Interior armrest paint/dye?

[Yukongk]

My armrests on the door panel have faded. Are there any dyes or wraps/covers to restore this part? I know I'm not the only one with this problem.

 

[quadboy75]

clean with a degreaser and a brush to remove any wax, dirt etc, then you can use a shoe polish of the same or similar color to restore the original luster and color, or you can use trim kote dye from detail king, both of these work well for me.

 

[Yukongk]

clean with a degreaser and a brush to remove any wax, dirt etc, then you can use a shoe polish of the same or similar color to restore the original luster and color, or you can use trim kote dye from detail king, both of these work well for me.

Interesting, I thought the color wore off and wouldn't be restorable. I will try the shoe polish. Thanks

 

[josueh95]

thats only dirt that gets in between the cracks..using a brush and a good cleaner will make it look like new

 

[Yukongk]

Well, we were both right, unfortunately (wish I was wrong). I cleaned all the dirt out of the cracks but there are areas where the color is faded/missing and looks like a dull grey. Looks much better though.

 

[Yukongk]

Anyone ever wrap the armrest with a vinyl wrap or anything else that would work?

 

[Yukongk]

Update: after extensive research, I think I found the solution to everyone's dash and interior paint peeling problems.

Here is a pic of my painted armrest. I chose the wrong finish (low gloss) and should have picked a medium or high gloss. I also repaired my dash where the Shale color was chipped in a few areas. Next I'm going to order the pewter color and repair the top of my dash.

 

[turq]

What was the process and products you used?

 

[Yukongk]

What was the process and products you used?

I bought dye colorants, topcoat and primer from Leatherworldtech.com

Clean the armrest with a prep cleaner and green scuff pad.

Apply primer with a foam brush and acrylic brush to get those hard to reach places. Once dry, apply a second coat (1 hour if you use a hair dryer or 8+ hours if air drying)

Apply colorant with foam brush and acrylic brush. The first coat always looks like crap, but don't worry, the streaks will go away with each coat that you put on. I used 4 coats to get complete and even coverage. Use a hair dryer to speed up drying, otherwise you will have to apply a coat or two over a couple days.

Apply topcoat (semi gloss clear coat). I used a few coats of topcoat.

* I'm in contact with Leatherworldtech because my paint isn't very durable on the armrest. When my sleeve buttons or watch hit the armrest, I sometimes get a small tear in the paint. I've used their colorant on my dashboard/interior plastics and leather seats and they are VERY durable. I'm trying to find out if they have a "harder" topcoat or if my methods for this type of vinyl were incorrect. I wi report back once I hear from them. The tearing isn't terrible but I am concerned with the long term.

 

[turq]

Thanks!