Imola Red Interior E92 M3

[tdott]

Originally Posted by doogee

If you're referring to something like what Anuk did to his E46, that is not a redye lol.

I live in FL now where interiors don't last, I've seen a lot of dye/restoration jobs down here, I can even point you to places that do it. My opinion is formed from my experience of seeing many different types of jobs, more done by professionals than not.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

I fail to see how applying dye and clear on top of existing dyed and cleared leather is the same as repainting a car.

Your factory leather is painted with a primer, color and clearcoat. Even the grain in your leather is fake and is applied via a press. No one strips an entire car down to metal to repaint. But sure if you really wanted you could strip the leather down. The factory dye or "paint" can be removed with rubbing alcohol.

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

FWIW, I actually used OEM grade leather dye when I redid my E46 seats, including scuffing the top (cleared) layer of the stock black Dakota leather enough to promote adhesion. I didn't just " slap paint" on them

From what I remember it was some all in one paint you brush or dab with a sponge? That is not OEM grade whatsoever lol. I'd love to know what brands are using that! The OEM stuff MUST be applied via a spray gun, with properly mixed hardener and heat. All in one products are meant for small touch ups and are not designed to last the life of the vehicle.

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

I've yet to see redyed leather look and feel identical to the original product. Durability is another question.

You just haven't seen it done properly.

For the record I'm not trying to shit on your for the job you did on your E46. I only learned about all of this in the last year and was pretty blown away myself. I always assumed factory leather was actually "dyed". I'm just trying to spread the word.

You cannot compare what the OP is doing to people buying bottles of paint and brushing it on their seats.

Yeah, if you paint your car with Tremclad it's probably going to look like shit and not last.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by tdott

I live in FL now where interiors don't last, I've seen a lot of dye/restoration jobs down here, I can even point you to places that do it. My opinion is formed from my experience of seeing many different types of jobs, more done by professionals than not.

Hey I cant argue with your experience.

I've done a few steering wheels on my own cars. This thread will probably be dead by the time it matters but I'll try to report back on how they last. Probably the most heavily used part on the interior minus the shift knob which I want to do on the M3. The OEM coating even on the factory shift knobs only lasts maybe 2 years. Mine is missing all of its clearcoat off the top already.

Here are a couple 50/50 shots. I did this as a test. When I went to sand down the 50/50 line to spray the entire wheel, I could not remove it. The hardener makes the dye so tough, it cant be sanded off.

[shakywarrior]

It's been awhile guys lol

I've decided to strip the full interior including panels. I'm going for the Extended Leather minus under side of the dash...but I might change my mind and just pull the dash...time will tell lol.

I got a few things from Harbor Freight to smooth the process out as well. I'm trying to make this perfect.

[BlueM3Wagon]

Originally Posted by shakywarrior

It's been awhile guys lol

I've decided to strip the full interior including panels. I'm going for the Extended Leather minus under side of the dash...but I might change my mind and just pull the dash...time will tell lol.

I got a few things from Harbor Freight to smooth the process out as well. I'm trying to make this perfect.

Great job man, love the confidence

[lancerr]

Originally Posted by tdott

Starting from raw materials is different than dying 10+yr old leather.

I stand by my statement I haven't seen a re-dyed interior last and hold up, by all means prove me wrong, best of luck to the OP.

Went to a local auto upholsterer and he said the same thing and refused to die my leather any other color than what it was. I showed him the pic in this thread and he said it would start cracking and looking like crap. That’s really too bad since this color looks sick. Best of luck op. Let us know how it turns out.

[doogee]

Originally Posted by lancerr

Went to a local auto upholsterer and he said the same thing and refused to die my leather any other color than what it was. I showed him the pic in this thread and he said it would start cracking and looking like crap. That’s really too bad since this color looks sick. Best of luck op. Let us know how it turns out.

Again he doesn’t even know what products are being used. When done properly, a redye will last just as long as the factory finish. Companies/people that do this work professionally don’t make these claims simply to be bitched out by a customer for lying about how long it will last.

An upholsterer is not someone you want to find to change your interior colour.

Here is a pretty decent video about the “correct” process.

I finally did my steering wheel and shift knob. Turned out great.

[6ixSpd]

^That video is porn. Wow.

[shakywarrior]

Originally Posted by lancerr

Went to a local auto upholsterer and he said the same thing and refused to die my leather any other color than what it was. I showed him the pic in this thread and he said it would start cracking and looking like crap. That’s really too bad since this color looks sick. Best of luck op. Let us know how it turns out.

Completely stripped Driver Door Panel..... I'm doing it the best I can. As to the guy who's business you went too; he knows nothing about what I've researched and the prep I'm taking so LOL. Hope I don't take from his business... jk

It's coming along men.

[HeavyArmZ]

The seats looks great! Can you post the link to the HVLP spray gun you used? Been wanting to do a fox red interior swap, but might have to try this first.

[shakywarrior]

Decent. I needa better spray gun.

[Jonzny]

Seats look great!

[patroklai]

Sub'd