[sshao]

I found my steering wheel become very sticky so cleaned it last month, after that I found the color was gone (First and last pics). Some people said it was because the Mr.Cleaner eraser, but whatever, the point is I need to fix it.
It is pretty simple and only cost me around 40 dollar and takes around 2 hours, rescue my faded steering wheel back to new. (Pics in the middle)(I don't know how to edit the order of the pics plz tell me)

What I used: 1. Leather dye (code 0523) from Leather World Technology, 2. 800 grit sand paper, 3. A good leather cleaner, 4. Several pieces of sponge

The only trick is to make the color smooth and average, you probably need to apply the dye for 2-3 times, and the best way for me is to stamp the color with the sponge. Like apply the dye on the sponge first, then tap the sponge on the steering wheel and squeeze the sponge gentle. I have tried different methods including use the paint brushes and the sponge is the best tool to apply the color. A good spray gun could work but you need to cover the center console which makes it not that easy to do it at home, and I don't want to ruin my red interior with the black dye.

The sandpaper I used to polish the steering wheel after the dye is dry is the Carbide Silicone base which can be found on Amazon, 800 grit works for me but I guess 600 should work as well.

[otee10]

Great job! Looks totally restored.

[Billfitz]

Before applying dye clean the wheel with acetone, to remove dirt and oils, and especially the leather conditioner that's already there. This allows the dye to penetrate the leather, for a uniform color. After dyeing this will give a like new sheen, and preserve the finish and color:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this brand of dye:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...TF8&th=1&psc=1

[SilkySmoooth]

Nice work!!!!!!. And Thank you for sharing.
My steering wheel has 2 little spots on it where the color is lighter. Does the dye match the stock color of the wheel? Could I spot dye?
Or do I need to commit and do the whole wheel like you did?

[sshao]

Originally Posted by SilkySmoooth

Nice work!!!!!!. And Thank you for sharing.
My steering wheel has 2 little spots on it where the color is lighter. Does the dye match the stock color of the wheel? Could I spot dye?
Or do I need to commit and do the whole wheel like you did?

The dye I used has the same color as the original steering wheel.

[imquittingthecult]

Originally Posted by sshao

The dye I used has the same color as the original steering wheel.

Hey, could you post a link to the dye you got from the website? I browsed it came across a couple of packages and really only want to buy what I need.

Do you keep applying dye until the color is completely restored or are you polishing it in between coatings?

...love your wheel btw, mine looks 10x worse than yours and ive been wondering how to fix it.

[Chriske92]

Interesting DIY. My steering wheel is suffering from the same problem, will try to do this method how you did.
One question did you sponged the whole steering wheel or just the parts where it was faded?

Greets

[Billfitz]

For uniform color clean the entire wheel with acetone and then stain the entire wheel.

[sshao]

Originally Posted by Chriske92

Interesting DIY. My steering wheel is suffering from the same problem, will try to do this method how you did.
One question did you sponged the whole steering wheel or just the parts where it was faded?

Greets

I did it to the whole steering wheel as mine faded pretty bad everywhere. I assume that it is better to apply dye uniformly as there still is a very tiny color difference.

[sshao]

Originally Posted by imquittingthecult

Hey, could you post a link to the dye you got from the website? I browsed it came across a couple of packages and really only want to buy what I need.

Do you keep applying dye until the color is completely restored or are you polishing it in between coatings?

...love your wheel btw, mine looks 10x worse than yours and ive been wondering how to fix it.

I am sure it will make your steering wheel at least 80% better. https://leatherworldtech.com/dye-colorant/ ,color code 523, low gloss. I would suggest just clean it with acetone or other leather cleaner and polish with 600 grit sandpaper then apply the dye once or twice. Use sandpaper again after the dye is completely dry. I would not try anything other than the dye as the quality of the steering wheel is terrible.

[1QuikWS6]

I have always used Colourlock Leather Dye, made in Germany & formulated to match BMW colors exactly

https://www.amazon.com/Colourlock-Le...ay&sr=8-6&th=1

[imquittingthecult]

Originally Posted by sshao

I am sure it will make your steering wheel at least 80% better. https://leatherworldtech.com/dye-colorant/ ,color code 523, low gloss. I would suggest just clean it with acetone or other leather cleaner and polish with 600 grit sandpaper then apply the dye once or twice. Use sandpaper again after the dye is completely dry. I would not try anything other than the dye as the quality of the steering wheel is terrible.

Thanks! Im going to order some and try to work on it this week. I was just waiting to hear back from you. Did you go with the 4oz or 8oz bottle? and was the grit sandpaper wet or did you polish it dry?

[sshao]

Originally Posted by imquittingthecult

Thanks! Im going to order some and try to work on it this week. I was just waiting to hear back from you. Did you go with the 4oz or 8oz bottle? and was the grit sandpaper wet or did you polish it dry?

4 oz bottle is a lot imho, I polished the steering dry as 600 sandpaper is fine enough. I did not apply those cream mentioned by others above as the effect looks good enough for me.

[imquittingthecult]

Originally Posted by sshao

4 oz bottle is a lot imho, I polished the steering dry as 600 sandpaper is fine enough. I did not apply those cream mentioned by others above as the effect looks good enough for me.

Gotcha. I ordered all the supplies and I should have them Thursday. Ill post pics of how it goes.

[Billfitz]

4 oz is enough to do a chair. The conditioning cream keeps it looking good longer, and gives it a softer feel.

[imquittingthecult]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

4 oz is enough to do a chair. The conditioning cream keeps it looking good longer, and gives it a softer feel.

Just ordered the conditioning cream you linked in the above post.

I should have took before picture I started everything but I was so excited I just dove head first into it. I can say after applying the acetone my heart kinda of dropped cause the wheel lost a little color. But im on my 3rd and final coat of dye on the wheel. Once it dries Im going to polish it off. Ill post pics of the finished product.

The conditioning cream comes friday. Im gonna take it real easy on my wheel until then.

[Kingkymanii]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Before applying dye clean the wheel with acetone, to remove dirt and oils, and especially the leather conditioner that's already there. This allows the dye to penetrate the leather, for a uniform color. After dyeing this will give a like new sheen, and preserve the finish and color:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this brand of dye:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...TF8&th=1&psc=1

Have any pics when it's done

[M Smurf]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

For uniform color clean the entire wheel with acetone and then stain the entire wheel.

as in Nail Polish remover as first step?

[Billfitz]

You could use that, as it's basically the same thing.

[davinciSL72]

Originally Posted by imquittingthecult

Just ordered the conditioning cream you linked in the above post.

I should have took before picture I started everything but I was so excited I just dove head first into it. I can say after applying the acetone my heart kinda of dropped cause the wheel lost a little color. But im on my 3rd and final coat of dye on the wheel. Once it dries Im going to polish it off. Ill post pics of the finished product.

The conditioning cream comes friday. Im gonna take it real easy on my wheel until then.

Originally Posted by imquittingthecult

Just ordered the conditioning cream you linked in the above post.

I should have took before picture I started everything but I was so excited I just dove head first into it. I can say after applying the acetone my heart kinda of dropped cause the wheel lost a little color. But im on my 3rd and final coat of dye on the wheel. Once it dries Im going to polish it off. Ill post pics of the finished product.

The conditioning cream comes friday. Im gonna take it real easy on my wheel until then.

Is the cream you bought the acrylic coating linked above? I have all of the supplies coming in this week too.

[Liv6992]

Nice work!!!

[ovo Dima]

Originally Posted by sshao

I am sure it will make your steering wheel at least 80% better. https://leatherworldtech.com/dye-colorant/ ,color code 523, low gloss. I would suggest just clean it with acetone or other leather cleaner and polish with 600 grit sandpaper then apply the dye once or twice. Use sandpaper again after the dye is completely dry. I would not try anything other than the dye as the quality of the steering wheel is terrible.

Originally Posted by sshao

I am sure it will make your steering wheel at least 80% better. https://leatherworldtech.com/dye-colorant/ ,color code 523, low gloss. I would suggest just clean it with acetone or other leather cleaner and polish with 600 grit sandpaper then apply the dye once or twice. Use sandpaper again after the dye is completely dry. I would not try anything other than the dye as the quality of the steering wheel is terrible.

This color code 523 work great on my 2014 F32 black Dakota leather. Looks identical, still need to dry for another 12h. Cleaning and conditioner coming after

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0CaS...0_SI6Dlmazw7pA