Member Since: 05 Aug 2013
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 132
Just finished mine, wish I'd took a "before" picture. Mine was really bad - the lumps were actually large enough to have cracks in them, which looked like cracks in the leather.
I also went for the 50/50 gloss/matt mix, and it has a lovely finish. Don't know how long it'll last, but seems pretty stable, and even with 3 coats of dye, and 2 coats of sealant, there's hardly anything used from the bottle, so plenty left if a further touch up required in a year or so.
As has already been mentioned, don't be afraid to use fine grade sandpaper, if your wheel is left a little furry, it makes a big difference to the final finish ...and a good supply of rags, some marigolds for the muck, might be a good idea, and be prepared for some funny looks when you go into boots and ask for the nail varnish remover!
Thanks again Randall997, for the tip. I reckon you've saved me nearly 300 quid on the new wheel I was looking at
15th Aug 2013 11:45 am
Bakuboy
Member Since: 01 Jul 2013
Location: South West
Posts: 31
Here's mine - without any further sealant, just the nail varnish remover and a wipe over with a damp cloth.
Looks and feels brilliant after a good 6 weeks
27th Aug 2013 4:54 pm
braduk
Member Since: 27 Sep 2013
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 353
Hi guys so just to be sure heres the steps I take yes?
1: Get a cloth and use extra strength nail varnish remover and wipe/rub the steering wheel until its smooth and all the bobbly bits have gone.
2: If any bits left use fine sandpaper sheets and use to get rid of the stubborn bits.
3: Use the leather coat from that ebay link and brush onto the wheel.
Question is what do I use to coat the leather coating onto the wheel and how many coats, a brush?, does it just go all over the leather wheel bit and do you use masking tape to stop it getting on your buttons or middle of the weeh etc?
Thanks guys.
28th Oct 2013 10:46 am
robere3
Member Since: 14 Mar 2013
Location: Somerset
Posts: 31
Why not just buy a leather cover to go over top....saves lot of time
28th Oct 2013 10:52 am
Albert McFly
Member Since: 26 May 2013
Location: Hill Valley
Posts: 206
braduk wrote:
Hi guys so just to be sure heres the steps I take yes?
1: Get a cloth and use extra strength nail varnish remover and wipe/rub the steering wheel until its smooth and all the bobbly bits have gone.
2: If any bits left use fine sandpaper sheets and use to get rid of the stubborn bits.
3: Use the leather coat from that ebay link and brush onto the wheel.
Question is what do I use to coat the leather coating onto the wheel and how many coats, a brush?, does it just go all over the leather wheel bit and do you use masking tape to stop it getting on your buttons or middle of the weeh etc?
Thanks guys.
Yeh thats about it in a nutshell.
Best to use a fine sponge to apply the seal. You wont need to tape the buttons off just have a steady hand. It helps if you can apply a few coats on consecutive days.Disco 3 HSE
28th Oct 2013 2:28 pm
Dave^
Member Since: 23 Jun 2013
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 706
robere3 wrote:
Why not just buy a leather cover to go over top....saves lot of time
Member Since: 23 Jun 2013
Location: West Yorks
Posts: 706
Albert McFly wrote:
braduk wrote:
Hi guys so just to be sure heres the steps I take yes?
1: Get a cloth and use extra strength nail varnish remover and wipe/rub the steering wheel until its smooth and all the bobbly bits have gone.
2: If any bits left use fine sandpaper sheets and use to get rid of the stubborn bits.
3: Use the leather coat from that ebay link and brush onto the wheel.
Question is what do I use to coat the leather coating onto the wheel and how many coats, a brush?, does it just go all over the leather wheel bit and do you use masking tape to stop it getting on your buttons or middle of the weeh etc?
Thanks guys.
Yeh thats about it in a nutshell.
Best to use a fine sponge to apply the seal. You wont need to tape the buttons off just have a steady hand. It helps if you can apply a few coats on consecutive days.
The kit posted in this thread comes with an applicator sponge, works a treat!
Just apply a tiny amount at a time, don't try and rush it.
Also, don't do it outdoors in this weather, as you'll need to be well ventilated, nail varnish remover stinks in enclosed spaces... And don't spill it, or the paint (like I nearly did, no matter how great an idea it may appear, do not place any open container on the cubby box!!), or the sealant...
Member Since: 07 May 2009
Location: lightwater
Posts: 1111
It'll take time and you'll end up with arms like a pro wrestler, but it is actually an easy job. Don't be shy to use the fine grade sandpaper either.
28th Oct 2013 7:47 pm
pope227
Member Since: 20 Jun 2012
Location: Boston
Posts: 339
Did mine today. Took a hour or so to prepare, the right hand side was worse but the whole wheel was gunky.The black was spot on colour match without tinting, mixed the lacquer 50/50 Matt/gloss and job done. Dead impressed and yet another spot on tip from the forum. Thanks all.
D4 HSE Luxury
Causeway Grey
4th Nov 2013 10:40 pm
edwardandtubs
Member Since: 23 Jun 2012
Location: Glossop
Posts: 460
That looks really impressive!, might do mine on the basis of the finished productDiscovery 4 HSE Luxury Santorini MY12
Discovery 3 GS Manual Java MY07 ( gone )
Mini Cooper S
4th Nov 2013 10:50 pm
pope227
Member Since: 20 Jun 2012
Location: Boston
Posts: 339
It's certainly worth the effort. Don't be afraid of a little sand paper too(1200) but make sure all the gunk is removed first. When you first go over it with remover you think it will take hours but with persistant rubbing the grain of the leather shows itself in the end. D4 HSE Luxury
Causeway Grey
4th Nov 2013 10:56 pm
BenjyP
Member Since: 11 Feb 2013
Location: Telford
Posts: 130
Having just got the seats looking in a half decent state... Makes sense to move onto the steering wheel. Cheers guys.300TDI Toy... Now gone
2005 TDV6 HSE
17th Nov 2013 11:54 am
timcummins
Member Since: 01 Nov 2013
Location: Bath
Posts: 61
I am so happy to have found this thread, really thought I was going to have to replace my steering wheel. Can't bear the feeling since buying the car.
We're all steering wheels leather? Or could I have something else?
Just think mine is that bad, it doesn't appear to be leather any more.
19th Nov 2013 11:34 pm
nhollandsmith
Member Since: 26 Nov 2011
Location: Gdansk
Posts: 332
have taken the plunge today and removed the sticky horrible bumps on the steering wheel. Took recommendations with nail varnish remover which got rid of the bumps. I have yet to finish with the laquer which is on order from the ebay link provided.
Had to use some light sanding and it may still require a bit more to ensure completely smooth.
Nail Varnish obviously very good for such jobs and removing paint from fingers but I now have black fingers.
I have posted before and in mid process images, will upload a completed image.
Thanks for the great tips, Disco3 is a great place for simple and inexpensive solutions.
Before:
After:
23rd Feb 2014 2:06 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
Gotta say, that is a huge improvement, nice job. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
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