door panel UV / sun damage

[CA116]

Is there any hope for repairing UV/sun damage on the outer edge of door panels? To my surprise, I have searched around and haven't seen anything on the forum related to this question.

I have always used a sun shade to protect the dashboard of my W116, and it is luckily in pristine condition. However, the outer edges of the door panels that face the windows are showing considerable darkening. (These are tan panels matched to a Bamboo leather interior.) Curious to hear if anyone has had any success!

[raueda1]

The panel skins are PVC, along with the wire insulation, cable tubing, most interior stuff and more.  As PVC degrades, whether from UV, heat, or both, it tends to turn brown or even black.  The washer hoses under the hood are another example.  They started out clear and gradually discolor to various shades of brown.  Unfortunately there's no going back, the damage is done.  Eventually it also becomes brittle.  So, the only fix is "dyeing," which I think is really more a kind of painting.  Some here have great experience with this technique and can certainly offer guidance (looking at you, Robert!).  Cheers,

[floyd111]

May I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.

[raueda1]

May I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.

Bleaching might improve the color but it won't do the plastic any good.  Bleach is a very strong oxidizer and oxidation is the root cause of the discoloration.  Best to paint, as you say.  Cheers,

ps- welcome back, by the way!

[BMA]

I guess you mean that, have the same problem .....and interestingly, only at both doors at the driver side (LHD)

[nathan]

dont' attempt it yourself, but look up a local 'vinyl dye' specialist.  I was sceptical about it but saw some pieces done, and it looked good.  I am not sure how it would hold up if you were constantly loading or rubbing the area, but if its a non contact area, it wont be an issue.

[rumb]

I've had fantastic results using Leatherique dyes. It's a very durable coating. They may even have a standard color that matches your car.

[daantjie]

I've had fantastic results using Leatherique dyes. It's a very durable coating. They may even have a standard color that matches your car.

Indeed Leatherique is good stuff.  If you send them a swatch they can colour match the dye.

[BMA]

that's a good tipp! Many Thanks!
....I made very good experience with an Austrian Company producing leather protection and excellent other products to refurbish the leather coating. They also repair and color leather. Company is called: "Ledermax". Will call them and ask for a dye in bamboo.

[floyd111]

May I also add that bleaching them with anything known may or may not help, but it will very likely come back to a worse color with a vengeance, after some months.

My best info is to purchase Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray.
Heard these are solid products.

Bleaching might improve the color but it won't do the plastic any good.  Bleach is a very strong oxidizer and oxidation is the root cause of the discoloration.  Best to paint, as you say.  Cheers,

ps- welcome back, by the way!

BTW, I gave the Rustoleum vinyl primer and vinyl spray a go, refurbishing a mid console seat cushion for the W116. It really works well. Must say that depending on the condition of the item, you may need more layers of vinyl spray than you may have calculated