How to Restore a Steering Wheel with ColorBond
Life is rough for a steering wheel. It receives constant abrasion and wear. Rings scratch it. Dirt and body oils stain it. It gets baked in the sun. It begins to look sad. It’s time for steering wheel restoration therapy.
But how do you restore a steering wheel? You could send it to a shop for a professional restoration; however, the steering wheel restoration cost might be prohibitive. Or you could save money and do the job yourself. The important thing is to use a quality product designed for this purpose. Some folks have tried using standard spray paint and found it doesn’t turn out well, and when paint is used on leather surfaces, it doesn’t look natural.
When choosing a coating for steering wheel restoration, strong adhesion is essential so it can withstand daily wear without peeling or separating. It also needs to be durable enough to handle high heat without cracking or fading.
ColorBond LVP OE was designed with automotive environments in mind. It forms a tough and long-lasting bond with the surface of leather, vinyl, or plastic without peeling, flaking, or cracking. It dries within 40 seconds and bonds within 10 minutes. So, the steering wheel can be used shortly after you’re done coating. Perhaps best of all, it looks great and doesn’t obscure fine-grain surface textures. ColorBond is trusted by Ford Motor Company for interior repairs on their assembly lines. ColorBond LVP OE is the only aerosol car interior coating available in OEM-approved colors, with more than 150 colors available.
How Much Does it Cost to Restore a Steering Wheel?
If you’re considering professional steering wheel restoration, the cost can add up quickly. Depending on the type of work needed, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars or more.
For example, having your steering wheel rewrapped in leather by a professional typically costs anywhere from $150 to $450. If you’re only looking to have it repainted, that service usually falls in the $250 to $300 range.
For many vehicle owners, those prices make a DIY solution a much more appealing option.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Restore a Steering Wheel
Restoring your steering wheel with ColorBond is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. Taking your time and doing each step properly will help you get a finish that looks great and holds up over time.
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface
When you’re ready to restore a steering wheel, start by removing all dirt, body oils, conditioners, and any other contaminants from the steering wheel. These can prevent proper bonding and lead to poor results. Use ColorBond Prep Cleaner for best results, as it is specifically designed to clean automotive interior surfaces.
If the surface has rough spots, lightly sand the area to smooth it out, working from a lower grit up to a finer grit if needed. After sanding, wipe the wheel down again to remove any dust or residue.
For improved adhesion, especially on hard plastic surfaces, apply ColorBond Adhesion Promoter before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Apply ColorBond LVP OE
Once the surface is clean and prepped, apply ColorBond LVP OE in light, even coats. Avoid heavy spraying, as multiple light coats will produce a more natural and consistent finish.
ColorBond dries in about 40 seconds and begins bonding within 10 minutes, so you can move efficiently through this step without long wait times.
Step 3: Allow Proper Drying Time
Although the coating dries quickly, give it a little extra time to fully set before heavy use. This ensures maximum durability and helps the finish resist wear, heat, and daily handling.
Step 4: Enjoy the Results
Once complete, your steering wheel should look refreshed without losing its original texture. The finish will feel natural and hold up to regular use, giving your interior a clean, updated appearance without the cost of professional restoration.
Steering Wheel Restoration Examples
The leather on Scott Jones’ 2005 Ram steering wheel was damaged by frequent exposure to the mosquito repellent on his hands. To start his steering wheel restoration, he cleaned the wheel with denatured alcohol. Then addressed rough spots in the leather by lightly sanding with 100-grit and up to 1000-grit sandpaper. Then, a final wipe down with the alcohol. Adhesion Promoter and ColorBond LVP OE came next. Scott used one can of ColorBond LVP OE, Prep Cleaner, and Adhesion Promoter at a cost of $40.00. In comparison, a good used Ram Steering wheel typically runs $100.00 to $135.00. A professional restoration would most likely be more.
2005 Ram Steering Wheel Looking Refreshed
Elvis U. says: “Very easy to use. Loved it. I will definitely use this product again in the future for other vehicles.”
Gary Archer used Prep Cleaner and ColorBond LVP OE to change the color of his wheel for $24.00. A new custom wheel would be about $350-400.
Avoid expensive steering wheel restoration costs and make your steering wheel happy again with steering wheel restoration therapy by ColorBond!
Why Is ColorBond the Best Choice to Restore a Steering Wheel?
Not all coatings are created equal, and a steering wheel is one of the worst places to cut corners. It is constantly handled, exposed to heat, and subject to daily wear. Using the wrong product will almost always lead to disappointing results.
Standard spray paint might seem like an easy solution, but it is not designed for flexible interior surfaces. Paint simply sits on top of leather, vinyl, and plastic materials rather than bonding with them, which leads to peeling, cracking, or a sticky feel over time. It also creates a thick coating that can hide the natural texture of leather or vinyl, leaving the wheel looking artificial.
ColorBond LVP OE is specifically engineered for automotive interiors. Instead of just coating the surface, it bonds at a molecular level with leather, vinyl, and plastic. It creates a durable, natural-looking finish that holds up to heat, resists wear, and maintains the original feel of your steering wheel.
Restore Your Steering Wheel Today with ColorBond!
You don’t have to spend hundreds on professional restoration to restore a worn, faded, or damaged steering wheel. With ColorBond, you can bring your steering wheel back to life yourself with a finish that looks natural and holds up to daily use.
Take control of your restoration project and get professional-looking results at a fraction of the cost. Get started with ColorBond today!
