty"—a section of the trail that could make any off-road enthusiast's heart skip a beat. Here, the trail offers a choice: take the high road for an easier path or dive into the low road for a test of skill and nerve. I chose the latter, and what followed was a dance of dips and rises that pushed my Jeep's suspension to its limits. Driving down, then tackling it from the opposite direction, was not only a test but a thrilling round of mechanical acrobatics.

Jeep on Trail 11

Seasonal Surprises: Mud and Mirth

During the wetter seasons, Trail 11 transforms. The usually benign patches of mud become slippery challenges, and spots of standing water turn into unexpected obstacles. These elements add a layer of complexity and fun to the trail, making each trip unique and memorable.

Trail 11 is the perfect training ground for novice riders in stock 4x4 vehicles. It's a trail that offers more than just a drive in the woods but lets you test your limits. 

Rausch Creek Off-Road Park 👉Pole Line Water Puddles

Jeep at Rausch Creek