I’ve been looking for an Irmscher wood effect steering wheel for some time but couldn’t find one at what could even be called a reasonable price.
On a recent thread I mentioned that I thought it would be possible to refurbish one by “painting” a new effect onto the damaged areas so I started looking for one on E bay.
I searched and eventually bought a Vectra Supertouring carbon effect one off E bay but it turned out to be a scammer >:(who didn’t send it and it took six weeks for PayPal to get my money back!!!!!!
Anyway I got lucky when another came upon E bay and I got it cheaper than the first one.
It was again an Irmscher Super Touring carbon effect wheel which when it arrived was in reasonable condition. The carbon effect had been damaged and the plastic protecting film scraped through, probably with a ring. This was exacerbated when the heat of the sun got to it causing it to lift and de laminate. The good point was that the leather was OK.
I prep’d the wheel by removing the clear plastic film and then taking the photo etched layer back to the plastic substrate until it was sound and fit for coating. This was done with 600, 1200 and 1500 paper ,wet.
The process involves applying a base coat ,in this case biscuit colour ( I use Farrow and Ball acrylic as it is heavy in Pigment and allows the formation of ribs in the paint which enhances the wood grain ) , and then a slow build up of the graining effect and then about four coats of varnish .
The graining requires artists pigment of Sienna, Umber, Raw Umber, Raw Sienna and Black in a water and vinegar medium applied with an array of brushes. I use Polyurethane varnish applied by brush which is de nibbed after each coat and then polished using 2000 grade paper wet on final two coats. Cutting compound and then a good Carnauba wax finishes it off.
The following are a series of photos of the process taking it from damaged to painted finish.
Unfortunately when applying the colour medium there is limited time as the mix has to be worked quickly so I couldn’t photograph the process mid application but I think you’ll see what’s being done.
All in all I’m happy with the finished result. Unlike furniture, which I make in the same way, I looked at three factory fitted “wood” steering wheels and realised that “less is more “when it came to the detailing.
Plan is to fit it next week after allowing it to cure thoroughly and I’ll post up a photo of on the car.
Cost? £30 for the wheel and a few enjoyable evenings in the workshop.
As bought
Prep'd
Base coat
Stage 1 Raw umber mix
Skip to final wet and dry polishing
Close up of graining
Finished wheel. The mark on the bottom right is the reflection of the table it's sitting on.
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Topic: Irmscher "Wood " Steering Wheel (Read 4104 times)