Confused, what to use on cleaned, COATED leather

Don M

Don M

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I have been researching leather for the past week in anticipation of two detail jobs I have coming up. The cars are 2013 (Porsche) and 2014 (Land Rover) so I'm guessing that they both have coated leather interiors. I have my cleaner (Meguiar's Gold Class Aloe Leather and Vinyl cleaner), but now I need something to treat/seal the leather once it's been cleaned.

With all the reading I've been doing, I learned that coated and uncoated leather is handled differently. It's said that you need to use a sealant on coated leather, because leather conditioners will not penetrate the coating and just smear around on the surface, making the leather shiny and oily.

I was thinking of using 303 Aerospace Protectant or the 303 Fabric Protectant once the leather has been cleaned, but is there something better (I've only got 4 days until the detail).
 
If they will pay for the upcharge, look at carpro leather and vinyl coat. I have not used it, but used the older fabric and leather coat. Awesome product very durable. Leaves a slight gloss, less than 303 (the F&L, the leather coat should act similar)

Also Wolfgang Cockpit Trim Sealant, leaves a slight sheen. Really leaves vinyl and leather looking new and feeling smooth. Last about 6 weeks on seats.
 
Not all conditioners will just smear around. For example Adam's conditioner will dry to the touch very quickly and leave a matte finish and provide SPF 65 (IIRC) which is important to keep the coating protected. Just saying this to let you know that you can't generalize all conditioners as being worthless on coated leather.
 
SYMAWD said:
Not all conditioners will just smear around. For example Adam's conditioner will dry to the touch very quickly and leave a matte finish and provide SPF 65 (IIRC) which is important to keep the coating protected. Just saying this to let you know that you can't generalize all conditioners as being worthless on coated leather.
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I didn't mean to say ALL of them would have undesirable traits on leather, I just typed in "Leather Conditioner Sealant" into Google and of the ones I read, most of the ones that I read about that were called "conditioners" fell into this category. One of my bigger concerns is that the details are on Saturday so I can't count on on-line ordering arriving on time. Too, I'm being "graded" on these interiors, meaning that if I impress the owners of these cars with my interior work, I get the exterior work as well so the last thing I wanted was to order something I had never used before and end up with a shiny oily mess.
 
I've used 303 on the treated leather in all of our cars and been very happy with the results.

I like 303 due to it's flexibility. I can use it on all interior surfaces. I don't have to deal with different products for different materials. I simply grab a bottle of 303, a few MF towels, and then go to work!
 
Don M said:
I have been researching leather for the past week in anticipation of two detail jobs I have coming up
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Leather is such a controversial AND confusing topic. This thread has some good stuff: Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum.

Don M said:
With all the reading I've been doing, I learned that coated and uncoated leather is handled differently. It's said that you need to use a sealant on coated leather, because leather conditioners will not penetrate the coating and just smear around on the surface, making the leather shiny and oily.
Click to expand...

Sealant = "protectant" (semantics)? If so, that seems to be the general consensus that's been hammered into my psyche over the past year as well.

Don M said:
I was thinking of using 303 Aerospace Protectant or the 303 Fabric Protectant once the leather has been cleaned, but is there something better (I've only got 4 days until the detail).
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Interesting Fabric Guard can be used on leather, thought it doesn't specify "coated automotive leather" on the product description page. I was typing as Desertnate posted, so maybe that is a pretty viable option :-)

My personal recommendation is to use Leather Masters Protection Cream. It leaves a very smooth, but matte finish--not just in look, but in feel. It's hard to explain, but the seats "feel" matte--a good characteristic if the customer doesn't want to slide around in the seat. I highly recommend using a sponge to apply the protectant, foam applicators may work as well but I'd avoid a MF/terry cloth applicator. The product spreads super easy and a little goes a long way. If you need something stronger (since the customers have premium vehicles), then use Leather Masters Leather Barrier as it's formulated to stop dye/ink transfer--basically a stronger version of the protection cream.
 
Don M said:
I just typed in "Leather Conditioner Sealant" into Google and of the ones I read, most of the ones that I read about that were called "conditioners" fell into this category
Click to expand...

One of the main reasons leather care is confusing...some of the "conditioners" out there are protectants as well--they just don't state that. Mothers VLR is one of these (as validated by Forrest in this thread: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/85847-mothers-vlr-question.html. And if the standard Conditioner does the same, then it is technically a protectant as well. I use Mothers on my wife's Pilot light grey leather seats and it works great!
 
CDot said:
Leather is such a controversial AND confusing topic. This thread has some good stuff: Autopia Forum - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum.



Sealant = "protectant" (semantics)? If so, that seems to be the general consensus that's been hammered into my psyche over the past year as well.



Interesting Fabric Guard can be used on leather, thought it doesn't specify "coated automotive leather" on the product description page. I was typing as Desertnate posted, so maybe that is a pretty viable option :-)

My personal recommendation is to use Leather Masters Protection Cream. It leaves a very smooth, but matte finish--not just in look, but in feel. It's hard to explain, but the seats "feel" matte--a good characteristic if the customer doesn't want to slide around in the seat. I highly recommend using a sponge to apply the protectant, foam applicators may work as well but I'd avoid a MF/terry cloth applicator. The product spreads super easy and a little goes a long way. If you need something stronger (since the customers have premium vehicles), then use Leather Masters Leather Barrier as it's formulated to stop dye/ink transfer--basically a stronger version of the protection cream.
Click to expand...

I agree that Leather Masters Leather Barrier sounds great, but I have to have it in 2 days and I can't afford the next day shipping
 
Your original/Desertnate's suggestion is probably the best option then--the Fabric Guard. It's a good product :-)
 
CDot said:
Your original/Desertnate's suggestion is probably the best option then--the Fabric Guard. It's a good product :-)
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That's what I'm thinking, BUT I can't find it ANYWHERE locally and I know I used to. So it looks like I'm going to have to go with the Meguiar's Protectant until I get the money saved up to order both the 303 AP and the 303 FG.
 
Do you have a an Amazon Prime account? 2-day shipping with that. You might want to try a zip code search on 303's parent company site to find where it's sold locally.

In my neck of the woods, the only place (via the company website) is a pool shop on the southside of town . But it also looks to be available immediately for Ship to Store at one local Lowe's--the product title is wrong (called Upholstery Cleaner), but the picture/description is Fabric Guard.

O'Reilly Auto claims 24-hour pickup for the product in my area as well.
 
I use Meguiars D101 (1:9) to clean leather and it leaves a clean factory look. i apply 303AP on leather and it leaves a nice finish.
currently testing Meg UQW for interior plastic and leather, they work great too ^^
 
CDot said:
Do you have a an Amazon Prime account? 2-day shipping with that. You might want to try a zip code search on 303's parent company site to find where it's sold locally.

In my neck of the woods, the only place (via the company website) is a pool shop on the southside of town . But it also looks to be available immediately for Ship to Store at one local Lowe's--the product title is wrong (called Upholstery Cleaner), but the picture/description is Fabric Guard.

O'Reilly Auto claims 24-hour pickup for the product in my area as well.
Click to expand...


I did a zip code search for 303 and located a few retailers, HOWEVER when I called the stores to double check availability, most of the store clerks never even heard of 303 products, let alone carried them in the stores.
 
Amazon Prime offers next day delivery for like $4. Prime is honestly the greatest thing on Earth....they now have same day delivery on certain items!!
 
Mask said:
I use Meguiars D101 (1:9) to clean leather and it leaves a clean factory look. i apply 303AP on leather and it leaves a nice finish.
currently testing Meg UQW for interior plastic and leather, they work great too ^^
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d101 left a slight sheen for me, i want factory matte so BF interior cleaner is what I use. side by side you can see the difference.

Does 303 leave it matte?
 
d33p said:
d101 left a slight sheen for me, i want factory matte so BF interior cleaner is what I use. side by side you can see the difference.

Does 303 leave it matte?
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It look matte for me when buff with a microfiber ^^
 
LM Protection Creme or Ultima Interior Trim Guard. I really like the versatility of the Ultima.
 
Surprised no one has mentioned Optimum Protectant Plus (AKA Leather Protectant). Optimum Protectant Plus offers complete protection for interior leather, vinyl, plastic & rubber dressing. vinyl and rubber dressing, vinyl

It is designed for coated leathers and vinyl so you only need one product for the entire interior. It has light cleaners in it also, but I once a year I do a deep cleaning before applying then just reapply every few months. Not greasey at all and not shiny.

My 07 Passat leather looks like the day I picked it up from the dealer.
 
First off you need to confirm that both have coated leather. A drop of water will show you if they are or not. One drop, if absorbed, means NOT coated.
If it runs off then it is coated. Then use the correct products.
 
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