How to Restore a BMW Faded Rear Window Shelf
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
How to restore a faded rear window shelf on a BMW by dying the fabric. For this, I am working with the rear window shelf from a 1997 540i. This can fade quite badly over time due to sun exposure and age. You can even use this method if you want a color change on the fabric too. Originally, this car had black fabric and due to the fading it’s now a light purple. Removal processes will vary, I do have a removal procedure specific to this vehicle so be sure to check it out. As a basic overview, I had to remove the C pillar trim, head rests, seat bottom, and then seat back. I do not have a fold down rear seat either. Remove all the trim pieces on the shelf panel. I have already removed the speaker covers, child restraint covers, and seat belt trim. The fabric still remains very soft, unlike some other spray dyes where it may become rough after it has dried. #BMW #upholstery #BMWe39
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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-fabric dye
-vinegar
-spray bottle
-soft paint brush
-vacuum
-bucket of hot water
-paper or plastic barrier
Procedure:
-to remove the rear vent panels, flip the shelf over to access the clips, push the clips and then pull the vents out
-do the same for the head rest trim too
-I would recommend vacuuming the piece of trim first, be careful when doing this as it can mark very easily
-if you have any stains, then I would recommend shampooing the panel then, otherwise this may affect the dying process
-for dye, I picked up some from the local craft store which is intended for fabric
-shake up the dye so it’s throughly mixed, I used a small spray bottle, 114ml or 4oz of dye and then filled the rest of the bottle with vinegar to help the dye bit into the fabric
-total solution in the bottle was 455ml or 16oz. I used about half the bottle of dye in the first round
-use a soft brush, such as a pain brush to help move around the fibres first
-a soft brush won’t damage the fibres but it allows them to move around so the fabric can be dyed evenly without blotches or shadowing
-apply enough dye so it soaks into the fabric and is damp, but not too much where it’s dripping and will cause drying problems
-wear rubber gloves and clothing which won’t matter if you get dye on it
-once done with the first coat, I took it inside and allowed it to dry overnight
-for the second coat, while it’s dry use the brush to fluff up the fibres and move them around in case they’re stuck together and would cause any dying issues
-again using the exact same process, apply the dye and use the brush to move the fibres around when wet
-when applying dye or placing it somewhere to dry, lay down plastic or work in an area where the dye won’t damage something
-the third coat, using the brush to move around the fabric just like before while spray the dye evenly over the fabric
-the forth coat ended up being my last coat
-allowing it to dry over night, just like in between each coat
-as some tips, do not over saturate the area so it takes longer to dry and damaged the glue bond between the panel and fabric
-I waited a few days before reinstallation into the car as well.
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Пікірлер: 30
I recently followed this method and achieved great results on the rear deck panel of my e46 M3! However, I used a different ratio of the RIT dye & white vinegar in hopes of getting a darker finish with less coats. I used 8oz. of RIT dye and 16oz. of white vinegar (24oz.) in a spray bottle, pre-warmed in a bucket of hot water. The 24oz. mixture allowed me to do 3 separate coats over the course of 3 nights. I also used a paint brush, as suggested, to evenly work the dye into the fabric. After the 3rd coat dried, I brought it out into the sun and I could no longer see a difference between the un-faded parts vs. the rest of the deck that was fully dyed. I decided to hold off another 5 days before reinstalling it, in case the vinegar smell was going to bother me. Ever since I reinstalled the rear deck panel, I cannot smell it at all and it looks SO good now, whether glancing in the rear view mirror or looking in from outside under direct sunlight! Thank you for making this video!
@4DIYers
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome to hear, thank you for the kind words and the tips as well.
Great video, very helpful. I'm attempting a similar job on a green dashboard panel in a smart car that is very faded.
@4DIYers
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you :)
I did the excatct same thing except I used spray paint instead of dye. Came out perfect. Thanks for the upload.
@4DIYers
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the feedback! Which company of dye did you use, Dupli-Color??? And how did it feel after???
Nice work. Thank you
@4DIYers
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
My blind is cracked and I have already ordered a repair kit. I also plan to paint it because it looks exactly like on the video. I also want to use a spray, I will try dupli color and I hope the result will be worth it. Love my 2002 530d restore project!
@4DIYers
2 жыл бұрын
If you're using the spray can version, I've heard using a brush helps keep it soft in between coats.
Dam good job, I suppose patience is the key in most all paint/color projects as you allowed 4 days to cure and not rush the process..
@4DIYers
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Another great video, thank you. A question for you (or the community): on taking my rear seat out, I found the two bolts at the bottom backrest to be missing. I can’t seem to find the part number on RealOEM or elsewhere - do you know if a regular 10mm x 15mm bolt will do?
I tried this exactly as described. I couldn't get it dark enough after 6 coats. Mine was no more faded than the one shown. Mixing dye and vinegar in anything close to ratio described results in a grayish solution.
@4DIYers
6 жыл бұрын
As mentioned in the video, required bottles will vary. I would use another bottle.
@moneyshifters
3 ай бұрын
heat gun to remove old fabric then glue new one down.
How many oz of black dye did you need? Thanks!
How much time did you wait between coats, if you have to wait for one night between coats it will take me one week?? 😂😂
How did you get the shelf past the seat belts?
How do I choose a dye? Am I supposed to buy different brands and try them out on old cloths? I don't live in USA. EDIT: I found an importer. It's expensive, but I don't feel like risking unknown products.
Did you maybe consider installing a new fabric? If so,, What would be some pros, cons ? I am currently doing the same project, same car and shelf resto, but i only thought of fabric as to the fix..update you on how mine turns out. Mines called Beemer on a Budget.Thx for the vids
@4DIYers
2 жыл бұрын
I did consider it, although the fabric isn't available locally which made it a problem.
Does it not smell like vinegar? I saw people mix it with hot water instead would it make a difference?
@4DIYers
4 жыл бұрын
The smell of vinegar only last for a week. Vinegar helps the dye bite into the fabric as it is a light form of acid.
@matster4160
4 жыл бұрын
Oooh u see, so then to do my cars carpet it would be better to use vinegar instead of hot water? Was it white vinegar?
@matster4160
4 жыл бұрын
And thank you again for the content and the reply to my questions 🙏
@4DIYers
4 жыл бұрын
@@matster4160 no problem :) Yep, just regular white vinegar.
How is the color holding up?
@4DIYers
6 жыл бұрын
Was holding up great up until I sold the car which was a roughly few months ago.
@sflasurf
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Going to give it a try.