Has anyone ever tried to apply clear finger nail polish to the buttons on the steering wheel to try to preserve the printed text, arrows, etc from wearing away?

I wore the markings off of the control knob of my dogs shock collar transmitter after a few weeks. I asked the supplier if there was a way to keep this from happening. He recommended applying clear nail polish. I tried it on a replacement transmitter they had to send me when the old one died, and so far so good.

Anyone tried to apply this to the buttons on the steering wheel? Not sure if there could be issues with the polish and the plastic not being compatible, and you'd have to apply it to near-vertical surfaces, but I thought I would ask. I know it is only a matter of time unitl I wear the text off of the seek buttons.

how difficult is it to remove the buttons? If it isn't too difficult, it might be better to take and have them clear coated at a body shop. I'm guessing the nail polish will leave streaks or brush marks.

After one year my buttons dont even have a hint of fading and I use them all the time. It's the buttons on the radio that have an issue with fading.

:eek: DD, how does the dog take to all that use?

The dog doesn't seem to mind it that much, but you ought to see the Ol' Lady jump when I use it to administer an attitude adjustment :D !

But on a serious note, do the steering wheel buttons hold up pretty well? I don't think that I would be exaggerating if I said that I hit the 'prog' or up down arrows at least 50 times a day, everyday, chasing some song I like better on a different XM channel.

Mine are worn and have been sometime, so are the ones on the radio. About a year or so after I bought my truck this started, although I am in the truck alot.

1. I don't know if i could go to the drug store and buy clear nail polish. Might have to buy a hole bunch of condoms or something... just not not look gay.

2. If you don't go to the store... how awkward would that convesation with the misses be?? "Hon, seriously... stop using my nail polish!!"

:lol:

you could tape off the buttons and just lightly mist the clear coat over it. it seems scary painting in the interiror make sure the windows are down and mask everywhere. I painted my whole colum in my 72 in the truck and it turned out great

The dog doesn't seem to mind it that much, but you ought to see the Ol' Lady jump when I use it to administer an attitude adjustment :D !

But on a serious note, do the steering wheel buttons hold up pretty well? I don't think that I would be exaggerating if I said that I hit the 'prog' or up down arrows at least 50 times a day, everyday, chasing some song I like better on a different XM channel.


Are you sure the writing has worn off or is it just dirty. Try cleaning the bottons with a damp tooth brush

mine have worn off, it's white plastic.

I use mine all the time and haven't had any problem with wearing... on the steering wheel controls. I do notice the 'info' button on the radio wearing out, that's about the only one I ever touch.

I was actually just noticing how well the steering wheel controls have held up.

If you were that worried about it you could probably apply a clear sticker to it, something like the 3m exterior protector, but less heavy duty.

OMG you guys are cracking me up! ):h I laughed so hard I cried! Poor dog...poor WIFE! haha

I don't know about using fingernail polish to cover the knobs. Fingernail polish tends to yellow after time and also it will dry out and chip.

My work truck - an S10 - has a $hit load of miles on it, and the radio buttons (on the rare occasion that I clean them) look like new. I wish the buttons on the nav units held up as well. :mad:

The paint wore off of my radio on/off button and I replaced it with a new one. Fearing a repeat I brushed on 2 coats of clear water-based polyurethane. I was afraid that the solvent in an oil-based covering might take the paint off, but I don't know this. The color changed slightly, and the lettering blurred slightly, so it' doesn't look quite as good as it did out of the box, but it looks way better than the one I replaced.

Supposedly, the nav radio buttons on the '06 models have been updated with a more wear resistant type of paint. I don't know, however, if the new paint really makes a difference or not... You can purchase replacement buttons or knobs for your nav unit or radio through Specmo. They are $10 each.

I just took my truck in for the EGR issue but I also told the service writer to take a look at the volume button on the steering wheel. My truck is less than a year old and this button's color has already started to wear off. We shall see if GM replaces it under warranty.

Let us know how the clear polish works. I'm sure this will be my only free replacement

The dealership actuall had the buttons in stock and replaced them. No questions asked. The EGR replacement is another issue. The service writer acted like it was a big deal to get the part and put it in. The new valve is coming from the engine plant and will take the better part of a day. He said "most of the top of the motor has to come off to replace the EGR valve." It will be blocked and sticked within a few days of getting it back. No more EGR issue :)