Steering Wheel Repair & Recolour Kit

This kit is suitable for pigmented (painted/coated) leathers. Cars are upholstered with pigmented leather.

With reduced durability, it can also be used on man-made materials.

1) Work area
Lay down drop sheets to protect your work area and ensure good ventilation.

2) Surface Prep
Spray Spot & Prep (No.4) on one area at a time. Use a brush or green kitchen scourer to agitate into the grain. Use a cloth to wipe away dirt and grime from the leather. Repeat until the leather is thoroughly clean and free of soiling, oils, silicones, waxes and emollients.

3) Mask up
At this point, it is optional to tape up any areas that you do not wish to treat using masking tape.

4) Key the surface

Lightly sand the areas you intend to recolour. Usually 600-800 grit is ideal. Sanding helps to remove any loose or flaking coatings, smooth surface irregularities, and keys the surface to promote a good bond between the old coatings and new. When done, wipe over to remove dust.

For leather that is not damaged and does not require repairs, go to Step7

5) Glue
If your leather is damaged (surface pitting, rough texture or tears) use a tiny amount of Glue (No.15) to glue down any loose tags or coat the open edges and join them together. For tears, apply one layer of glue, wait until it comes semi-dry (tacky), then apply a second layer. Join edges and hold firmly for a few minutes or until dry. Masking tape can be used to hold the sides together until bonded. Keep the upper surface clean by wiping away any excess glue as you go. When completely dry, sand the area to remove or smooth any unwanted glue residue.

6) Fill
Conceal any repair joins or surface damage such as scratches, cracks and pits with Fill (No.14). To do this, use a spatula/palette knife or a sponge. First, filler can be tinted using some of the leather paint. This step is optional. Mix around 10% colour into the filler. Load a small amount of Fill (No.14) onto the underside of the spatula, lay the spatula almost flat and wipe across the repair site. Use light steady pressure to press a thin layer of filler into the hollows and use a gentle sweeping action to feather the edges and minimise unwanted ridges of filler. If using a sponge, apply filler using a combination of wiping and dabbing motions. Allow to dry before applying further thin layers as needed. To mimic leather grain, try using a stippling (dabbing) technique for your last layer or two. This can create soft peaks that resemble leather grain when lightly sanded after curing. Allow to air dry or use the sun or a hair dryer to speed drying time. In some cases, it is prudent to allow overnight drying. When dry, smooth using sandpaper.

7) Prime
Using an applicator sponge, apply an even coat of Prime (No.5) and gently push it into the grain of the leather. Allow drying. Apply a second coat then allow drying.

If you are not mixing your own colour, go to Step 9

8) Mix colour
If you intend to mix your own colour and have purchased extra colours for tinting the main colour add a drop, a few drops or a dash of colour at a time. Shake or stir to mix. If your colour is likely to require a lot tint, empty the base colour into another vessel for mixing (eg, mixing bowl, plastic bottle or plastic cup). Test the new colour before proceeding. To do this apply a 1cm spot, dry it with a hair dryer (at 30cm) then decide if or how to adjust your colour. Clean off your test colours as you go as they are easily remove)d when fresh. When satisfied with the colour move on to the next step.
If you want a Satin, Gloss or High Gloss result, go to Step 10.

9)Colour
Use an applicator sponge to apply Colour (No.6) evenly over the repair site or project. If finishing a repair, wipe the sponge over the surface and blend the edges using fast, light, feathered strokes. If doing a full recolour, use even strokes to ensure even coverage. Gently push the first coat of paint into the grain and any crevices. Wipe excess product from seams to avoid pooling. The first coat will not look neat or even. Allow to dry and repeat until your desired coverage is achieved. Several thin coats are preferable. There is no 'normal' number of coats as each piece of leather is different, some colours build overage faster than others, and the various application methods also impact the number of coats needed. If you are changing colours, it is likely that more coats will be needed than if you are refinishing in the same colour. Mild sunshine or a hair dryer can be used to speed drying between each coat.

If possible, allow overnight drying after a 2-3 coats of colour. If not, use a heat source to promote faster curing. When you are happy with the colour coverage, allow another 2 days drying or dry manually before applying Topcoat. Avoid soiling and skin contact during the refinishing process.

10) Topcoat
Apply topcoat using a sponge. Use long even strokes to achieve full coverage. Allow drying. Apply a second and final coat. Allow to dry. Dulling Agent (sold separately) can also be added to Topcoat (No.7) to make it less shiny if needed. If hand application leaves a streaky finish, try mixing approximately 10% Colour (No.6) into your second coat of Topcoat.

Tips
Avoid touching the leather between coats during the restoration process as body oils could compromise coatings adhesion.

There is no 'normal' number of coats as each piece of leather is different and some colours build coverage faster than others.

Mild sunshine, a room heater or a hair dryer can be used to speed drying between each coat.

Avoid using Spot & Prep (No.4) or other cleaners (including water) on new coatings until they are cured (14 days).

If you find any blemishes, grit or hair in your coatings, allow a couple of days drying (or speed dry with a hair dryer) then lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper. Follow with additional coating over the affected area.

If at any time, you see coatings disturbance during the process (for example, Topcoat appears to remove some colour), the coatings are not dry yet. Allow further drying.

If leather filler is slow to dry, it may have been applied too thickly. Thin layers are best.

Maintenance

Touch up scuffs and general surface wear using the same process; clean then coat. Best results are generally achieved by treating complete areas.

1 kit is usually enough to recoat 1 steering wheel.

Coverage estimates are approximate. Your job may require more ore less product.

Ideal for: Repairing and recolouring a vehicle steering wheel.

Use with: The Leather Hero range of products

Application schedule: As needed.

Application method: By hand using a sponge or brush or by spray gun. Primer must be applied by hand.

Best accessories: Microfiber cloth, applicator sponge, sandpaper, brush, palette knife, gloves.

Instructions: On the bottles, under the How To tab on this website, under Directions For Use tab on this page.

Drying time: Touch dry in 1 hour, dry in 2 days and cured in 14 days. Leather filler may take more than 1 hour to dry.

Time before use: 2 or more days where possible.

Available separately: Yes, all products are available for purchase separately.

Tips: See Directions For Use.

Test before use: Test colour and Topcoat in a hidden location before use. If adjustments are required, see Sample Pots.

Storage: Do not store. The dropper bottles and filler pots are not air tight enough for long term storage. Use your kit within 2 weeks of delivery.

If possible, allow at least 48 hours drying time before using your steering wheel again. It takes 14 days for the coatings to fully cure. Extra care is recommended during this time to avoid scrapes or coating disturbance. After 7 or more days of drying, condition with Nourish (No.2) and protect with Protect (No.3). When dry, an optional step is to buff lightly to render a beautiful feel and finish.