My steering wheel refurbishment

Appreciate the comments guys! Really happy with the outcome its such an improvement over what I had...

So on to the notes about the process and what I'd change if I was to do it again....

I'll start with the paint, this is what I used http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262623852897?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=561520531274&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT To say it was difficult is an understatement! The finish was decent but actually using the rattle can was a massive PITA!! Normally with a spray can you just use your index finger on the nozzle but my can was so stiff I had to use 2 hands and was pressing with my thumbs to be able to put enough constant pressure down on the nozzle to get the paint to come out smooth.

I did just re read the advert and saw that they state in the listing "To achieve an even better finish and eject more paint from the can, consider a spray gun trigger (Available in our eBay store)" and to be honest I didn't take any notice of that when ordering but now it makes sense, although probably should have read "this stuff is a bloody nightmare to use unless you buy a spray gun trigger" So thinking about it I would probably uxe this paint again, but absolutely no chance Id even try without one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Spray-Paint-Aerosol-Applicator-Trigger-Gun-Black-Professional-Rapide-Machine-/162434867933?hash=item25d1df62dd:g:gnkAAOSwax5Yy9m2

Also trying to get it all done in a day is probably not the best idea, there are a couple of minor imperfections one from dust lading on the paint before it was touch dry and another from a little bit of splatter before I realised I needed top hold the can with 2 hands and use both thumbs. I would really have liked to be able to very lightly sand again on those areas before the next coat but I was going out at 6pm and needed the car the following morning so just didn't have time.

Also on spraying, I definitely made it more difficult for myself around the edges by having the pieces flat on the surface, I could have made some little stands with cardboard and stuck the parts to them with blutac to raise them up to make the edges much easier to coat smoothly.

Also I wasn't careful enough removing the masking tape, I lifted a tiny bit of the finish around the //M badge I touched it in by spraying some paint directly into the lid of the can and using a very fine paint brush but could have been better if I'd just been more careful...

All in all though really happy with the result for a total of £4.49 spent using a few other bits I already had in I have made a massive improvement to my cars interior, just wish I'd known to spend the extra £2.70 on the gun attachment
 
Looks good guys. Mine are looking tatty. I keep putting it off as I'm scared of the airbag. This has given me motivation though :D
 
85genius said:
Also I wasn't careful enough removing the masking tape, I lifted a tiny bit of the finish around the //M badge I touched it in by spraying some paint directly into the lid of the can and using a very fine paint brush but could have been better if I'd just been more careful...

This is a job I'm going to have to tackle at some point. Was removing the M badge not an option? I'm presuming you could then either refix with glue or double sided tape, or buy new (if available anywhere)?
 
z4pilot said:
85genius said:
Also I wasn't careful enough removing the masking tape, I lifted a tiny bit of the finish around the //M badge I touched it in by spraying some paint directly into the lid of the can and using a very fine paint brush but could have been better if I'd just been more careful...

This is a job I'm going to have to tackle at some point. Was removing the M badge not an option? I'm presuming you could then either refix with glue or double sided tape, or buy new (if available anywhere)?

I did consider removing it but its such a small space to fit it in any paint build up could have made it not fit right also was worried about sticking it back and glue coming out of the sides and ruining the finish... Double sided tape I wrote off as I thought it would end up with the badge dropping off...

I was working on a guess its the same size as a alloy wheel M badge but that was just a guess I saw a few others had masked for refurb and got good results so I just copied that
 
srhutch said:
TBH your original finish looks original, very much doubt they have been touched before.

This is how mine look now after spraying and applying a soft touch lacquer.

Chap could you let me know which paint you used, as well as which soft touch lacquer? First time I've heard of the stuff...
 
Great job. I've bought everything needed to do mine - hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Gone with vinyl primer and bumper paint to try and get the most durable coating I can. Also interested in the soft touch lacquer though.
 
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