The first thing that catches the driver's eye inside the car is the steering wheel. Unfortunately, a leather steering wheel loses its attractive appearance over time. There are abrasions and scratches caused by constant hand contact with it. Every owner of a faithful iron friend sooner or later thinks about how to restore the former attractiveness of the main steering assistant. To solve the problem of scuffs and scratches, you can paint the steering wheel. This article will tell you what materials to choose and how to carry out the procedure.
In what cases can you restore the leather on your steering wheel yourself?
First of all, it is necessary to determine in which cases the leather on the steering wheel can be restored on your own, and in which cases you need to turn to professionals. If, in addition to abrasions and scratches on the surface, there are more serious damages (deep cuts, tears, etc.), it is better to make a new seam. If we are talking only about superficial damage, then each owner is able to cope with the problem on his own.
If the effect and durability of the coating is important to a car enthusiast, it is better to immediately buy special car cosmetics. It is not recommended to experiment with varnishes that are not intended for steering wheel leather.
What to do with wooden overlays
Luxury cars can have steering wheels decorated with elements made of natural wood. They wear out infrequently because they are protected with very high-quality varnish. But if the driver wears rings on his fingers, the varnish may get scratched.
You can try to polish a small scratch on varnished wood. To do this, it is first sanded with sandpaper, and then, gradually reducing the grain and polishing with paste, the surface is brought to perfection. If the scratch is too deep and in a visible place, then the steering wheel will require a thorough restoration.
Deep scratches on the varnish must be sanded completely. On the steering wheel, this work can be done manually, but it is easier and faster to grind with a portable drill with a nozzle of a suitable diameter. For a good result, it is better to matte the entire element - then the new varnish will lie perfectly.
To varnish a wooden steering wheel, it is recommended to use high-quality polyurethane varnish. This is the most durable, wear-resistant material with sufficient elasticity. Cheap varnishes wear out quickly and can also crack, peel, and so on.
Selection of restoration products
If there are only isolated abrasions, radical repair is not required. To maintain and restore your appearance, it is enough to purchase one of the above products:
- skin care products labeled "restorative". The drug works in much the same way as shoe polish. Their advantages are that they do not run off at high temperatures, do not stain hands, are easy to apply and do not require large expenses;
- Protective agents in the form of impregnations and special creams. They perform a broader function: special impregnations remove already formed greasy stains and also prevent the formation of new ones.
If the steering wheel has extensive scuffs, cracks, or scratches, it is worth carrying out a full procedure for removing stains and renewing the leather braid. To do this, you need to purchase a special paint for leather.
When choosing paint, pay attention to the characteristics of the upholstery material.
If the leather steering wheel is vegetable tanned, it is preferable to use soft paints, as they are highly absorbent. Soft paints are sold in abundance because this material is considered the most popular. However, if the steering wheel is made of chrome-tanned leather, the paint composition should be more rigid, since it absorbs less moisture. This should be checked with your dealer.
If the skin color is black, a standard color is sufficient. If the steering wheel is a different color (beige, red), then several base paints will be required to tint it and obtain the desired shade.
Painting car interior elements
Now it remains to understand how to paint the elements of your car in order to maintain their beautiful appearance and decent quality. Please note that the option presented below is painting a leather steering wheel, which is fully upholstered in natural material. In other cases, you can simply change the braid, buy a new cover, or purchase a steering wheel assembly. So, work on a car should be divided into the following stages:
- Preparatory work. We have already talked about this stage. Here it is important to complete all tasks to protect interior elements from paint when performing tasks.
- Paint testing. You can take any leather object and paint it. This way you can make sure that the material is of high quality and its application is clear to you.
- Checking conditions for painting work. The temperature in the car should be above zero and the air humidity should not be too high. More conditions can be read on the paint can.
- Application of the material, checking all protective equipment. You can also use personal protection materials to prevent inhalation of chemical materials.
- Drying at positive temperatures without using any means. It is enough to wait 1-3 hours for the material to completely set.
Use only effective products and carry out all work according to the instructions. In this case, you will not have to fix problems that arose when parts were processed incorrectly. After painting, you can easily care for your leather product. Buy special creams and impregnations to keep the car’s interior elements in good condition.
Preparatory stage of independent work
It is recommended to disassemble the parts before performing any work. This will allow you not to draw anything unnecessary inside the cabin. If for some reason disassembly is not possible, carefully cover all surrounding areas with masking tape, including the control panel and the steering wheel spokes and buttons.
If you do not want to remove the steering wheel, carefully protect all places inside the interior where contact with paint is possible
But it would be much safer and more convenient to remove the steering wheel and remove it from inside the car.
Removing a car steering wheel
To remove the steering wheel yourself, you only need a set of screwdrivers. Be careful: if this is your first time, there is a risk of damaging some of the mechanisms inside the steering wheel. The disassembly process may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. We will offer the most universal method, suitable for most foreign cars.
- First, disconnect the battery terminals. During dismantling, do not apply current to the steering wheel.
- Turn the steering wheel 90°. It should be in a straight position.
- Remove the airbag. To do this, insert a screwdriver into the holes in the back of the steering wheel one by one and bend the springs that hold the airbag inside.
- Carefully pull the middle part of the steering wheel together with the cushion. You will see that special clamps prevent it from extending completely. You can easily bend them using a flat tool. After disconnecting the connectors and wires, move the component to the side.
- Disconnect the connector located near the center screw.
- Loosen the center bolt that holds the steering wheel in place.
- Gently pull the steering wheel towards you, applying force.
Congratulations! You've already done half the work: removing the steering wheel. Now you can start restoring its coverage.
Video: how to remove the steering wheel with your own hands
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bSSMmaV9eB8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque
Restoration of the steering wheel surface: leather cleaning technique
Before painting the steering wheel, you need to treat the leather itself. The duration of this process depends on the condition of the coating: if it has pits and scratches, you will have to work hard to return the steering wheel to its original appearance.
- Arm yourself with P600 or P400 sandpaper and thoroughly sand the damaged areas. If there are too many, remove all the paint this way.
- Take a finer abrasive and sand the entire surface of the steering wheel with it. You want a matte finish. Gray tape works well for this purpose.
- If you notice large oil stains on the steering wheel, lubricate them with a special absorbent and then wipe them off.
- Now you need to update the leather covering. To do this, use liquid leather. Apply the product to the damaged areas, dry, and then polish with fine sandpaper until smooth.
- In addition to liquid sandpaper, there are other products designed to remove unevenness, for example, putty paste. The principle of its application is the same: smooth out the coating, and then scrape off the remains with sandpaper.
- If your skin has wrinkles, smooth them out using a special conditioner and paste.
- Degrease the part with a soft cloth soaked in a special detergent.
Many drivers make the same mistake: using too much degreaser. This leads to even more wrinkling and cracking of the skin. After degreasing the surface, do not wait too long: you should start painting almost immediately, otherwise the coating will become greasy again and the paint will not adhere well.
Video: restoration of the steering wheel surface
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GNFPFwFYVk4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque
Painting a leather steering wheel
To cover the steering wheel, it is best to use water-based paints, as they are ideal for any type of leather and are easier to work with. On average, we use about 20-30 grams of paint to paint a steering wheel, in case we choose the color ourselves. This is interesting: detonation or “knocking toes”?
If possible, it is better to use an airbrush, since this tool not only saves paint, but also allows you to apply an even layer. One of the most affordable painting options is the use of aerosol paint, which is applied in several layers with drying between layers.
The paint should be applied in several layers, with the next layer applied immediately.
As a last resort, you can use a foam pillow. It is best to apply the paint in several layers (2-3). Typically, successive layers are applied at once to control paint absorption into the material.
After painting, it is necessary to apply a protective layer of varnish (matte or glossy). This coating will keep the surface in good condition for a long time. The restoration process takes about 5-6 hours. In fact, the work does not take much time, but it requires accuracy and attention, do not rush. If paint gets on the glass, it can be carefully removed with solvent No. 646.
New case
What can I say, this is the simplest, but also the most “collective farm” method of surface restoration. Now I don’t want to offend anyone, some drivers actually buy it in Chinese stores. It is simply stretched and sheathed with special threads; in fact, the entire restoration ends there. That is, the abrasion is located under this braid. This is the cheapest way, I have friends who ordered leather cases for only 200 - 500 rubles.
It’s more difficult when all the steering wheel skin is removed, that is, the seams are physically cut and the standard braid is removed. Then a new one, made of fresh leather, is installed in its place. Not everyone can do this, and often there is simply no reason to! After all, you need very strong damage to the surface (a cut or deep abrasion), then it makes sense. Yes, and special companies are engaged in such restoration; you are unlikely to do it yourself; it will be “a bit complicated.”
However, this method of restoration is worth noting; after all, usually a new cheap case saves the situation.
There is another method, more correct, you need to follow this path.
Caring for painted surfaces
Long-term use of a car inevitably leads to scuffs on the steering wheel. However, they can be avoided by using a leather cover as protection, which is especially important for drivers with rings on their fingers. In addition, replacing the coating will cost less than retouching or restoring the steering wheel.
If the coating is not suitable, you can use inexpensive silicone paste. These products form an invisible cover on which all loads are placed. The main condition is periodic maintenance of the cockpit.
In order for the leather surface of the steering wheel to last as long as possible, it is necessary to treat the material at an early stage with special cleaning and care products.
To avoid serious damage and extend the life of the leather steering wheel, it is necessary to promptly and, most importantly, properly care for the material. First of all, the leather needs to be cleaned, for which it is necessary to use special cleaning products to remove dirt from the steering wheel. The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:
- Spray the product onto the surface and wait a few minutes.
- Wipe the material with a soft cloth and reapply cleaner.
- Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- At the end of the procedure, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
After cleaning, the steering wheel should be treated with leather care product. When it comes to using a freshly painted steering wheel, you should wait 12-14 hours, or better yet, leave it alone for 24 hours. In addition, do not wipe the leather surface with wet wipes for a week. If everything is done correctly, the new coating will last for quite a long time.
Sequencing
1. Thoroughly clean the steering wheel from grease and dirt and leave to dry naturally.
2. Cover all buttons and the airbag with masking tape. It is best to use a high-quality and thin product, since cheap masking tape will not adhere well to the surface and the coloring matter may leak under it.
3. Take a small rag and apply a mild solvent. Carefully treat the entire steering perimeter and damaged areas. Don’t be afraid to erase the excess, we will hide all the bald spots at the end.
5. Now you need to prime the steering wheel. Apply the material in 3 layers, alternately allowing each to dry. To speed up the process, some craftsmen dry the primer with a hairdryer. However, we do not recommend this as you risk deforming the soft plastic parts of the steering wheel.
6. When the primer has dried, begin sanding the surface. Gently go over the entire steering wheel with fine-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to disturb the layers. After smoothing out the imperfections, wipe the steering wheel with a soft and clean cloth, which will remove abrasive particles.
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Restoring the appearance of the steering wheel
Most often, restoring the appearance of the steering wheel is timely when selling a car, as it shows how intensively the car was used by the previous owner. But even if the car is not prepared for sale, it is not very pleasant to constantly hold a worn-out “steering wheel” in your hands. Let's consider all the questions about restoring the appearance of the steering wheel with your own hands in this article.
With the advent of a large number of special car cosmetics, the issue of updating the steering wheel yourself has ceased to be a problem. Anyone can cope with this task without resorting to the services of specialists, while saving money.
Painting and priming the leather on the steering wheel
If you do not have damage that is firmly “imprinted” into the surface, you can paint and prime the surface yourself. This is the most effective method only for scuff marks between 3 and 5 years of age. I have several friends who have done it themselves and it has given them amazing results!
First of all, we need a special kit, which includes:
- Degreaser
- Paint, usually water-based
- Matte finish
- Sometimes a strong degreaser in the morning
- Also a super strong cleaner
- Putty (in advanced cases)
- “Crosslinker” is a property that firmly binds the putty and the top layer of paint
I have personally seen all this in many kits in stores for restoring the surface of a leather steering wheel. But often all you need is “degreaser,” paint, and a matte finish.
That's practically all. Let's look at the restoration process - painting.
Guarantee or “don’t be stupid”
The first solution to the problem is simply a guarantee. Nowadays it’s the way it is (and for many brands) - that the steering wheel wears out (the first signs appear) after a mileage of 40 - 60,000 km, and for a large metropolis such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, this is mere “pennies”. Even if you are not a taxi driver or an employee of a delivery business (flowers, pizza, sushi, etc.), it’s easy to cover such mileage. So what to do! While there is a guarantee, we go to the official dealer.
Wear of the steering wheel skin is the same malfunction as, say, the failure of a stabilizer link or the failure of some rubber bands. And this “position” must be changed under warranty.
Guys, don’t be stupid, go to the dealer and point out the problem, he is obligated to fix it for you! How he will do this is a second question, but the surface must be restored.
Typically, the warranty period for a car is from 2 to 5 years. I would like to immediately note that on German cars, the leather will last the entire warranty period, often 2 years; then you can only restore it yourself.
On other brands where the warranty is from 3 to 5 years, you need to be careful. If it’s 3 years old, then the steering wheel may already be worn out, the IMPORTANT thing is to have time to show it to the dealer before the end of the term. If it’s 5 years, you need to be careful, for example, on cars like KIA and Hyundai, the warranty on all components is only three years or 70,000 kilometers, and after that only on the engine, electronics and gearbox. So you need to be careful, after this period it is useless to download your license.
What else I would like to note is that the dealer can turn on “Vanka”, like “I’m not me, this doesn’t change under warranty, etc.!” Guys, we immediately look for a car lawyer and litigate quickly and efficiently, without wasting time. As a rule, after a prepared claim to the address of the salon, in triplicate, everything falls into place - FOR I AGAIN EMPHASIZE - THIS IS THE SAME MALFUNCTION AS HUNDREDS OF OTHERS, AND IT MUST BE FIXED. BUT only during the warranty period! Remember this!
Okay, I think I’ve given you the essence of the direction, so use it, but what to do if the warranty has expired? How to restore paint yourself and is it possible?
Of course, perhaps for myself I see two ways, I propose to consider each separately.
Ways to eliminate defects on the steering wheel
Wear of the coating, loss of the original appearance of the braid requires elimination of the defects that have arisen. These include: stains, small cracks, abrasions, scratches. If large holes or torn pieces are visible on the surface, repairing the leather on the steering wheel becomes problematic. In this case, it is better to use the services of a specialized studio for new retouching. In case of minor defects, the steering wheel housing can be repaired as follows:
- Use the services of a mechanical workshop. This option will require significant financial costs. You will have to pay for the materials and services provided.
- Installing a hood over an old hood will cause some discomfort to the driver. A thicker steering wheel will increase the range, making the car more difficult to control.
- The most reliable and budget-friendly way to eliminate shortcomings is to restore a leather steering wheel yourself, which will require several hours of work and a small investment in materials.
Even a beginner who does not have the necessary skills can cope with this task. This simple procedure can be done in the garage after careful preparation.
Preparing the work area
There is no need to disassemble the steering wheel to carry out restoration work. This is a labor-intensive process, which in the case of an incompetent driver can damage the steering mechanisms. The interior can be protected by masking the front panel with plastic film secured with adhesive tape. This protects the surrounding parts from contamination with varnish. Read also: Repairing the cooling system of a Lada Kalina car.
To properly restore the leather on the steering wheel without damaging the paint on other surfaces, it is necessary to remove the steering wheel without damaging the mechanisms. To do this, disassemble it carefully and in the following order:
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. This will prevent short circuit.
- Align the wheels and move the steering wheel to the straight ahead position.
- Loosen the screws and remove the covers.
- Loosen the steering wheel housing bolts and lift it up.
- Disconnect the connectors to which the airbag cables are connected using a screwdriver, without touching the airbag capsule.
- Mark the position of the rudder by placing a mark on it and on the main stem.
- Unscrew the nut and remove the steering wheel.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the trim panel and steering wheel pads.
- Carefully tape any parts that cannot be removed with tape.
