Mike McDonald
New member
- Sep 10, 2010
- 197
- 0
Evening, geeks! Been on vacation since last Wednesday, and took on a mighty project. I re-dyed the leather on my steering wheel. On my old car, I simply covered it up. This time, the worn out 12:00 position needed something better - that and I couldn't stomach putting a cover on this car!
Products Used
Leather Rejuvenate
Prepping Agent
Euro Black leather dye
Klear Kote
(All by leatherique)
First step was to clean and rejuvenate the leather. I did not have any pictures for this step.
The next step was the prepping agent. This removes any old dye and oil, thus prepping it for a new coat of dye. Upon finish, it sat overnight to dry.
After this step, I applied the dye. My mind told me to use a foam brush to avoid brush strokes. I ignored directions here as they recommended an acryllic brush (expensive). I'll explain more later.
I let the dye dry overnight, and half of the next day before applying the Klear Kote. At this point, the leather was rough, because I was stupid and ignored directions. Hoping the clear coat would smooth it out, I carried on.
I was wrong. Still rough and felt awfully wrong. What did I do? I had to let it dry a bit more, so I took another car in my quest for 1500 grit sandpaper - and a inexpensive accrylic brush. Once back, I determined it dry enough (being impatient on day 4!!), and sanded it down smooth. No picture for this step.
After sanding, it was buttery smooth, and I quickly cleaned it with some warm water and then applied a new coat of clear coat with my $5 accrylic brush. After drying a day, it was dry to the touch, albeit still a little sticky. OK to drive, though. I took it out to drive to feel it out, if I missed anything when I sanded, looking for anything rough while I'm still working on it. Luckily, all was good! I parked the car in the sun for a full day before I deemed finished. I wiped the wheel with hot water and a soft cloth, which made that stickiness go away, instead leaving a nice finish with a good hold.
Final Thoughts?
This was a long project, extending over the planned 3-5 days. 6 days to finish. Could of been 4.5 if I didn't ignore the directions. The final cost came under $50, which was great. I totally recommend this to anyone who would rather this over the steering wheel cover.
Products Used
Leather Rejuvenate
Prepping Agent
Euro Black leather dye
Klear Kote
(All by leatherique)
First step was to clean and rejuvenate the leather. I did not have any pictures for this step.
The next step was the prepping agent. This removes any old dye and oil, thus prepping it for a new coat of dye. Upon finish, it sat overnight to dry.
After this step, I applied the dye. My mind told me to use a foam brush to avoid brush strokes. I ignored directions here as they recommended an acryllic brush (expensive). I'll explain more later.
I let the dye dry overnight, and half of the next day before applying the Klear Kote. At this point, the leather was rough, because I was stupid and ignored directions. Hoping the clear coat would smooth it out, I carried on.
I was wrong. Still rough and felt awfully wrong. What did I do? I had to let it dry a bit more, so I took another car in my quest for 1500 grit sandpaper - and a inexpensive accrylic brush. Once back, I determined it dry enough (being impatient on day 4!!), and sanded it down smooth. No picture for this step.
After sanding, it was buttery smooth, and I quickly cleaned it with some warm water and then applied a new coat of clear coat with my $5 accrylic brush. After drying a day, it was dry to the touch, albeit still a little sticky. OK to drive, though. I took it out to drive to feel it out, if I missed anything when I sanded, looking for anything rough while I'm still working on it. Luckily, all was good! I parked the car in the sun for a full day before I deemed finished. I wiped the wheel with hot water and a soft cloth, which made that stickiness go away, instead leaving a nice finish with a good hold.
Final Thoughts?
This was a long project, extending over the planned 3-5 days. 6 days to finish. Could of been 4.5 if I didn't ignore the directions. The final cost came under $50, which was great. I totally recommend this to anyone who would rather this over the steering wheel cover.
