Worn out steering wheel leather

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tommyddsr

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So I started trying to repair my steering wheel itself. Replacing the leather was fairly easy and cheap (see above post). The center of the steering wheel if a dense foam product with a thin painted type finish. I figured I could just repaint it. So here is the attempt so far. I went though about 15 paint samples before finding one color that actually matched so you couldn't notice a patch since I didn't want to do the whole hub. I even try color matching the headrest but that was a shade too dark. Anyway landed on a Valspar color called Mink Stole CI59. Matched really well. Just Valspar interior satin latex paint. First sanded the work spots with 150 grit paper to smooth it out and actually reshape some of it. Then using a quality artist brush applied several coats of paint, feathering it out on the old parts not being painted. I might go back and redo a few spots as they are not as smooth as I would like, but overall I am pleased with the results. Here are a few before and after pictures.


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tommyddsr

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BTW... I would not use this on leather or anything that flexes, but the foam on the steering wheel sucked this up like the sponge it is. So I don't think it is going anywhere and cost $3.50 for paint and about $2 for a small brush.
 

JExpedition07

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Have you tested this against your actual interior? I assume you have a Camel color interior in your 07? Just wondering how close a match it is. Thanks.

Color seems pretty close, I’m taping off the inner part of the wheel and just painting the leather portion. That way hopefully small color deviation won’t matter too much since many autos (King Ranch included) don’t always match the leather portion of the wheel to the plastic portions. That’s the hope at least, I’ll update whether it’s a success or bust. Greystone and camel interior on my 2007.
 
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JExpedition07

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I ended up using Dupli-Color Specialty Vinyl & Fabric coating instead. Lots of newspaper and taping off but I’m happy with the result.

Before:
D12A5B8B-6850-4DE2-AFB3-660E193BB255.jpeg

After:
AE8E6BA3-C3DD-4811-A3F0-671A72A09EB8.jpeg
 
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Trainmaster

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Looks beautiful. Let us know how it holds up. I bought my 2008 with 80,000 miles and the leather was shot from a fat Italian who used Old Spice perfume on his hands. I replaced the wheel with a new Ford one for about $250. Now, 30,000 miles later, I'm seeing some wear on the seam edges of the leather...
 
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JExpedition07

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Looks beautiful. Let us know how it holds up. I bought my 2008 with 80,000 miles and the leather was shot. I replaced the wheel with a new Ford one for about $250. Now, 30,000 miles later, I'm seeing some wear on the seam edges of the leather...

I’m hoping it holds up well. I’ve seen a similar product used on many boats and it holds up on the seats and wheels for years. This stuff is in an enclosed interior so less UV and weather exposure but it will see more touch contact being my trucks wheel.

Essentially what was worn on mine was the factory paint or “dye” they applied over the natural leather hide, after all no animal skin is naturally Ford “Camel” lol. The leather hide itself wasn’t worn but looked rough because of the finish color coming off. I sanded the rough spots lightly with 2500 grit finishing sand paper then cleaned the wheel and applied the coating.
 
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tommyddsr

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What color Dupli-Color Specialty Vinyl & Fabric coating did you use? Where did you get it? Locally all I can find is Tan and that looks too dark. Looks good by the way.
 
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