Steering Wheel Paint

[spacebiscuit]

Is there a particular paint to use when spraying a steering wheel? my fear is that the paint will come off since it will be in contact with the drivers hands, or should a well cured spray paint be fit for purpose.
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[SGKent]

why are you painting the steering wheel?
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin

[spacebiscuit]

Some cracks were repaired with a white resin and sanded back smooth.

Plus I have restored the entire dash and it is shiny new and my ICD is taking over
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[vocho_702]

I am also curios about this, but I think that whatever is on the wheels is not paint. It seems to be more like a plastic dip or like you said resin. But I also don't see why a good prepped paint job wouldn't stay on there for a long time. No expert here though, just a thinker.
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Life is short, enjoy the ride...in a VW

69 Sunroof Beetle-AirheadParts Treffen 18
DD-70 Baywindow Camper-AirheadParts Treffen 21

[spacebiscuit]

Yes agreed - I am not entirely sure that it is painted and the last thing i want to do is ruin an otherwise decent steering wheel hence my question. Curious to know how it is finished....
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[SGKent]

you can try cleaning it with lacquer thinner, spray Bulldog on it then SEM GM Black. Repeat the Bulldog and Sem GM Black vinyl spray. That is how I painted the dash after speaking with the local car paint supplier. It holds up well.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin

[spacebiscuit]

Just found this:

About Wheels

http://www.thebugshop.org/bsfqstrg.htm

[aeromech]

Knowledge dump:

I've refurbished several steering wheels. I've always started with a wheel that wasn't in terrible shape. The hub area needs to be pretty well intact in my opinion.

I use a pencil grinder to route out the cracks and then fill them with a two part epoxy putty that sets up hard within a couple hours. Then finish sand and prime.

I used a two part primer here

Finally I apply the top coat which in this case was a three part automotive paint

I don't worry too much about the outer ring because I always install a wheelskins leather wrap

To make things simpler, a person might try one of these paint kits from Amazon. Get the gloss or flat black color

https://www.amazon.com/DuraCoat-Shake-Spray-Kit-Color/dp/B01GNZRYAE
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Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[spacebiscuit]

Awesome job - just what I was looking for
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[spacebiscuit]

What is a 2 part primer? Does this have additional chemical added?
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[aeromech]

[vocho_702]

Just as I thought, a well prepped and painted, with good materials job should do the trick. Thanks Aeromech, for that perfect example. I am gonna give it a shot as well now that I have this knowledge “dumped” on me! I would also like to see how you refiinished the dash, SGKent, as mine is looking pretty worn out. Thanks a ton folks, I appreciate every bit of info.
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Life is short, enjoy the ride...in a VW

69 Sunroof Beetle-AirheadParts Treffen 18
DD-70 Baywindow Camper-AirheadParts Treffen 21

[spacebiscuit]

I'm glad that I posted the question. I was considering using a regular matt black out of a spray, sure it may have looked nice but I am sure within a few days I'd be left with more paint on my hands than the wheel"
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1972 Type 2 1600cc
1990 MKII Golf 1.6 CL

[Amskeptic]

[Sven F]

Use two component epoxy putty to fill in cracks (not body filler, it will crack)
Wetsand whole wheel in 400 or 600 grit
Use a silicone remover/degreaser because plastic/backelite absorbs all those oils from your hands.
Use plenty of plastic primer (not regular primer you use for sheet metal!!!) This is what bodyshops use on plastic bumpers on modern cars, it's usually transparent with a metallic shine. Without this step, the paint will peal off 100% certain.

Use automotive paint of your choice. Let paint cure for a week.

Do not use aerosol spray cans for any of the steps, only a paint gun. Aerosol paints are unstable, they never cure properly and are sensitive to chemicals, it will turn to a goey, sticky mess.

Following these steps the paint will never come off with regular use or become sticky, but if you wear metal jewelry on your hands while driving, you will eventually scratch the surface.

[74 Thing]

I second the Wheelskins leather steering wheel wrap when you are done!

Don't use spray enamel for the top coat. Use a good 2 part urethane. You can now get them in spray cans with the activator in the bottom portion (the cans run around $25 each and are a one time use). Make sure you wear proper breathing protection if using these 2 part paints.

[Jalabert]

I'm having difficulty finding the wheelskins cover online or in NZ. I'm contemplating stitching two small leather covers together at the spokes - does that sound like a dreadful idea? Hard to tell exactly how the joins are dealt with.

I'm looking at this for painting the wheel, seems to be the most likely solution that's locally available.

https://www.duplicolor.com/product/vinyl-and-fabric-coating/
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'73 westy, 1700 type 4 with 34icts

[tractoman]

[ivwshane]

I wonder if a low temp powder coat would work. The steering wheel would need to withstand 300°/15 minutes or 280°/30 minutes.
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77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab

[SGKent]