Dynamix Seat Refurb

[charlieb]

Hi Gents,

Just thought I would share the following for anyone whose leather looks a little tired and they would prefer a fresh appearance.

I ordered a kit from Dynamix Dyes as they stocked the Linen Color. (There are others out there - and will all achieve similar results I would guess)

Its quite a lengthy process, and I apologise for not really any pictures of the 'before/during' stage, since I just got stuck in and didn't look back. Took a couple of days to do properly taking time to make sure each coat was thin and dried properly before applying another.

There are lots of guides out there, but the kit came with a decent run through of what to do. Also I read an FAQ by a member on here which can be found on the tech articles above.

I ended up buying a mini compressor which really helped (after using the supplied air canisters which were OK but not great).

I think it has made a marked improvement to the seats appearance.

This is the drivers seat - I had some scuff marks on my bolster where I get in and out and now I think looks pretty decent.

However the passenger seat actually looks factory fresh. [8D]

Working on a few other bits on the interior so will do a post when its done.

Cheers,
Charlie

 

[944 man]

This reminds me that I need to buy an airbrush.

 

[edh]

Looks great - but where's the "before" shot? []

I used Dynamix stuff on a pair of Linen Sports seats - came up pretty well considering the condition they were in.

 

[charlieb]

Thanks!

Yes - thinking about it I should have taken more but had dye all over my hands. []

This is about the only one I have of before actually of the drivers seat before I started the job.

Looking at that now I am pretty pleased! []

Cheers,

Charlie

 

[944 man]

I have two sets of leather seats which would both benefit from a freshen up, and have been meaning to do this. Theres quite a leap of faith required, though. The thought of sanding perfectly useable seats makes me anxious! []

Three sets - Ive just remembered that I have a set of Mk2 MX-5 seats to do too. I will probably start with those, if I ever start.

 

[charlieb]

Indeed. I ordered the kit, It arrived, I went outside and stood looking at them for a minute or two going through all the what ifs while I finished my coffee, not really convinced there was much wrong with them. Then then caffeine kicked in.

About twenty minutes later I had set up an impromptu spray booth using a garden chair and some boxes, sat atop was my perfectly use-able passenger seat and I was attacking it with meths and sandpaper.

This accounts for the lack of photos - before I knew it I was in too deep []

Certainly gets worse before it gets better!

In reality its no harder than (spray) painting anything, proper preparation leaving a clean working surface and then nice even, thin coats.

I say go for it. []

 

[Craigybaby]

Cracking result there Charlie, good effort. Has anybody seen the "dream car garage" you tube vid where he attempts seat restoration on a BMW? Hilarious. I recommend it for a laugh. And also his review of a lovely red lux, lasts about 25mins , including 24 minutes of summing up. Well worth a watch.

 

[JagdHamster]

That's really good, Charlie; very nice finish.

If anyone has an airbrush and compressor of their own, I reckon you could buy the Cleaner, Creme, Putty and Dye for about £65. (£30 less than the Medium Kit)

Russ

 

[eddieedmo]

looks good , Dynamix are the best products I have tested which are available to the public , agree that a small compressor and airbrush/gun is a must for a good finish.

Nick
www.leatherupholsterycare.co.uk

 

[944 man]

Can anyone with experience of this recommend a small and modestly priced air brush, please?

 

[944 man]

ORIGINAL: charlieb

Cheers - hadn't quite compared the two side by side until this post so am chuffed now looking at it.

As hinted at above, if I did it again, I would buy the dye kit less the air gun, and pick up a craft compressor and air gun package from elsewhere (mine came from LIDL on a whim and was 49 quid for those interested) Granted its not pro grade but, I am not a pro, I am sure with a bit more research you could get a better one. []

Charlie

Compressors and air tools are currently on special offer in Lidl. No sign of the tea boxes yet, though...

 

[DC911SC]

that looks as good as new to me - well close enough! I like the lustre / non gloss finish!

 

[eddieedmo]

ORIGINAL: 944 man

Can anyone with experience of this recommend a small and modestly priced air brush, please?

I use Badger 250 series , not expensive and good , clean as soon as finished !

Nick

 

[944 man]

Agreeably cheap! Thanks Nick.

 

[944 man]

Nick, as I already have a fair sized compressor, I was wondering about a getting a small orbital sander to use on the leather seats that I want to refurbish. Whats your opinion on this: will it help or would I be better sanding by hand?

 

[eddieedmo]

ORIGINAL: 944 man

Nick, as I already have a fair sized compressor, I was wondering about a getting a small orbital sander to use on the leather seats that I want to refurbish. Whats your opinion on this: will it help or would I be better sanding by hand?

By hand ! just gentle sanding only on areas that are rough , the redying process will smooth out most slight roughness which occurs after stripping the surface to remove any finish remaining , before applying the dye.

Nick

 

[944 man]

Thanks. Bought a new windy gun and getting a little carried away...

 

[944 man]

A further question Nick: before I buy a Badger 250, they all seem to come with a short hose and a propellant can adapter - how do you power them from a conventional airline/regulator? Is there an adapter available or do you make something up yourself? 30psi isnt a lot but Id sooner buy than make if the kit is available.

 

[Eldavo]

I got a combined pressure regulator/moisture trap from B&Q and bought an adaptor for the airbrush hose.

 

[eddieedmo]

Yes you can buy adaptors to link direct to the compressor moisture trap/regulator.

Nick