Steering wheel clean up?

[David Lawrence]

Any of you guys able to point me in the direction of a solution for this?


Happened when i used uphoulstery cleaner on it. The colour just seemed to dissolve off the leather.

[STUBIE]

I am just going to post up a refurbishment of a Smokestone and Dark Walnut wheel to Sandstone.

Give me 30 mins

[KevF6]

Basically the leather (which has a lacquer on it) wears thinner and thinner until then eventually the colour pigment then wears. In your case cleaning it with the wrong product has just removed more pigment. Pigment (when talking in leather terms) is just a posh word for leather paint (not dye).

What I would do is clean it with a leather cleaner ideally, if not then something neutral. Then sterilise it all with pure alcohol (isopropyl), its cheap off ebay.

Then I would apply a solvent lacquer for leather (it's not expensive), this is to create a strong bond/barrier as the surface can be a bit iffy on the steering wheel. Then I would apply the pigment carefully using a sponge or sprayer. Maybe 2 coats. When fully dry apply either the lacquer used earlier (matt, but can give a sheen) or use another water based mat lacquer to give that true matt look.

I did mine a few weeks ago and it is rock solid and should last absolutely ages, I took a sample from the seat to get the same shade.

Apologies for not taking the exact same angle on the pics, but you can see clearly anyhow.

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by KevF6

Basically the leather (which has a lacquer on it) wears thinner and thinner until then eventually the colour pigment then wears. In your case cleaning it with the wrong product has just removed more pigment. Pigment (when talking in leather terms) is just a posh word for leather paint (not dye).

What I would do is clean it with a leather cleaner ideally, if not then something neutral. Then sterilise it all with pure alcohol (isopropyl), its cheap off ebay.

Then I would apply a solvent lacquer for leather (it's not expensive), this is to create a strong bond/barrier as the surface can be a bit iffy on the steering wheel. Then I would apply the pigment carefully using a sponge or sprayer. Maybe 2 coats. When fully dry apply either the lacquer used earlier (matt, but can give a sheen) or use another water based mat lacquer to give that true matt look.

I did mine a few weeks ago and it is rock solid and should last absolutely ages, I took a sample from the seat to get the same shade.

Apologies for not taking the exact same angle on the pics, but you can see clearly anyhow.

That looks brand new. Where did you get the laquers and pigments from? And did you apply it with some kind of sprayer as it looks perfect.

[KevF6]

Hi David

I have to confess I do leather restoration as part of my cleaning business - but I never do cars as I hate it. But it is definitely doable if your good with your hands/eye.

I applied using a micro roller sponge and a small paint brush in the tight areas.

http://www.buffaloleather.co.uk/ is where I get my products and they do the colour matching too.

I can be more precise with the products - if it doesn't upset Stubie, as that is the last thing I want to do.

[KWIL]

What about the seat back side bolster which takes all the wear of getting in and out?

[KevF6]

Depends on how bad it is. Mine is already in perfect condition as I don't have MG, but they can all be done in almost exactly the same way - even if they look trashed. It's only when you start getting rips etc then it becomes a challenge.

[David Lawrence]

Originally Posted by KevF6

Depends on how bad it is. Mine is already in perfect condition as I don't have MG, but they can all be done in almost exactly the same way - even if they look trashed. It's only when you start getting rips etc then it becomes a challenge.

Unfortunately my seats are black so nowhere to take a sample from for matching purposes. Is there such a thing as getting a code number for the pigment like there is for paint?

[clf]

Originally Posted by David Lawrence

Unfortunately my seats are black so nowhere to take a sample from for matching purposes. Is there such a thing as getting a code number for the pigment like there is for paint?

how about the steering column cover of one of the plastic shrouds at your feet?

[KevF6]

Hi David

It can be tricky getting a sample. You usually need to go to the depths of the earth to get it but I have never failed yet. On my seats I had to extend the seat backwards in a laying position then delve inbetween the seat cushion and back cushion and cut a spare bit off that was hanging there. I used a pair of knapping shears as they are very strong and sharp. Failing that a very sharp and strong pair of scissors or a stanley knife should do it. But you have to be careful and the piece needs to be big enough to get the spectrum analyser on it to match it 100%.

Failing that you could ask Stubie if has any colours available. I read somewhere that he had some but not all? I am new to this forum so have no idea and I haven't spoken to him as yet.

I forgot to mention. If your steering wheel is a bit lumpy due to pigment lift, then a simple light rub down with suitable fine sandpaper is required to smooth it out. Gently, gently is the key as you want to remove the least amount of colour/grain effect as possible.