Black Convertible Top Restorer: How to Restore a Faded Soft Top
To restore a faded black convertible top, clean it, let it dry, then feather Doc Bailey's Leather Black into the canvas a little at a time. It re-dyes the top back to black, waterproofs it, and dries completely so it won't bleed. It works on Jeep, Corvette, Mustang, and Miata soft tops, canvas or vinyl.
Why does a black soft top fade?
Sun, rain, and car washes wear the black out of the canvas. The top turns gray and chalky, water stops beading, and bird droppings and tree sap start soaking into the fabric instead of wiping off.
What does Leather Black do on a convertible top?
- Re-dyes it black. Real black dye brings a gray, chalky top back to an even, deep black.
- Won't bleed. The dye dries completely and won't run off in the rain or rub off on your hands.
- Waterproofs it. A wax blend leaves a hydrophobic finish. Water beads off, and bird droppings, tree sap, and tree tar don't soak into the canvas, so the top is easier to keep clean.
- Looks new, not detailed. No shiny, slick silicone finish that attracts dirt.
How do you restore a black convertible top without streaks?
The most common mistake is blobbing it on or rushing. That leaves a spotty top with streaks. Take your time and build the color up a little at a time.
- Clean the top and let it dry completely. Brush or rinse off loose dirt first.
- Load the sponge lightly. Put a little bit of Leather Black on the sponge, then rub it in with your fingers so it's spread evenly across the sponge.
- Feather it on. Lightly brush the canvas back and forth to gradually introduce the dye into the canvas. No blobs and no heavy spots.
- Go back for a second coat. Once the color is back and evenly brushed in, you can be more liberal with a second application. Work your way across the top gradually, and it darkens evenly without streaks.
- Follow the One-Hour Rule. It is touch-dry in seconds, but leave it about an hour, then lightly buff to pick up any excess you might have applied and to seal the waxes.
See it on a Jeep
This demonstration shows Leather Black on a canvas soft top, rubber trim, and weatherstripping:
Does it work on Jeep Wrangler soft tops?
Yes. Jeep owners use it on JK, JL, and TJ black soft tops, and on Gladiator tops. While the sponge is already loaded, wipe down the rest of the Jeep:
- Door surrounds and window frames
- Rubber trim and weatherstripping
- Rubber around the windshield
- Rubber running boards
- Tonneau covers
On rubber, use what's already on the sponge. Don't add more product. Rubber that has gone white from car-wash wax comes back to a natural, new-looking flat black instead of a shiny silicone finish.
Does it work on Corvette convertible tops?
Yes. Corvette owners use it on black canvas tops to bring them back to a deep, even black. Feather it on lightly, the same way, and build up the color in a second pass.
How often should you treat a convertible top?
Go by the top. When it starts to look gray or water stops beading, it's time. A car that lives outside in the sun will need it more often than one kept in a garage.
Restore your top for less than a new one
A new soft top costs hundreds of dollars. Get Doc Bailey's Leather Black instead. One bottle is $19.95 plus $5 shipping. Two bottles are $34.90, three are $49.85, and each additional bottle is $14.95. Orders of 2 or more bottles ship free, and every order is backed by a money-back guarantee.
FAQs
What is the best black convertible top restorer?
One that actually re-dyes the canvas and waterproofs it, instead of just coating it. Leather Black does both, dries completely, and won't bleed.
Will it streak?
Not if you feather it on. Spread a little product evenly across the sponge, brush the canvas lightly back and forth, and build the color up with a second coat.
Will the black run in the rain?
No. The dye dries completely and won't bleed off.
Does it work on vinyl convertible tops?
Yes. Leather Black works on black canvas, vinyl, and rubber.
What about a tan or gray top?
Leather Black is for black tops only. For other colors, use Doc Bailey's Leather Clear, which protects without changing the color.