Making a stained headliner "white" again?

[schuetz1619]

My headliner is in perfect condition except for substantial water stains caused by a sunroof leak that went undetected for some time. Is there a means of re-whitening it that will look somewhat like new? I know nothing about vinyl dyes / paints etc. and start from ground zero.

 

Thnak you.

[HBChris]

SEM Vinyl Paint in Ranger White is a direct match.

[BarrettN]

No personal experience but I've heard the "Goop" brand hand cleaner used with a nail brush works well. 

[Mike Self]

One of the items in the old (1979) BMWnospaceCCA Tech Tips book was to use Comet cleanser and a fingernail brush.  Comet has bleach in it and will whiten stains.  Make a thin paste of the cleanser and gently scrub with the fingernail brush, wiping it off with a damp sponge as you do a section. 

 

I've used it in the past and it worked quite well, although messy as it'll drip on you (and the upholstery).  Use towels, wear a ball cap, and have a damp towel to wipe up drips.  

 

And a final caveat.  When this was written those headliners were only a few years old, so be gentle with the material now as it assuredly more brittle than in the 70s.

 

mike

[jgerock]

Westley’s Bleach Wite is one older brand. Also Tilex. Also Spray Nine.

[jp5Touring]

I used a Magic Eraser on a headliner and had pretty good results.

[stephers]

Brake kleen works quite well as well

 

Thanks, Rick

[Hans]

3 hours ago, jgerock said:

Westley’s Bleach Wite is one older brand. Also Tilex. Also Spray Nine.

I've read about using Tilex years ago.

[tech71]

5 hours ago, Mike Self said:

And a final caveat.  When this was written those headliners were only a few years old, so be gentle with the material now as it assuredly more brittle than in the 70s.

 

3 hours ago, stephers said:

Brake kleen works quite well as well

Seriously?  That’s some powerful solvent

[gtc]

2 hours ago, tech71 said:

 

Seriously?  That’s some powerful solvent

 

More on Brakleen:

 

Don't Use Brakleen to Clean Everything in Your Shop

WWW.ROADANDTRACK.COM

---

Think twice before squirting this ubiquitous solvent.

 

Wait, did I say moron? - No disrespect intended.

Edited February 15, 2023 by gtc

[Tommy]

I have used SEM vinyl paint with success. I tried cleaning but anything I had didn't work and thought that it's more risky to try some really heavy stuff than just paint.

[Conserv]

Start with GOOP, escalate if and as needed. SEM paint if all else fails.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

[fsf517]

1 hour ago, Conserv said:

Start with GOOP, escalate if and as needed. SEM paint if all else fails.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

best approach , agree, gentle attempt to scrub and if that wont satisfy you, then commit to the dye spray paint.  with a thorough tape-masking and light fan coats of  paint with can held back from material some 20 inches or so.  I find the cans work better if you warm them up in a pitcher of hot  water, more even pressure.  do not attempt it without completely masking interior.  Remove visors , handles, light etc. 

[TobyB]

We use Magic Eraser at work on hideously expensive projection screens.  

 

So if the milder suggestions don't work, it's worth a try.

 

t

 

[tech71]

10 hours ago, gtc said:

Wait, did I say moron? - No disrespect intended

Disrespect  percieved/received.