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Your convertible car is, understandably, your pride and joy. Soft top vehicles are in a class of their own, adding style and sophistication that other cars lack.
However, without proper care and attention, the material can soon look drab and unappealing as green algae, mould and dirt spoil its looks. UV rays from the sun will bleach the colour, making the roof look faded and washed out.
Aside from regular washing, dyeing a canvas roof can be a great way to refresh the appearance of your vehicle and protect it from the elements.
If you need to know how it's done, here's the Leather Colour Doctor's guide on how to dye a soft top roof:
Before applying the dye, make sure the surface of the soft top is clean and free of debris. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the surface with a suitable detergent cleaner or a mild soap and water solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.
It's important that you don't skip this step, as you won't get the best results if there is any dirt left in the fabric.
The Leather Colour Doctor roof cleaner kit is great value, as it includes a degreaser/mould remover, dye and a silicone waterproofer. The mildew remover and degreaser is great for getting the surface clean before applying the dye. This great-value kit comes with a spray applicator for easy use.
Check out: How To Clean A Car Soft Top
Guard the rear window trim, glass and body work by applying masking tape around the edges, and use a wet cloth to immediately remove any dye that drips onto windows or paintwork.
Select a fabric/canvas dye that is specifically designed for use on convertible soft tops. Look for a dye that matches the colour of your soft top or choose a darker colour if you want to change the look of your vehicle.
It's not advisable to apply a lighter colour to a dark one! To change the colour of the fabric you will have to go darker.
Check out the Leather Colour Doctor website for a full range of high-quality hood canvas restorer dyes specially designed for the task. You'll find a great selection of colours, including dark blue, black, tan and bordeaux, all in air-drying thermo-setting co-polymer acrylic.
Check out: How To Dye Leather Car Seats
Before applying the dye to the entire soft top surface, test it on a small patch in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the colour is correct and that there are no adverse reactions.
Shake the bottle well first, then follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to apply the dye evenly to the soft top. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to apply the dye in a thin, even layer keeping a wet edge at all times, as you would with any water-based paint. Be sure to cover all areas of the soft top, including the seams and stitching, painting in one direction.
When applied evenly, the dye restores colour to your faded roof and makes it look fantastic once again.
Allow the dye to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours or even overnight. A hair dryer will harden dye and help it to set in, so feel free to use one if you can.
While one coat is generally enough, you might want to apply two coats of fabric dye if your roof is badly faded. This will provide a stronger colour that should last for a good long while.
After the final coat has dried, apply a protectant specifically designed for convertible soft tops, like the Carbusonic silicone weather-proofer*, available on the Leather Colour Doctor website. This will help to guard the surface against damage from UV rays and wet weather, reducing the risk of algae, mildew and mould.
As with the dye, it's wise to test a small amount on a hidden area first.
*Please note that this is not suitable for use on vinyl-impregnated fabric tops!
By following these steps, you can successfully dye your convertible soft top and enjoy a refreshed and protected appearance for your vehicle.
Now you've got your rag top looking fantastic, it makes sense to keep it that way.
Here are some tips that you might find helpful:
When you wash your car, always use a good quality car shampoo and include your roof, using a firm scrubbing motion with a soft bristle brush. Work outwards, starting at the centre section. Always use hot water and make sure that you rinse the soap off thoroughly.
Regular cleaning reduces the chance of fading and stains. Mould, mildew and algae are unlikely to form as they don't get the chance to become established.
Using a high-quality convertible roof cleaning solution at least once or twice a year. Although there are plenty of great brands on the market (Turtle Wax and Renovo products, for example), you might want to check out the convertible roof cleaner kit on the Leather Colour Doctor website, as mentioned above.
This kit includes a high-quality silicone waterproofer that will safeguard your canvas roof, protecting it from water damage and mould.
While it might be fine to use a pressure washer or power washer to clean the rest of your car, it's never a good idea to aim this at the roof, even when set to a low pressure as it may strain the seams.
Many convertible owners ask whether it's safe to take their pride and joy through a car wash. The truthful answer is - yes, but only if it's a modern car wash and a modern car (It would be unwise to take a classic or vintage car through one of these). Car washes are generally more gentle than they used to be, and convertible roofs are more robust.
Even so, this should only be a one-off thing and should not replace your regular washing schedule.
You should immediately remove bird lime from your convertible roof as it is acidic and will eat into the material. At best, it may bleach the material, leaving an unsightly spot.
Try wiping it off with a damp cloth first of all, but if it is too ingrained then add some canvas cleaner and scrub it gently.
Check out: Car Detailing Tips
We recognise that you want the very best out of your treasured possessions, which is why we offer an extensive selection of dyes and care products for car interiors, household goods and clothes.
Our website has a variety of high-quality products, including dyes that are suitable for restoring convertible roofs. These products are formulated by the celebrated Carbusonic brand, so you can be sure that they are of the highest quality and buy with confidence.
When your rag top is suffering from wear and tear and is in need of renovation, visit the Leather Colour Doctor's online shop to find the dye you need and return your convertible roof to showroom condition.
