Coated or non coated leather?

ngonzi

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How does one know if their leather is coated or not? I have a 2013 GMC Denali HD. Where's the best place to find this answer? Owners manual? Thanks for the help!
 
I'll say that:
"the water drop test" can often help determine the "type" of leather.

Here's my version of the aforementioned water-drop test:
Top Coated/Protected:
Place a small droplet of water onto the surface of the leather. The water droplet will sit on the surface of the leather and will not soak into the leather immediately.

Semi-Aniline:
Place a small droplet of water onto the surface of the leather. This droplet of water will immediately soak into the leather and create a dark spot, which will dry and disappear in a matter of minutes.

Full Aniline...(think Ford King Ranch Seats):
Same as Semi-Aniline

Suede/NuBuck:
Brush the leather's "knapp" one way...it darkens.
Rub it back...it lightens.
Takes "specialized" products. LeatherMasters/AGO has them, if needed.

Bob
 
If you do the water test do it on the back side of the seat (map pocket). I've seen water stain uncoated leather
 
So if it is coated, I don't need to use leather conditioner?
 
Thanks guys. Would it be worth applying an "aftermarket" coating to and more protection?
 
Thanks guys. Would it be worth applying an "aftermarket" coating to and more protection?

I'm not real familiar with arfermarket coatings for interior surfaces (LEATHER). From what I have read they sound like a scam

Coated Leather is pretty hard to ruin just on it's own
 
Thanks for all the great info. However I would really like see it in writing. The owners manual is useless. I guess ill have to write gm.
 
Just a quick comment on doing a water drop test. Most leather auto upholstery uses real leather on the seating areas only. The areas like seat backs are often largely made up of faux or synthetic leather, IOW vinyl, "looks like leather", material. I'd suggest testing the leather in an inconspicuous place maybe under the head restraint in the rear seat.

Some vehicles use all synthetic materials like MB-TEX for example. IME, leather conditioners are not useful on coated leather and certainly not on faux-leather. I'd recommend a leather coating for any lighter leather, real or synthetic, to prevent dye transfer.
 
Just a quick comment on doing a water drop test. Most leather auto upholstery uses real leather on the seating areas only. The areas like seat backs are often largely made up of fake or synthetic leather, IOW vinyl, looks like leather, material. I'd suggest testing the leather in an inconspicuous place maybe under the head restraint in the rear seat.

Good point and you are correct :props:
 
No I haven't had time yet to write them. I guess I'm looking for some peace of mind.
 
Thanks for all the great info. However I would really like see it in writing. The owners manual is useless. I guess ill have to write gm.

What is this Owners Manual you speak of?

No I haven't had time yet to write them. I guess I'm looking for some peace of mind.

Don't waste your time. Your question has been answered
 
No I haven't had time yet to write them. I guess I'm looking for some peace of mind.


I would trust the opinions of the two gentlemen who answered your question long before I would trust or believe anything GM or other maker would tell you.
 
The book that comes with the vehicle.
 
Yes,water test is the best to know it that it is coated or non-coated.Its greatly know that all the mechanics and work shoppers can know already that its is coated or non coated because they have an experience about these thing.However i generally see it is mostly coated.
 
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