Suggestions in dying seat belts....

What have you successfully used to dye seat belts? Mine are faded where they are exposed to the side window (I have the retractable style). I asked a SEM technical support person about using "Color Coat" (which is recommended for carpets) and this was his reply:

We don’t recommend our vinyl coatings for seat belts. This would result in a stiff finish that may interfere with proper retraction of the belts. Also, there may be a durability issue because of the tightly woven structure of the belts."

Some people have used the Color Coat with success, but I wondered if there is anything else out there that works well and is easy to apply (hoping "not" to remove the seat belts from the car).

Any suggestions would be appreciated....
Art

 

I used SEM on my Rear belts to get them looking good for car shows since I couldn't find an NOS set. They did come out very stiff. This is good for me ... I don't use them and they stay in place pretty well in the back due to them being stiff like cardboard ....

I wouldn't use SEM on seatbelts that you need to use ... The best thing would be to go to an upholstery shop and have them redone with new material. Pretty sure this can be done. I bought a set of NOS front belts and shoulder straps for my car so I didn't have a problem.

Here you go ..

http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

 

Expensive, but worth it when you want the seatbelt to do it's job. http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/

 

I did a Google search on seat belt dying and one hit suggested using a product called "Dye-Na-Flow". Here is the web site:

http://www.jacquardproducts.com/products/paints/dyenaflow/

 

I also came across another car forum where someone used black "Kiwi instant shoe polish". That sure would be quick and easy, but I wonder if that would rub off???

Art

 

If the fabric has turned white from exposure to UV then the belt should be replaced. The fabric has already been weakened. If you are just using it for show that is ok but if you are expecting it to save your life then replace the belts.
I am sure there are places that will install new belts on your old hardware.

 

Oh no, they aren't bad, just faded a little bit. I just want them to be nice and black again.....

 

I used rit dye on black belts with great results. Only downside was that the label got black also. Maybe I should remove the stitched label, and then have it sewn back on.

 

black fabric dye. Of course you will have to remove them to do it,but it works well.
Doh!!! beaten to the punch.

 

i used black liquid shoe polish .worked great didnt rub off

 

ART: I run a shoe store I sell alot of Fiebing's leather dye ($5.00 a bottle) for dying seat bealts. I have used it, it works GREAT but don't spill it or get it on your hands it really makes things black & doesn't come off easy! Alittle bit goes a long way, it is like water so it soaks in both sides. It does dry dull looking and you have to buff up your fabric again to get the shine back but it is very color fast. If you can't find some I would be glad to send you some just email or PM. Good Luck!

 

Yep, old thread, I know. A word of warning: I couldn't find any Fiebing's dye, so I tried Lincoln brand instead. BIG MISTAKE After it dried that stuff would rub off on your fingers, clothes, etc very easily. I spent a few days soaking/cleaning/scrubbing/soaping to get the damn stuff off. I think I have most all of it out now.

 

Did you buff it after you first applied it? Like GrabA72Mav mentioned above?

 

Yup, but the shine/buffing was not the problem. The color would come off when you buffed, and it would rub off on your skin and any cloth. Bad stuff.

 

I used Mar-Hyde fabric dye. Try a craft store like A.C. Moore or Michaels and check out dyes for fabric.

Seth