What part of your car do you touch most often? Door handles or the gear lever, of course, are also subject to external influences, but most often your hands rest on the steering wheel. As a result, the coating quickly becomes unusable: finger stains, scratches and abrasions appear. And now you are no longer happy with the appearance of your salon. There are many ways out of this situation. The simplest and most expensive is buying a new steering wheel. But why buy a part for a lot of money when the previous one functions as it should? Some people buy steering wheel braids or put on covers, although this is also not a universal solution: most of them spoil the interior design of expensive cars. In fact, painting a leather steering wheel is quite simple: to do this, you just need to use high-quality auto chemicals and update its coating and color.
- 2 Preparatory stage of independent work
2.1 Removing the car steering wheel2.1.1 Video: how to remove the steering wheel with your own hands
- 2.2.1 Video: restoration of the steering wheel surface
- 3.1 Video: how to paint, you can paint a car steering wheel with your own hands
Selection of paints and compositions for skin restoration
Every motorist sooner or later is faced with the need to restore the surface of the steering wheel, especially if the material is leather. It would be quite reasonable to contact a service center to solve the problem, but a more rational way out of the situation is to perform the restoration yourself.
The assortment of auto stores today allows you to choose all kinds of products not only for care, but also for skin restoration. The service life of the coating directly depends on the quality of the components included in such products.
For leather steering wheels, there are cosmetics of higher quality, which are special creams and impregnations for protection. Such products are endowed with expanded functionality, which allows you to remove sweat and fat stains and prevent the formation of new ones.
By the way, to update the surface you do not always have to resort to painting and removing the old coating. Using special creams, you can restore a well-preserved coating. They should be selected according to their characteristics and the presence of the word “reducing agent” in the instructions. The effect of such products is similar to the use of shoe polish. They do not leave marks on the palms, and the cost is affordable.
To obtain a high-quality result, painting should be done with a special paint for leather.
Materials and tools for restoring leather coverings will be needed:
- “liquid leather” or leather putty;
- polish-reducer;
- leather cleaner - gasoline galoshes or white spirit;
- masking tape;
- paint, preferably water-based;
- sandpaper with grit 400, 600, 1000 and 1200 units;
- airbrush or spray gun;
- foam tampon.
It is worth noting that it is not necessary to dismantle the steering wheel: painting can be done directly inside the car, having previously protected the part of the interior near the control. When choosing paint, you must also take into account the quality of the material. When equipping a car with a steering wheel made of vegetable tanned leather, you should choose soft paints, since the product is characterized by high absorption. If the steering wheel is made of chrome-tanned leather, then the paint composition should be more rigid due to less absorption.
If the steering wheel leather is black, it is enough to purchase standard leather paint. If the steering wheel is a different color (brown, beige), then several base paints will be required to mix and obtain the required shade.
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Painting such a steering wheel will require not only the availability of suitable paint in two colors, but also special care
The easiest way
How to paint and how to restore a leather steering wheel? When answering this question, some car enthusiasts decide not to bother with restoration work. They simply put a cover on the steering wheel and continue to drive the car in peace.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the size of the case. It should fit perfectly on the steering wheel
After all, a cover that is too loose rotates on the steering wheel, which negatively affects handling. This method is relatively inexpensive, but has several disadvantages.
It is not always possible to choose a cover for a specific steering wheel in size. Also, visually such a cover stands out from the overall interior design.
Preparatory stage
Before starting work, it is necessary to cover the dashboard and other elements (spokes and steering wheel keys) to protect them from paint using polyethylene and masking tape. If you plan to remove the steering wheel for painting outside the cabin, then you need to weigh the pros and cons, since there is a possibility of damage to the steering mechanisms with insufficient experience. With the steering wheel removed, painting is more convenient, but most car owners make do with protecting the interior.
Removing the steering wheel from the car
In the event that the steering wheel will still be dismantled independently, then this must be done in the following sequence:
- We de-energize the steering wheel by disconnecting the terminals from the battery.
Before starting work, it is necessary to disconnect the power to the steering wheel, for which we remove the terminals from the battery - The steering wheel is turned to the “straight” position.
- Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolts under the plugs.
Using a socket wrench, unscrew the bolts under the plugs - Loosen the steering wheel lining bolts.
- To remove the part, pull it up and disconnect the connectors from the airbags, without needing to touch the capsule itself.
To remove the steering wheel, you must disconnect the connectors without affecting the airbag capsule. - Before unscrewing the nut, it is advisable to place marks on the shaft and steering wheel.
- Unscrew the nut and remove the steering wheel.
To loosen the nut, use a 19mm socket, and then remove the steering wheel.
Restoration of the painted surface
At the next stage of preparation, it is necessary to remove all damage: cracks, dents and scratches on the steering wheel that formed during operation. You can then assess whether a complete steering wheel upgrade is required or not.
To identify all damage to the skin, it must be thoroughly sanded. In this case, it is better to use sandpaper P400-P600. This treatment will not only remove the old paint, but will also ensure better adhesion of the new coating to the skin. When the rough processing is completed, i.e. the paint coating has been removed, you can use P1000 - P1200 sandpaper.
Then we degrease the leather steering wheel well to ensure uniform coloring and improve its quality. It is best to use a special leather cleaner for this. In extreme cases, white spirit will do. Since leather after sanding tends to easily absorb such substances, the rag should be slightly moistened. If the steering wheel is heavily soaked in white spirit, the material will simply become wrinkled and overdried.
Before painting, the steering wheel must be prepared: the surface is treated with sandpaper to remove the paintwork.
A situation often arises when the initial layer of paint is removed, but unevenness on the steering wheel after treatment with abrasive still remains. In this case, there are several possible ways to solve the problem:
- the surface is leveled using leather conditioner, after which it is grouted with polish;
- scratches are filled with “liquid skin” (putty), then the surface is dried and matted;
- They use shoe wax for rough leather, cyanoacrylate, and also varnish for women's manicure.
Let's sum it up
As you can see, painting the steering wheel yourself is not a complicated procedure and can be done independently. At the same time, it is not necessary to remove the steering wheel itself, that is, it is possible to paint the steering wheel without removing it. The main thing is to choose the right materials for restoration and painting, as well as to properly and efficiently prepare the surface, take into account the features of the coating being restored (for example, the material from which it is made), etc.
In turn, hydration maintains elasticity and also adds depth and richness to the color of the leather on the steering wheel. If serious defects appear, the main ways to restore the coating on the steering wheel are discussed above.
The steering wheel is the most important element of driving a car. The most important thing is that the driver’s hands should not slip on its surface. That is why in its manufacture special plastics with a viscous structure are used, which are applied to its surface, or it is sheathed with leather. Since the driver is in constant contact with the steering wheel, the steering wheel material quickly loses its appearance and scuffs and scratches appear on it.
Important! The steering wheel is a car part that must be repaired or replaced by a dealer under warranty.
If the leather covering of the steering wheel wears out during the warranty period, then you can safely demand that it be replaced. But before this, you need to carefully study the guarantee agreement so that there are no reasons for the officials to refuse.
Painting a leather steering wheel
To cover the steering wheel, it is best to use water-based paints, especially since they are great for any skin type and are easier to work with. On average, about 20–30 grams of paint is spent on painting a steering wheel, if the color is selected independently.
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If possible, it is better to use an airbrush, since the tool will not only save paint, but also apply an even layer. One of the most affordable coloring options is the use of leather paint in cans, which is applied in several layers with interlayer drying.
The paint must be applied in several layers, with the next layer applied immediately
In extreme cases, you can use a foam swab. It is best to apply paint in several layers (2-3). As a rule, the subsequent layer is applied immediately, which will ensure control of paint absorption into the material.
After painting, you need to apply a protective layer of varnish (matte or glossy). This coating will keep the surface in good condition for a longer time. In terms of time, the recovery process takes about 5–6 hours. In fact, the work is not labor-intensive, but it requires accuracy and attention, and there is no need to rush. If paint gets on the glass, you can carefully remove it with solvent No. 646.
Installation of repair spikes - reliable or not?
There is a lot of controversy regarding the repair of studded tires. You often come across the following recommendations online:
Expert opinion from comments on the automotive forum
One can only guess about the professionalism of this “expert”. Our specialists would never give such advice to anyone, because the result depends entirely on HOW the studding is done.
If you use the right technology, the spikes will last 1-2, or even 3 seasons. Depends on the condition of the tread and subsequent operating conditions.
Or you can watch a couple of videos on the Internet, spend a few hours in a service provider that provides such a service, and the wheels will return to their original state within a week.
How to stud winter tires
There are two ways to stud winter tires. The choice of one of them speaks of the professionalism of the performer.
Option 1. Tenoning with improvised tools and simple tenons. The spikes can indeed be restored with a hammer, pliers and a screwdriver. All this can be found in any tire shop or more or less equipped garage. You can read endlessly about such methods on auto forums.
Option 2. Studding with repair spikes and special equipment. Instead of a hammer, a pneumatic gun is used - it pushes the edges of the hole apart with “sponges” and ensures uniform force during installation, as well as the placement of the tenon at the correct angle. And one more important point, which is sometimes forgotten in tire shops: the wheel must be carefully prepared, all holes must be cleaned of dirt and debris with compressed air - if this is not done, the stud may become askew and will not last long.
The reliability of the studs, which were installed by an experienced specialist using restoration studding technology, has been tested over the years. Repair spikes have been used everywhere since 2014. After studding using garage methods, they last much less.
Caring for painted surfaces
When using a car for a long time, scuffs inevitably remain 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. Moreover, replacing the braid will cost less than re-upholstering or restoring the steering wheel.
If the option with a case is not suitable, you can use inexpensive silicone polishes. By such means an invisible film is created, on which all the loads are placed. The main condition is periodic processing of the bagel.
In order for the leather surface of the steering wheel to last as long as possible, the material must be treated in a timely manner with special cleaning and leather care products.
In order to prevent serious damage and extend the service life of the leather steering wheel, the material must be promptly and, most importantly, properly cared for. First of all, the leather requires cleaning, for which special cleaners are used to remove dirt from the steering wheel. The sequence of actions in this case is as follows:
- The product is sprayed onto the surface, after which we wait a few minutes.
- Wipe the material with a soft cloth and apply the cleaner again.
- 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 is treated with leather conditioner. As for the operation of a freshly painted steering wheel, you need to wait 12–14 hours, or it is better to leave it alone for a day. In addition, the leather surface should not be wiped with wet wipes for a week. If done correctly, the new coating will last for quite a long time.
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.
Degreasing
Next, the skin must be thoroughly degreased so that the painting of the car steering wheel turns out to be of the highest quality and even. It is recommended to purchase special cleaners for leather products. But if your budget is limited, then regular white spirit will do.
Remember that the skin absorbs these degreasers very well. Therefore, for processing it is necessary to use a rag slightly moistened with liquid. One of the mistakes is that car enthusiasts try to carefully apply white spirit. As a result, the skin will be dry and wrinkled.
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.
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.
Restoration of plastic elements
Recently, you can see a lot of plastic parts on car steering wheels. Over time, they also lose their appearance. You can paint this type of steering wheel, but the color will fade quickly. In order for the coating to adhere better to the surface, the surface should be sanded. Before painting, it is recommended to thoroughly degrease the steering wheel. But not with white spirit, but with ordinary medical alcohol. It is best to spray paint in thin layers.
But it is best and much more effective in this case to use another restoration method - re-upholstering the steering wheel. In the case of plastic, installing a good leather braid will solve the situation.
Materials used
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a new steering wheel for your car is the braid material. Synthetic materials are harmful to humans, short-lived and unpresentable, and therefore such products should not be considered seriously
Environmental safety is very important, especially if children are often present in the cabin. Therefore, in order to ensure the quality of the materials, you should check the corresponding certificate, which must be provided by the steering wheel manufacturer.
Leather steering wheel
This document will confirm the natural or artificial origin of the material, as well as its safety for the environment. If it is not available, it is better to refrain from purchasing the product.
