Automotive leathers & `conditioning`
Discussion
Would love to hear from someone who works in this area as a specialist if poss:
I think that car leather has a surface finish which is basically a `paint` for want of a better word. This supplies the colour. I`ve had pre-war cars where the leather was stained with dyes to give a typical brown or green of the period. These would soak up a leather conditioner or even a face cream quickly & completely & end up more supple & `fed` as a result, just like a saddle...
The cream leather in my Saab (`Elmo`) though 12 yrs old & in good condition was recently treated to some `Liquid leather` feed on those 2 hot May days. The temp would have been in the 80`s in the car. Sparingly applied it sat on the surface for 24 hrs, but I reckon I wiped it ALL off when I returned to them. I don`t think any had been taken up at all - due to the outer coating `paint` being impervious to an oil/emulsion.
So can anyone advise as to whether it is in fact possible to prolong the life of the current seat leathers with any of the promoted `conditioners` or is it pretty much a waste of time?
Any knowledge gratefully received!
I think that car leather has a surface finish which is basically a `paint` for want of a better word. This supplies the colour. I`ve had pre-war cars where the leather was stained with dyes to give a typical brown or green of the period. These would soak up a leather conditioner or even a face cream quickly & completely & end up more supple & `fed` as a result, just like a saddle...
The cream leather in my Saab (`Elmo`) though 12 yrs old & in good condition was recently treated to some `Liquid leather` feed on those 2 hot May days. The temp would have been in the 80`s in the car. Sparingly applied it sat on the surface for 24 hrs, but I reckon I wiped it ALL off when I returned to them. I don`t think any had been taken up at all - due to the outer coating `paint` being impervious to an oil/emulsion.
So can anyone advise as to whether it is in fact possible to prolong the life of the current seat leathers with any of the promoted `conditioners` or is it pretty much a waste of time?
Any knowledge gratefully received!
Contact Judy at LTT who has spent years within the restoration industry and really knows what's what regarding leather care and what products really deliver.
www.lttsolutions.net
www.lttsolutions.net
belleair302 said:
Contact Judy at LTT who has spent years within the restoration industry and really knows what's what regarding leather care and what products really deliver.
www.lttsolutions.net
I believe she or one of her colleagues did a very detailed write up on Detailing World of just this issue. In summary, most modern car leathers are surface treated and just need a surface wipe as if they were plastic...www.lttsolutions.net
Hello & thanks very much indeed for the links - bit reluctant to post quotes here but it says what I suspected, the `feeding` of current leather types is not only impossible but actually harmful as the wax/oil/balm just attracts dirt while it sits on the surface. Would love to see some responses from companies who market some very expensive stuff which is pointless.
Ever been had?
This needs be be knowledge which is shared for the good of car owners everywhere!
Ever been had?
This needs be be knowledge which is shared for the good of car owners everywhere!
julianm said:
Hello & thanks very much indeed for the links - bit reluctant to post quotes here but it says what I suspected, the `feeding` of current leather types is not only impossible but actually harmful as the wax/oil/balm just attracts dirt while it sits on the surface. Would love to see some responses from companies who market some very expensive stuff which is pointless.
Ever been had?
This needs be be knowledge which is shared for the good of car owners everywhere!
I'm sure there must be a reason why noone has confidently blown this myth away. Perhaps some manufacturers don't treat their seats and older seats may not have as good a seal on the treatment, so could benefit.Ever been had?
This needs be be knowledge which is shared for the good of car owners everywhere!
There is, however, and inordinate amount of snake oil in the detailing "industry"...
I had the same with my '87 Testarossa.
I took the dash out and cleaned it by hand with Raceglaze cleaner (like Gliptone cleaner) then gently wiped over with a cloth dipped in meths.
The finish then accepted a conditioner for the first time. It is now looking smooth and clean.
I think the meths wipe took off the silicones that someone had applied before. The leather is now MUCH softer.
HTH
P
I took the dash out and cleaned it by hand with Raceglaze cleaner (like Gliptone cleaner) then gently wiped over with a cloth dipped in meths.
The finish then accepted a conditioner for the first time. It is now looking smooth and clean.
I think the meths wipe took off the silicones that someone had applied before. The leather is now MUCH softer.
HTH
P
It is wise to put some conditioner on the side bolsters as they receive the most wear. This will help to reduce friction and therefore wear. As stated earlier, there is no point 'feeding' leather seats nowadays, but reducing surface friction will improve the life and appearance of the leather.
Cheers
David
Cheers
David
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