2002 Toyota Avalon Leather

[bigblueshmid]

I was wondering if anybody knew what type of leather a 2002 Toyota Avalon has. I'm thinking it's finished but not totally for sure. The leather is perforated if that makes any difference. Also, I've been looking into using Leatherique on the seats but didn't know if this would be the best product to use. The leather has never been treated with anything to the best of my knowledge. It is showing signs of aging and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Any thoughts/suggestions would definitely help. Thanks in advance.

 

[bigblueshmid]

It is actually a 2003 Toyota Avalon.

 

[Matt]

It's highly unlikely that it's unfinished. I will not say "yes it's finished leather" but more than likely it is as it's a Toyota not a Ferrari or Rolls.

Go with the leatherique, it's the best you can get for finished leather.

You could do a test with some foaming cleaner, and if it absorbs into the leather it's unfinished, if it just sits on top, it's finished. Water can also be used but some unfinished leathers have a water resistant coating applied to them so the water will take a while to soak through.

If I was to place a bet, it'd be on it being finished (coated) leather.

 

[Bullitt AK]

just curious why would finished or unfinished leather make a difference when choosing product?

 

[Showroom Shine]

just curious why would finished or unfinished leather make a difference when choosing product?

Yes it does make a difference what type of leather is in the car. In most cases the material determines the product that is safe to use!

 

[Bullitt AK]

Yes it does make a difference what type of leather is in the car. In most cases the material determines the product that is safe to use!

i wasn't discrediting what he said i am just curious how the products you should use would differ?

 

[judyb]

Unfinished leathers (aniline style) will readily absorb any normal leather cleaning liquids that you used, darkening the leather and making it almost impossible to do any real cleaning. These type of leathers require a non surfactant cleaner that will stay on the surface and clean any dirt away. Protectors are crucial on this type of leather to help guard against stains and body oils that will readily be absorbed into the leather.

Finished leathers (probably about 98% of the auto market at the moment) have a coloured (painted/pigmented) surface coating with a clear coat finish over the top. These do not absorb things readily (apart from moisture - leather has to remain breathable) and can be surface cleaned with a good foam cleaner (to allow dwell time)
Protectors are used on these leathers to help stop dirt from damaging the coating on the leather and to make them easier to keep clean.

Hope this helps

 

[09TSX]

Unfinished leathers (aniline style) will readily absorb any normal leather cleaning liquids that you used, darkening the leather and making it almost impossible to do any real cleaning. These type of leathers require a non surfactant cleaner that will stay on the surface and clean any dirt away. Protectors are crucial on this type of leather to help guard against stains and body oils that will readily be absorbed into the leather.

Finished leathers (probably about 98% of the auto market at the moment) have a coloured (painted/pigmented) surface coating with a clear coat finish over the top. These do not absorb things readily (apart from moisture - leather has to remain breathable) and can be surface cleaned with a good foam cleaner (to allow dwell time)
Protectors are used on these leathers to help stop dirt from damaging the coating on the leather and to make them easier to keep clean.

Hope this helps

If this is correct I would go with the unfinished leather. I was doing the seats in my parents 2004 Avalon and they just kept getting darker. At one time I thought I was removing dirt, but I think it was the leather. They just wouldn't clean.