Omar Khalid
Refurbishing a plastic steering wheel can be a straightforward process with the right tools and knowledge. The process involves cleaning the wheel, filling in cracks and scratches with a suitable compound, sanding, priming, and painting. Some common tools and materials used include plastic cleaners, adhesion promoters, sandpaper, filler compounds, primers, and automotive paint. While it is possible to refurbish a plastic steering wheel, it is important to consider the extent of the damage and whether it may be more appropriate to seek professional help or opt for a replacement.
Characteristics and Values table for refurbishing a plastic steering wheel:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic, wood, leather, chrome, PVC, vinyl, or a combination |
| Common issues | Cracks, fractures, stickiness, discolouration, loss of texture and flexibility |
| Cleaning products | Super Prep plastic cleaner, leather cleaner, dish soap and water, paint prep solution |
| Repair compounds | Epoxy resin, filler compound, PlastiFix, spot putty |
| Tools | Sandpaper, Dremel tool, triangle file, wooden popsicle sticks, plastic putty knives, microfiber towel, paper towel |
| Protection | Gloves, rubber gloves, black plastic bag, sunscreen cover |
| Painting | Primer, automotive paint, single-stage urethane paint |
| Other tips | Disconnect the battery, remove the steering wheel, widen cracks before filling |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning the steering wheel
Before refurbishing a plastic steering wheel, it is important to clean it thoroughly. This will ensure that any products used during the refurbishment adhere properly to the surface of the steering wheel and will also help to remove any dirt, oils, or grime that could interfere with the refurbishment process.
The first step in cleaning a plastic steering wheel is to remove it from the car. This will allow for more thorough cleaning and will make it easier to access all areas of the steering wheel. To remove the steering wheel, first disconnect the vehicle's battery by loosening the nuts holding the connector cables to the terminals with a socket wrench, starting with the negative terminal and then moving to the positive terminal. Then, remove the horn ring and mounting nut holding the steering wheel in place. Press down on the horn ring and twist it counterclockwise to unscrew it, then use a wrench or socket to loosen the mounting nut. With the steering wheel removed, set aside the horn ring and mounting nut somewhere safe, as they will be needed for reassembly.
Once the steering wheel has been removed, the next step is to choose an appropriate cleaning solution. For plastic steering wheels, a mild detergent or plastic cleaner can be used. Dish soap or a product specifically designed for cleaning plastic, such as Polyvance's Super Prep plastic cleaner, are good options. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the plastic. Apply the chosen cleaning solution to a sponge or microfiber cloth and gently rub it into the steering wheel, ensuring that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Pay particular attention to any cracks or crevices, as dirt and grime can become embedded in these areas.
After cleaning, it is important to rinse the steering wheel with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the steering wheel, and then dry it thoroughly with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the steering wheel is completely dry before moving on to the next step of the refurbishment process.
In addition to cleaning the steering wheel itself, it is also important to consider the driver's hands as a source of contamination. Oils, sweat, and hand products can transfer from the hands to the steering wheel over time, contributing to its deterioration. To address this, it is recommended to wear gloves while handling the steering wheel, especially during the refurbishment process, to avoid transferring oils from the skin onto the surface of the wheel. Regular cleaning of the steering wheel, even after it has been refurbished, can also help to remove any contaminants and maintain its appearance and functionality.
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Repairing cracks
Cleaning and Preparation:
Start by disconnecting the vehicle's battery and safely parking the car. Remove the steering wheel by first detaching the horn ring and mounting nut. With the steering wheel out, clean it thoroughly using a leather cleaner solution and a microfiber towel. If the steering wheel has extensive dirt, grease, or grime, use a paint prep solution before cleaning it. Put on gloves to protect your skin and the wheel's surface.
Filling and Sanding:
Once the steering wheel is clean and dry, it's time to fill in the cracks. Mix a filler compound or epoxy resin according to the product instructions. Use a hard plastic applicator or a wooden popsicle stick to fill and press the compound into the cracks and crevices. Work quickly as the filler starts to dry soon after mixing. Overfill each area slightly to compensate for shrinkage during drying.
After filling, use a paper towel to gently wipe off any excess filler, being careful not to remove too much from the low spots. Allow the filler to dry completely, then start the sanding process. Begin with coarse grit sandpaper (around 240-grit) and finish with finer grits (320-grit or higher) until the surface is smooth and even.
Priming and Painting:
After sanding, apply a primer to the steering wheel. Polyvance's E-Z Sand Waterborne Primer Surfacer is a suitable option, filling in any remaining scratches. Once the primer is dry, use a Dremel tool or a triangle file to widen the filled-in areas, providing more surface area for the next step.
Now, it's time to fill the widened gaps with PlastiFix, an epoxy product designed for this purpose. Allow the PlastiFix to cure, then sand it smooth again, using progressively finer grit sandpaper. Finally, spray the entire steering wheel with an all-seasons waterborne sealer, such as Polyvance's product.
Prevention and Maintenance:
To prevent future cracking and damage, consider using a leather cover or installing a high-quality steering wheel cover. Regularly clean and condition the steering wheel using leather care products to maintain its suppleness and protect it from UV damage.
Refurbishing a plastic steering wheel is a detailed process, but with the right tools, materials, and patience, it can be accomplished successfully.
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Sanding and smoothing
After cleaning, the next step is to fill in any cracks, gaps, or voids in the steering wheel. This can be done using a filler compound, such as epoxy paste or resin, which should be applied generously to ensure that it fills in all the damaged spots. Once the filler compound is dry, the sanding process can begin. It is recommended to start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 240-grit or 1000-grit, and gradually move to a finer grit, such as 320-grit or 2000-grit, until the surface is completely smooth. Sanding blocks or sanding strips can be helpful for getting into tight spaces and corners.
It is important to be cautious during the sanding process to avoid removing too much material and creating uneven spots. Once the steering wheel is smooth, it is essential to clean it again to remove any residue from the sanding process. This can be done using a paint prep solution or a plastic cleaner. After cleaning, the steering wheel should be dried thoroughly before moving on to the next step, which may involve applying a primer or sealer.
It is worth noting that if your steering wheel is vinyl, you may want to try cleaning it regularly and polishing it with shoe polish or a leather care product. If the vinyl is beyond repair, you can slice it open and install a high-quality cushioned steering wheel cover.
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Applying primer
When applying primer, it is important to ensure the steering wheel is clean and dry. Use a paint prep solution to clean the wheel, then lay it out on a plastic tarp, canvas drop cloth, or newspapers. Spray one side with the solution, then buff it thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process on the other side. You can use rubber gloves to avoid getting oil from your skin on the wheel.
Once the wheel is clean, you can begin to apply the primer. Polyvance's E-Z Sand Waterborne Primer Surfacer is a good option, as it is a high-build primer that will fill in sand scratches. Spray the entire steering wheel with the primer and allow it to dry.
After the primer has dried, you will be able to see any areas that still need work. Use a Dremel tool to widen the gaps in the steering wheel to give the filler compound more surface area to bond to.
Fill in the gaps with the filler compound, allow it to cure, and then sand it smooth. Use progressively finer grit sandpaper, starting with a lower grit and working your way up to a higher grit until the surface is smooth.
It is important to work quickly when applying the filler compound, as most compounds begin to dry shortly after being mixed. Make sure to fill every crack and crevice, and use a paper towel to gently wipe off any excess.
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Painting
First, you need to clean the steering wheel. Dishwashing detergent and water can be used, but it is recommended to use a plastic cleaner, such as Polyvance's Super Prep, to ensure the surface is free of any oils or residue. Once the steering wheel is clean, you can begin to sand it. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit, and work your way up to a finer grit, such as 600-grit or higher. Sand the steering wheel until it is smooth and free of any scratches, nicks, or damage. You can use a Dremel tool to widen the gaps in the steering wheel to give the filler more surface area to bond to.
Next, you will need to fill in any cracks, gaps, or voids in the steering wheel. You can use a product like Polyvance's PlastiFix, which is designed for hard plastics, or a filler compound. Mix the filler according to the instructions and apply it to the steering wheel, making sure to fill in all the cracks and crevices. Use a paper towel to gently wipe away any excess filler, then let it dry. Once the filler is dry, sand the steering wheel again with wet sanding paper, starting with a finer grit and working your way up to a higher grit, such as 2,000, to make the wheel completely smooth.
Now you are ready to start painting. Tape off any areas you don't want to get paint on, then apply a primer to the steering wheel. Polyvance's E-Z Sand Waterborne Primer Surfacer is recommended, as it is a high-build primer that will fill in any remaining scratches. Let the primer dry for at least one day, then sand it thoroughly again with 600-grit or higher sandpaper. Once the primer is smooth and ready, you can begin spraying on the paint. It is recommended to use automotive paint in the colour of your choice. Spray on several thin coats of paint or 2-K polyethurane acrylic lacquer at sufficient intervals to avoid drips and runs. Allow the paint to cure for about 24 hours before removing the tape. Finally, store the painted wheel in a clean location away from dust and debris to let it dry completely. You can apply a leather clear coat to protect the underlying surface from UV damage, abrasion, oils, sweat, and dirt, but this will dry to a glossy finish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, disconnect the vehicle's battery and remove the steering wheel. Clean the wheel with a plastic cleaner and apply an adhesion promoter. Fill in the cracks with a filler compound or epoxy paste and smooth it out with sandpaper. Apply a primer and sealer, then repaint the wheel.
You will need plastic cleaner, an adhesion promoter, filler compound or epoxy paste, sandpaper, primer, sealer, and automotive paint.
Disconnect the vehicle's battery by first undoing the negative terminal, then the positive terminal. Loosen the mounting nut holding the steering wheel in place and set it aside. Press down on the horn ring at the center and twist it counterclockwise to unscrew it.
You can use shoe polish to mask scuffs and make the steering wheel look better temporarily. However, this is not a permanent solution and may leave residue on your hands.
Use a steering wheel cover to protect the wheel from UV damage and wear and tear. Clean the wheel regularly with a leather cleaner solution and apply leather care products to prevent cracking and discolouration.
