DIY Leather restoration - My weekend experience (Pictures)
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm always looking at improving my cars so this weekend, I found a little time to look at my XJR: Conditioning the interior.
The Leather is very good with the only exception being the drivers seat. In the photos, the bolster looks really nasty. In reality it wasn't as obtrusive when viewing the entire interior as you may think - It's actually a very well looked after car!
Before:
I began by thoroughly cleaning the interior with "Energen S". I've used this stuff for years. It's very cost effective and gives great results. I applied it using a small nail brush and then wiped clean with a soft cloth, repeating as necessary:
http://www.autovalet-supplies.com/Chemical-Product...
Once the ingrained dirt was removed as best as possible, I gently wet-sanded the large cracks to lose the edges.
I used warm soapy water with 800 grit paper at first, using very gentle pressure. After this, I applied 1200 Grit until satisfied with the reduction in cracks.
Note: If you are too harsh, the leather grain will be lost so my advice would be to keep this as local as possible to the cracks which you are trying to reduce the appearance of.
Once happy, I applied leather feed then wiped with a soft, dry cloth.
I had ordered some Leather dye which was colour matched to my interior (Oatmeal) from this seller on eBay. (I purchased the larger bottle). There's a sea of products available but thought this was a good starting point as they mentioned the colour match...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330927071237?ssPageName=...
I've always been dubious about this sort of thing (especially the before/after pics!). However thought I'd give it a go!
I applied the product using a foam sponge (provided) in thin layers "dabbed on", allowing to dry each time. Once dry, I applied feed again to soften and finish the paint. I'm really impressed with the results and couldn't have asked for more.
I only did the bolsters on the edge of the seats which included the perforated sections, so it's essential that this was colour matched. The rest of the ingrained dirt came off easily with the Energen-S cleaner.
Here's the results - Judge for yourself!
After:
If anyone is thinking about doing this then I would say go for it. It's really easy and very straightforward - the results have transformed the interior back to how it should be!
Productive few hours!
Gallen.
I'm always looking at improving my cars so this weekend, I found a little time to look at my XJR: Conditioning the interior.
The Leather is very good with the only exception being the drivers seat. In the photos, the bolster looks really nasty. In reality it wasn't as obtrusive when viewing the entire interior as you may think - It's actually a very well looked after car!
Before:
I began by thoroughly cleaning the interior with "Energen S". I've used this stuff for years. It's very cost effective and gives great results. I applied it using a small nail brush and then wiped clean with a soft cloth, repeating as necessary:
http://www.autovalet-supplies.com/Chemical-Product...
Once the ingrained dirt was removed as best as possible, I gently wet-sanded the large cracks to lose the edges.
I used warm soapy water with 800 grit paper at first, using very gentle pressure. After this, I applied 1200 Grit until satisfied with the reduction in cracks.
Note: If you are too harsh, the leather grain will be lost so my advice would be to keep this as local as possible to the cracks which you are trying to reduce the appearance of.
Once happy, I applied leather feed then wiped with a soft, dry cloth.
I had ordered some Leather dye which was colour matched to my interior (Oatmeal) from this seller on eBay. (I purchased the larger bottle). There's a sea of products available but thought this was a good starting point as they mentioned the colour match...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330927071237?ssPageName=...
I've always been dubious about this sort of thing (especially the before/after pics!). However thought I'd give it a go!
I applied the product using a foam sponge (provided) in thin layers "dabbed on", allowing to dry each time. Once dry, I applied feed again to soften and finish the paint. I'm really impressed with the results and couldn't have asked for more.
I only did the bolsters on the edge of the seats which included the perforated sections, so it's essential that this was colour matched. The rest of the ingrained dirt came off easily with the Energen-S cleaner.
Here's the results - Judge for yourself!
After:
If anyone is thinking about doing this then I would say go for it. It's really easy and very straightforward - the results have transformed the interior back to how it should be!
Productive few hours!
Gallen.
Edited by Gallen on Monday 17th June 13:09
You've reminded me I need to do some door cards. Was it cheaper than going direct? www.liquidleather.com
I've been doing something similar with some old leather BMW seats, but with a full colour change. I have the Furniture Clinic kit but is comes with a sealer you apply after the colour to help with the wear, just put the colour dye on didn't seem that wear resistant.
I guess for just filling the cracks though its maybe not needed than if you were covering a whole bolster. Great result anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkIXY_ODCZQ
I guess for just filling the cracks though its maybe not needed than if you were covering a whole bolster. Great result anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkIXY_ODCZQ
Edited by Mr_B on Monday 17th June 15:43
I'd be interested to see how the seat wears. I used Liquid Leather on the side bolsters of some 205 half leather seats. All was great for a while and then leather started going oaten again, so regular re-applications were going to be needed to stop this. I know leather seats are labour intensive but I didn't f fancy this job every couple of months.
Don't wish to hijack this thread, but someone mentioned Furniture Clinic. I had one of their guys look at the entire interior of my Facel Vega Excellence today - it was the unwitting subject of an ongoing dismantlment (yes, I did just make that up) of the brakes (seriously)in 1972 - and he gave me some very good news, that all the interior leather was recovrable for a very reasonable price. They do similar things to bolsters as our original poster did at the weekend. Anyone else have experience of them?
Bob CD said:
Don't wish to hijack this thread, but someone mentioned Furniture Clinic. I had one of their guys look at the entire interior of my Facel Vega Excellence today - it was the unwitting subject of an ongoing dismantlment (yes, I did just make that up) of the brakes (seriously)in 1972 - and he gave me some very good news, that all the interior leather was recovrable for a very reasonable price. They do similar things to bolsters as our original poster did at the weekend. Anyone else have experience of them?
Yes me, and they did an excellant job on some very tired 1968 Maserati seats and interior trim. They did the whole lot including replacing some damaged flutes within the back seats and some other repairs:-
This was the condition of the interior after many decades of sun bleching and sweaty backsides. The original colour was matched from a section under the rear armrest and Craig at the Furniture Clinic, Gateshead made them look like this:-
I've used the surplus colour to refresh the leather inserts to the ashtrays and gearbox tunnel using an airbrish and again the results are first class, very pleased indeed.
Paul
Good job there. Not to dampen your spirits too much, but I did this one year ago and the worn patches are starting to show through again.. and that is having covered maybe 2000 miles in the car. For the cost I would still say it is still worth doing but don't kid yourself this will last for years.. ultimately it is a lightly rubberized paint covering that soaks into the leather but eventually it does wear off.
Gallen said:
£32.50 for 250ml.
I don't know if Liquid Leather do the special paint or just cleaner? Either way, cheaper!
ETA: I've used the Scuffmaster before but it wears off over time whereas this product is permanent.
G.
Unless I'm missing something here, what you have bought from Ebay was Liquid Leather's Scuffmaster which is £19.95 for 250ml. But you've bought it from Ebay for £32.50?I don't know if Liquid Leather do the special paint or just cleaner? Either way, cheaper!
ETA: I've used the Scuffmaster before but it wears off over time whereas this product is permanent.
G.
The Surveyor said:
Yes me, and they did an excellant job on some very tired 1968 Maserati seats and interior trim. They did the whole lot including replacing some damaged flutes within the back seats and some other repairs:-
This was the condition of the interior after many decades of sun bleching and sweaty backsides. The original colour was matched from a section under the rear armrest and Craig at the Furniture Clinic, Gateshead made them look like this:-
I've used the surplus colour to refresh the leather inserts to the ashtrays and gearbox tunnel using an airbrish and again the results are first class, very pleased indeed.
Paul
I am inspired! I live outside UK so I have ordered their colour change kit. How hard can it be?This was the condition of the interior after many decades of sun bleching and sweaty backsides. The original colour was matched from a section under the rear armrest and Craig at the Furniture Clinic, Gateshead made them look like this:-
I've used the surplus colour to refresh the leather inserts to the ashtrays and gearbox tunnel using an airbrish and again the results are first class, very pleased indeed.
Paul
Hopefully changing this from Blue to Black.
Leather already restored but it didnt give it the look I wanted so I think Black is the way forward!
Will post the results when I have done!
Esprit interiors are pretty horrendous.
This was mine:
I have found that a dab of coloured boot polish works miracles on leather seats.
I had some bright red stuff for the Lotus and it made an incredible difference. You just need to make sure that you buff it thoroughly otherwise you end up with it on your clothes.
Given that a tin of boot polish can be had for 99p it is a pretty cost effective way of bringing bolsters back to health.
This was mine:
I have found that a dab of coloured boot polish works miracles on leather seats.
I had some bright red stuff for the Lotus and it made an incredible difference. You just need to make sure that you buff it thoroughly otherwise you end up with it on your clothes.
Given that a tin of boot polish can be had for 99p it is a pretty cost effective way of bringing bolsters back to health.
Lotus loved their bright colours, I am hoping black will turn it into a respectable interior. When driving it I couldnt care less but when its sitting there I just cant help but hate it!
I actually prefer the older lotus interiors until the V8 came along.
Its in such good condition (aside from handbrake gaiter I would say 9/10, I have a new one to go in) so boot polish wont make any difference. Its not worth ripping out so a recolour seems best.
Probably going to get the seats refoamed whilst they are out too- seems to make sense.
I actually prefer the older lotus interiors until the V8 came along.
Its in such good condition (aside from handbrake gaiter I would say 9/10, I have a new one to go in) so boot polish wont make any difference. Its not worth ripping out so a recolour seems best.
Probably going to get the seats refoamed whilst they are out too- seems to make sense.
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