Painting a steering wheel

f100matt · Post by **f100matt** » June 5, 2011, 1:12 pm

Looking for suggestions on what kind of paint/correct process for painting a steering wheel. Mine is in excellent shape, but it the wrong color. I think I will end up painting it black, but am not sure on what kind of paint would adhere best and would hold up well?

Thanks

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » June 5, 2011, 1:31 pm

Summit has acrylic urethane.

product info,
http://static.summitracing.com/global/i ... 0paint.pdf

BigMike · Post by **BigMike** » June 5, 2011, 1:49 pm

I think that any automotive paint will work.

I'm getting ready to paint my with an acrylic urethane enamel.

truckster · Post by **truckster** » June 5, 2011, 2:28 pm

don't forget a few coats of clear....that paint will need lots of protectin'

Max · Post by **Max** » June 5, 2011, 4:26 pm

I had a brand new repopped steering wheel - black. I treated it basically like a standard automotive paint job aside from the use of an adhesion promoter for plastic. I was painting other parts at the time so it made the process easier.

Keep in mind the steering wheel gets a lot of use. You want a good, solid foundation to last the wear and tear.

Wash with Dawn dishwashing detergent.
Scuff with red Scotchbrite pad.
Wipe with Wax & Grease remover.
3 coats of Bulldog Adhesion Promoter (for plastic).
2 coats of Epoxy Primer (SPI).
1 coat of reduced Epoxy Primer (as a sealer).
3 coats of metallic base (PPG).
3 coats of clear (SPI).

bit · Post by **bit** » June 5, 2011, 6:10 pm

use regular car paint but use base and clear the clear will hold up to your hands wear and tear

bit

Effie · Post by **Effie** » June 6, 2011, 3:23 pm

I think the paint needs to be somewhat flexible, like you would paint on fiberglass so that it doesn't crack.

I used whatever he gave me to paint my dash and for some reason I'm thinking its acrylic enamel. Its barely been a year and I have some very fine cracks in the paint at the joints.

I didn't use a clear because its a satin/semi-gloss red.

All steering wheel pics are here -
http://www.supermotors.net/registry/17895/73889
If I remember right, I think I did use a self-etching primer, just didn't take pics of that part of the process.

Just talked to body shop manager, he said its urethane based, but its not acrylic enamel, haha. The painter didn't answer the phone...I'll walk out there in a second and ask. Been meaning to ask what he painted the truck with anyhow.