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Cal-look/High Performance => Cal-look => Topic started by: andrewlandon67 on April 10, 2019, 17:35:56 pm



Title: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: andrewlandon67 on April 10, 2019, 17:35:56 pm
I've finally gotten around to filling in the cracks and such on my VDM Coach wheel, my next step is obviously to repaint the rim, but I have no idea what sort of paint to use. I'm leaning more towards a gloss or semi-gloss black for the color, if that simplifies it any. Thanks!


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: ALB on April 17, 2019, 18:15:02 pm
You need something pretty tough, that will stand up to the constant handling, wear and bombardment of oil/dirt that come off your hands, yet is (relatively) easy to work with, so I would suggest a 2 component polyurethane. All the automotive paint companies make a version and should come in both gloss and semi-gloss. Al


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: j-f on April 17, 2019, 20:22:44 pm
More than the paint itself, a good plastic primer is essential if you want a durable result.
I'm pretty sure there is an article made by Hot vw's how Bob Koch restore a steering wheel.


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: andrewlandon67 on April 17, 2019, 21:07:20 pm
You need something pretty tough, that will stand up to the constant handling, wear and bombardment of oil/dirt that come off your hands, yet is (relatively) easy to work with, so I would suggest a 2 component polyurethane. All the automotive paint companies make a version and should come in both gloss and semi-gloss. Al

Good to know! I'll get started on looking into paints similar to that.


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: ALB on April 18, 2019, 03:10:59 am
Forgot to add- the solvents in this type of paint are quite toxic so you'll need a respirator that takes charcoal filters and you'll need to do this in an area separate from living space. Have fine tipped tweezers handy in case bugs are a problem. And yeah, the Hot VW's article where Mr. Koch does a steering wheel restoration will be a good read. Any body know what issue it was in? I'm pretty sure it was a few years ago.


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: j-f on April 18, 2019, 20:08:36 pm
I'm pretty sure you it's been published in the "totally tech edition", if you can find it. Lot's of good stuff inside.


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: Sam K on April 19, 2019, 15:41:20 pm
I used epoxy paint for appliances when I restored the stock steering wheel for my camaro about ten years ago and it's held up very well.


Title: Re: Paint for Plastic steering wheel
Post by: andrewlandon67 on April 19, 2019, 21:01:28 pm
I'll see what I can find as far as epoxy stuff goes! Still going back and forth between doing it in black or some shade of darker brown...