The leather interior of any vehicle personifies luxury and prestige. But over time, abrasions and other defects appear on the surfaces. It is impossible to avoid this, since nothing lasts forever. However, there is a solution - car interior leather paint.
There is an opinion that only reupholstering will eliminate all visible defects; in fact, painting is a more economical and effective solution.
Dry cleaning is also a good option, but there remains a high risk of damaging the surface due to the use of aggressive substances that harm the soft material. This can ruin all your efforts.
What is the advantage of paints?
This method of restoring the aesthetics of a leather interior has certain advantages, sometimes considerable ones. The obvious advantages of car leather paint include:
- Efficiency – complete restoration of all elements may take a maximum of 2-3 days. Compared to sheathing, this process takes two weeks.
- Dramatic changes - painting the interior trim allows you to change its color. Therefore, if you don’t like the old skin tone or are tired of it, you can easily replace it with a new one.
- Technology - thanks to the observance of elementary technology, the new layer will hide the old coating from view, which will significantly transform the interior of a leather car.
- Preservation of material – application of paint and varnish material (LCM) does not harm the surfaces of the car.
- Convenience of work - all the work can be done by any machine owner, without the help of specialists.
- Reasonable price - the cost of paints for the leather interior of a car is much lower than the cost of reupholstery.
Types of paints
We have figured out the advantages of coloring compounds, but, actually, how to paint leather interior trim? For such work, using the first product you come across in the store is unacceptable. It is worth knowing what type of paintwork to choose so that the coating lasts as long as possible.
Most often, acrylic paints or liquid leather are used to restore skin. An important point that influences the painting process and the result is the form of release of the product for car interior restoration. Creamy, paste-like and aerosol formulations are available on sale.
Acrylic products
These compositions are water-based with acrylic additives. They have versatility, which allows them to be used both for car interior repairs and for the restoration of other items - from shoes and clothing to belts, bags, and wallets. Most of them are relevant for leatherette, vinyl, and polyurethane.
Acrylic compositions, in turn, are available in different designs (this is where their versatility can be seen):
- aerosols:
- pastes;
- cream.
acrylic paint for leather Motip
Liquid skin
As practice shows, it is often the driver’s and passenger seats that quickly lose their presentable appearance. Liquid leather is optimal for carrying out these restoration work.
This is a thick composition, the consistency of which resembles glue. Depending on the manufacturer, the content may vary, but there are basic components present in all brands:
- sticky adhesive base;
- rubber resin;
- dye.
Thanks to these components, a damaged part can not only be glued together - it is possible to create relief areas on its surface. The only disadvantage of liquid leather is its price.
liquid leather liquid leather
Creamy products
The cream has a rich and stable color. This option is resistant to abrasion, so the surface can maintain its original attractiveness for 5-10 years (it all depends on how carefully the car enthusiast treats his car). The cream is applied using a cotton swab in several layers, due to its high absorbency. Only the use of this category of paints is inconvenient for those who are used to doing everything quickly. Due to the nature of the application, the work may take a certain amount of time.
Paste products
The paste is convenient because after its application it allows you to eliminate abrasions, minor scratches and other defects. It can be applied with a brush or gauze pad. Complete drying takes from 10 to 12 hours.
Aerosol paint
Aerosols can be considered unrivaled, since their use is accompanied by a high level of comfort. It is enough to spray the composition from the can and wait for it to dry completely. In addition, this is an ideal option for hard-to-reach places. The process of painting leather with spray paint does not take much time, which makes the whole job much easier.
Preparing the work area
There is no need to disassemble the steering wheel to carry out restoration work. This is a labor-intensive process, which in the case of an incompetent driver can damage the steering mechanisms. The interior can be protected by masking the front panel with plastic film secured with adhesive tape. This protects the surrounding parts from contamination with varnish. Read also: Repairing the cooling system of a Lada Kalina car.
To properly restore the leather on the steering wheel without damaging the paint on other surfaces, it is necessary to remove the steering wheel without damaging the mechanisms. To do this, disassemble it carefully and in the following order:
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery. This will prevent short circuit.
- Align the wheels and move the steering wheel to the straight ahead position.
- Loosen the screws and remove the covers.
- Loosen the steering wheel housing bolts and lift it up.
- Disconnect the connectors to which the airbag cables are connected using a screwdriver, without touching the airbag capsule.
- Mark the position of the rudder by placing a mark on it and on the main stem.
- Unscrew the nut and remove the steering wheel.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the trim panel and steering wheel pads.
- Carefully tape any parts that cannot be removed with tape.
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Popular brands
Everything is clear when choosing the type of paint for car leather, but what about brands - there is a whole variety of them? The most popular manufacturers of products for painting car interior leather are the following brands:
- Salamander Professional Leather. This is an aerosol dye. Contains lanolin, which protects and nourishes the skin. The pigments included in the composition increase the color intensity and provide excellent shine. Refreshes color and covers worn areas, provides care and protection. Convenient to paint large surfaces
- Liquid Leather. Ideal for any type of natural or artificial leather or suede. You can apply it as conveniently as possible - with a brush, sponge or pour it into a spray bottle. Durability is even longer - 7 years.
- Saphir. This is also another type of “liquid leather” for the car interior, which is suitable for eliminating large defects. With its help you can completely restore the shade.
- Twist Fashion. Aerosol version, so painting is carried out evenly, without streaks and stains. Does not contain ozone depleting substances. Thanks to Jojoba oil and fluorocarbon resins, the paint protects the surface well from moisture, salt, and snow.
- Motip. High-quality acrylic solution, which is intended for painting interior trim elements made of artificial or natural leather, as well as plastic and vinyl. The product is characterized by high elasticity, which protects the surface from delamination and cracks. The compositions are supplied for sale in 150 ml bottles and in different colors - green, turquoise, yellow, white, red, black, beige, blue, gray.
Dyeing process
Painting chairs or other finishing elements must be done in compliance with technology. Otherwise, the desired result will not be achieved. But how to paint leather elements? The process should be carried out layer by layer, and a new layer should be applied only after the previous one has dried.
If too much paint is applied, drips may appear. They can be removed with microfiber or any other lint-free material.
Preparatory stage
Before you start using paint, you must thoroughly rinse the surfaces of the elements to be treated. If we are talking about the entire finish, then the entire interior is thoroughly washed and dried.
Then, you need to inspect the seats and other elements for defects. To eliminate them, a special putty for leather is suitable. Armed with a small spatula, all that remains is to close the “wounds”. After this, let the putty dry.
Next, the parts to be treated (steering wheel, panels, other elements, including seats) should be degreased, which will help improve the adhesion of the car interior leather restoration product to the base surface. This procedure is performed with alcohol or other special means.
Anything that cannot be painted should be covered with masking tape. If the seats are subject to restoration, it is better to first remove them from the car. The same applies to all parts that are removed.
Painting technique
After completing the preparatory stage, it is time to restore the upholstery, seats or other parts. You must first carefully study the instructions, which contain important information regarding the use of the selected material. The fact is that the application technique may differ between different manufacturers.
The selected composition is carefully sprayed and rubbed in with a brush or sponge. When using a balloon, it should be kept at a distance of 15 cm from the surface to be painted and moved carefully, slowly. You should also not hesitate to avoid drips. The first step is to treat the most problematic areas, and then let them dry thoroughly.
It is necessary to apply from 2 to 4 layers of paint and each of them should be given at least 15 minutes to dry. As a result, the treated surfaces will sparkle with new bright colors, and defects will be reliably hidden from view.
Painting elements can significantly transform the interior of any car. After the work is completed, the car cannot be used for a day or two. Manufacturers of coatings indicate the exact timing in the instructions for the composition. Finally, it is recommended to polish the surface using special napkins or brushes.
Ways to eliminate skin defects
Today, elements of modern cars are widely covered in leather. So, this could be the steering wheel, front panel, side trim and seats. Despite the strength and high quality of the material, defects may occur on it, unsightly scuffs may appear on the steering wheel of the car, burnt spots on the seat from a fallen cigarette, and much more.
A common problem is scuffs, small cuts and cracks that occur as a result of heavy use of the car. But later they become visible, which disrupts the aesthetic appearance of the interior.
Such defects can be eliminated by re-upholstering or painting the leather. The disadvantage of the first method is that it is labor intensive and high cost. It will be very difficult to choose a material and an element to match the tone. And what can we say about the fact that performing such work will take quite a lot of time and effort.
Today there is still an opinion that the only way to eliminate defects in leather interiors is reupholstery. But, in fact, painting makes it possible to solve this problem quite quickly and without much expense.
Modern technologies and materials make it possible to eliminate not only abrasions and cracks, but also significant defects, such as deep cuts and tears. You can even solve the problem with burning places. The main thing is to carry out high-quality repairs and finally paint the surface of the casing.
Recommendations for saving the result
The use of the considered products for coloring leather chairs or other elements gives good results. This procedure helps restore the integrity of the coating, and the material regains its lost softness and elasticity. The effect of coarsening and shrinkage is eliminated.
But so that the work done does not turn out to be a waste of time, it is necessary to follow basic recommendations in order to prolong the restoration effect of painting.
- You should not transport animals on car seats, as their claws can damage the finish. Dogs and cats should be transported in special cages or use another vehicle.
- Objects with sharp corners and edges should also not be transported in the car. There is a luggage compartment or delivery service for this.
- If you need to chemically clean the interior, you should use products without aggressive components.
- If you use your car intensively, you should purchase a driver's seat cover. This measure will protect its upholstery and avoid scuffs.
Following these simple tips will allow you to enjoy the appearance of your car's interior for a long time.
How to paint car seats with your own hands - the price of the issue
After using the car for a long time, it is necessary to restore some parts.
In particular, interior elements that are actively used every day suffer. If fabric seats can simply be covered with a cover, then with leather things are more complicated. Painting the seats is one of the few options to get out of this situation without huge expenses. Automotive technicians can do this procedure for you, but they will charge at least 2,000 rubles for the work for the front seats and 3,000 for the rear seats. Many people may not like this price tag. You can restore the interior with your own hands, but here it is important to complete all tasks efficiently. If you decide to paint car parts yourself, it is important to choose good materials, choose the right time and do the job as efficiently as possible. When working with your own hands, the cost of restoring the interior of your car will decrease. But here it is also worth remembering such an aspect as the quality of the result. It is better not to approach this process without painting experience.
