Can you dye a jeep soft top

First NameJonathanJoinedFeb 4, 2022Threads2Messages21Reaction score10Location47882Vehicle(s)2021 Wrangler Unlimited Willys

Mar 28, 2022

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Has anyone noticed their regular soft top dye running onto the paint after it rains or the top gets wet? I notice it in the corners mostly. It wipes off the paint easily, but was just wondering if this was a common thing. Late 2021 build.


 

Can you dye a jeep soft top

JP29

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First NameZachJoinedJun 14, 2020Threads17Messages492Reaction score801LocationOlatheVehicle(s)2020 JL Sport

Because most tops on convertible cars are made of vinyl, over time they can begin to fade and look dingy, particularly if they are a lighter color such as tan or beige. You can always replace your top with a new one, but that might be a waste of money and time if the top is fundamentally sound and not torn. Instead, you can dye the top and, in the process, restore it to a like-new condition. You can also easily change the color of a lighter top to a darker color that will hide dirt and discoloration.

Step 1

Buy the vinyl convertible top dye. Forever Black offers a very good convertible top dye called Black-Top, which will dye your top a black color (See Resources 1). There are also companies such as PDH that make dyes in a variety of colors. (See Resources 2)

Step 2

Clean the top thoroughly with mild soap and water. You can use a cleaner such as Simple Green or even dish washing liquid. Use a detailing mitt and plenty of water. Finish the cleaning job with a soft bristle brush, scrubbing the top until it is completely free of dirt. Let the top dry overnight or in the sun for an afternoon before applying any dye.

Step 3

Mask off the paint, windows and anything else near the top to avoid getting any dye on them. Also, make sure you wear old clothes and rubber gloves to avoid getting dye on your skin.

Step 4

Apply the top dye according to the directions on the package. Using a new, soft paintbrush, start in the middle of the top and move outward. Apply the dye in one direction and ensure that there is even coverage.

Step 5

Apply between two to three coats of dye to get consistent coverage. Let the top dry for at least 24 hours. Apply a weather-proofing product such as Scotchgard Auto Protector.

References

  • Ragtop Restoration

Things You'll Need

  • Mild cleaning agent and water
  • Washing mitt and soft bristle brush
  • Masking tape and paper
  • Top dye
  • Rubber gloves
  • Paint brush
  • Weather protectant

Writer Bio

William Zane has been a freelance writer and photographer for over six years and specializes primarily in automotive-related subject matter among many other topics. He has attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, where he studied automotive design, and the University of New Mexico, where he studied journalism.

If you own a convertible and spend a lot of time with the top in the up position, where it is subject to bright sunlight, rain and other elements, it’s probably looking a bit faded. Installing a new top is always an option, but if your existing top is not torn and is structurally sound, then buying a new one might just be a waste of money. Dyeing a top is an option that many convertible car owners have taken advantage of.

Reasons for Dyeing a Top

There are a couple of reasons that one might want to consider dyeing a convertible top. The most common reason is that the material that the top is made of has faded or become dirty from years of being exposed to the elements. A faded convertible top can detract greatly from your car’s appearance. Dyeing the top instantly transforms it. The other reason for dyeing a top is to alter the appearance of your vehicle. Suppose you own a vintage sports car with a nice tan top, but you don’t like the color and think it would look better in black or even a darker brown. You can dye the top a different color and, in the process, drastically alter the appearance of your vehicle. Just keep in mind that you cannot dye a darker color to a lighter color, but it is relatively easy to dye a lighter colored top to a darker color.

Types of Dye

There are several companies that offer dye for convertible tops. One of the criteria for deciding which type of dye to use is what material your top is made of. Most tops are made of either vinyl or cloth, with vinyl being more common and inexpensive. Both of these types of tops can be dyed with the proper approach and materials. If you have a vinyl top, then try Black-Top dye from Forever Black (see Resources section) For fabric tops, use a fabric dye like the kind that Rit makes (see Resources section).

How to Dye a Top

The first step in dyeing your convertible top is to clean it thoroughly. Use a mild soap and water. Soak the top with water and then scrub the top with a soft bristle brush that has been dipped in the soap and water, cleaning the entire surface of the top as thoroughly as possible. Once the top is cleaned, let it dry overnight or in sunlight. Apply the top dye with a paint brush, starting in the middle and brushing it on evenly and in one direction onto the entire surface of the top. You may need to apply three or four coats to get complete and thorough coverage. When you dye your top, make sure that you mask off any of the areas near the car to avoid getting dye on them, and wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dye on. Be sure that you leave the top in the up position for a few days after you dye it to ensure that the dye cures and fully soaks into the top.

References

  • AutoMedia: Ragtop Restoration

Writer Bio

William Zane has been a freelance writer and photographer for over six years and specializes primarily in automotive-related subject matter among many other topics. He has attended the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, where he studied automotive design, and the University of New Mexico, where he studied journalism.

Can you convert a soft top jeep to hardtop?

Unlike all other types of convertibles, Jeeps are capable of turning from a soft top to a hardtop and back again, all through a simple process. Because of this, it's one of the only 4x4s that's entirely suitable for both inclement weather and sunny days.