Painting the steering wheel airbag surround.

[Babytank]

Most high mileage X's get wear around the steering wheel from friction of the drivers hands. Eventually the white and plastic shows through. Why they used white when the could have used black plastic is beyond me.

Step one remove airbag with battery disconnected.
Then remove the surround removing clips carefully. Unscrew the buttons from the surround.

Step two, using denatured 90% alcohol remove all old paint rinse and let dry.

Step three, using duplicolor HPV106 Flat Black (standard off the shelf) paint many light coats to prevent runs. After several light coats that you feel confident in a thick coat. Allow to dry.

Step four reinstall.

(I get no benefit from duplicolor, just what I got my hands on)

[jsoto]

I would just replace it with a new one or send it off to get rewrapped IMO

[itscoo2pyopants]

would love to see pics how it turned out. I've plastidipped mine. after 2 years it is starting to wear through again. Was thinking about going the traditional paint route (maybe even wrap in vinyl?)

[Joshdub]

I wrapped mine in flat black vinyl. Matches the top portion pretty well.

[StephenVA]

+1 for just ordering a new trim piece. It was one of my first improvements on my 40,000 mile sav beast when I purchased it. Hate that key ring bang and scratched look that so many of our vehicles are subjected to. Part is cheap and a 1-2 hr remove>clean and protect>dry>reinstall and buff off effort. Plus it give you the chance to completely clean and treat the leather wheel. Also the chance to upgrade to the thick wheels if you have the non M style steering wheels. Just make sure you have the right wheel and air bag combo. D vs Round ones.

[Ricky Bobby]

^ +2 on buying a new trim piece - I am still thinking about getting the lower silver trim to match my Titan trims on my pre-facelift sport wheel - my black trim is fine

[TiAgX5]

You missed one CRITICAL step that prevents automotive paints like Dupli-color from separating/blistering/peeling off plastic, Bulldog Bite.

Custom shops that refinish OE interior panels swear by the stuff.

This stuff even makes paint stick to chrome bumpers!

[Babytank]

After 7 months and 7000mi still looking factory

[TiAgX5]

That's good.

Just pointing out, however good the adhesion was, it could have been better.

[David D]

I've always wondered if PlastiDip would work?

BTW, Anybody have their steering wheel restitched/recovered? The stitching on mine is coming undone.