How to Restore a BMW Faded Rear Window Shelf

[@VNEMUS]

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]

Awesome to hear, thank you for the kind words and the tips as well.

[@snap1282]

I did the excatct same thing except I used spray paint instead of dye. Came out perfect. Thanks for the upload.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you for the feedback! Which company of dye did you use, Dupli-Color??? And how did it feel after???

[@nicholasjr.2315]

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]

Thank you!

[@BagrCZ_96]

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]

If you're using the spray can version, I've heard using a brush helps keep it soft in between coats.

[@andrewstones2921]

Great video, very helpful. I'm attempting a similar job on a green dashboard panel in a smart car that is very faded.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@mikesavage8379]

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]

As mentioned in the video, required bottles will vary. I would use another bottle.

[@moneyshifters]

heat gun to remove old fabric then glue new one down.

[@callumliddle]

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?

[@peterclark1069]

Nice work. Thank you

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@AldershotDave]

How did you get the shelf past the seat belts?

[@brianpsx1]

How many oz of black dye did you need? Thanks!

[@nicholasjr.2315]

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]

I did consider it, although the fabric isn't available locally which made it a problem.

[@wretcheddog]

How much time did you wait between coats, if you have to wait for one night between coats it will take me one week?? 😂😂

[@darek4488]

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.

[@matster4160]

Does it not smell like vinegar? I saw people mix it with hot water instead would it make a difference?

[@4DIYers]

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]

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]

And thank you again for the content and the reply to my questions 🙏

[@4DIYers]

@@matster4160 no problem :) Yep, just regular white vinegar.

[@sflasurf]

How is the color holding up?

[@4DIYers]

Was holding up great up until I sold the car which was a roughly few months ago.

[@sflasurf]

Thanks. Going to give it a try.