Leather steering wheel paint removal?

[philnewmerc]

So the steering wheel rim (the bit you hold) has a painted finish (as most leather seats do too) and I think because of using alcohol gel hand cleanser the finish has softened becoming tacky in the sun. Question: if i totally remove this coating with alcohol/acetone is the bare untreated leather underneath ok to leave as is?
My other cars with leather wheels always felt like real leather (like a leather belt finish) whereas the Merc feels like it has very thick paint on it and is artificial.
Hopefully someone can advise? Cheers

 

[clk320x]

the finish has softened becoming tacky in the sun

Try giving it a good wipe clean with baby wipes first

 

[philnewmerc]

Try giving it a good wipe clean with baby wipes first

They make it worse as they have alcohol in... Softens the paint, makes it tacky