Cleaning the headlining

Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:59 pm

Hello, I've just removed the backseat of my S2 4-door and found that the immaculate"brown" headlining of my car is actually a grubby grey headlining!

I want to get it looking the same colour as the clean spots behind the top of the backrest, but not sure of way to go, in case I scrub too hard etc and rip it.

Any ideas?

Cheers,

Phil

Post by **ssnjimb** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:13 pm

Mine is the same.

Someone has obviously owned the car who smokes. There is a line of nicotine across the car.

How on earth do i remove it.

I wish there was such a product that is like an ink eraser pen that you can just use to remove stains.

James

Post by **taupe** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:42 pm

Decosol vinyl cleaner is good.

Available from motor factors etc and have seen it in some petrol stations?

Post by **polo2k** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 6:11 pm

Ive had good results on a modern car by making a runny paste which can be "iced" onto the headlining and then scrubbed with a stiff nail brush.
you need to be as gentle as you can cos the headlining may strech with the motion, or it might shrink when it dries so probably a good idea to get a scrap piece and try on that.

Post by **purplebargeken** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:59 pm

If the headlining is in good condition but very stained it can be degreased with meths and apply several light coats of white satin emulsion with a small roller.

I have done this a few times with various cars (Rovers and Triumphs) to good effect. Obviously if the desired finish isn't white then you are a bit stuffed.... unless you go to B&Q or similar and get it colour matched to the original hue. Just make sure you cover things up otherwise spatter might be an issue. Ken

Post by **andrew.searston** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:16 pm

sounds a good idea does it leave any streaks from the roller????????. i havent got the funds to replace the headlining at the minute but how do i fix the holes in it. any ideas anyone??????

Post by **andrew.searston** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:19 pm

ive cleaned mine today cif is the best stuff to use it cutts through that horrible brown/yeloow filth.

Post by **purplebargeken** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:12 pm

It was always ok when I did it. Guess the proper prep helped. Holes.... hmmm. Dunno, sorry.