Steering wheel restoration "Duplicating Texture"

[wtate]

Hello,

I'm restoring my steering wheel on my 1970 Roadrunner and have no problem with repairing the minor cracks and getting it ready for paint. My question is how to re-create the textured finish on the steering wheel. Its the black hard plastic type, (no fake wood).

I found one product which may work, which SEM Texture Coating #39854 any feedback on this product or any other information is much appreciated.

Best regards,

Wayne

 

[Officer Higgins]

Interesting project have to stay aware of your progress.

 

[SureGrip]

I don't think there's any way you can duplicate that with paint as the original was molded plastic/vinyl.

I've never done it, nor am I very knowledgeable, but I believe you'd have to 'stamp' the proper texture into the wheel to duplicate it. Sort of like they do with concrete.

Sort of like this:

 

[wtate]

Good thought on the creating texture. Just not thinking that heating up the plastic to the point where I can put texture back into the plastic is going to work. Because if the temperature isn't just right the whole steering wheel could just melt. I used to work for a very high end restoration shop and we used to re-produce some pretty amazing "just like original" finishes. I'd just never had exposure to this texture in plastic, and thought I might save time asking out into the forum. I'll give it a few more days to hear from those out there and then do more research with the "SEM Texture" (in my original post) product and whatever else I can find. If worst comes to worst I may have to buy a reproduction steering wheel, just not my preference given mine except for a few minor cracks is perfect. I'll let everyone know what I found.

 

[Officer Higgins]

That texture is reminiscent of a hammed finish.