Leather

[FFguy808]

I've tried the OTC Mothers VLR. For it's price of $8, it's a great AIO on leathers

 

[sixgun95]

Whats a leather protector? What is recommened? I just thought conditioner is what was needed.

 

[builthatch]

Whats a leather protector? What is recommened? I just thought conditioner is what was needed.

OPT Protectant Plus is all of that rolled in one. that's why i use it. it cleans, conditions and has what is basically deep sealant properties to protect the coating and materials from UV, etc.

 

[judyb]

A protector is a specifically formulated product that protects leather against soiling and dye transfer. A good one will also contain UV protectors to guard against fading. They will in the long term guard against abrasion caused by dirt.
A true protector will contain no waxes or oils and will not change the look or feel of the leather.
Please be aware that a lot of companies that used to sell 'conditioners' have now changed the name of these to protectors without changing the formulation - these will offer no protection at all. Any products that state they contain oils etc are very unlikely to have any active protection product in them and are generally renamed conditioners.
Hope this helps

 

[watson1000]

Judy

Do you have some examples of protectors that you would recommend for coated leather automotive seats?

Glenn

 

[Smoothy]

Leather Care Products Comparison

Having JudyB as a contributor is just another example of the expertise on this forum that we all benefit from.

Here is a recent thread which provides some detailed comparisons of leather care brands:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...r-care-leather-masters-vs-ltt.html#post806750

 

[AeroCleanse]

I use some old leather cleaner I got from Righlook, before I knew better I use GTechniq L1 on leather for protection. I think they have made it less glossy since I got mine, not that it looks glossy.

 

[wjamyers]

I used Lexol leather cleaner on the steering wheel of my brothers 2002 Infiniti QX4 (pathfinder) yesterday.

Looks just like this:

1 damp microfiber for scrubbing (applied lexol to this)
1 damp microfiber for rinsing off the lexol
1 dry microfiber to dry it off

I didn't scrub THAT hard but the leather parts were left dull and worn looking and the wrap is coming undone.

What the hell? EVERYONE recommends Lexol (to include many here and Larry at AMMONYC) and now I've screwed up my brothers car.

Then I did a search and did not find any people talking about this happening, it's just Lexol is safe, Lexol is great, Lexol is one of the best, blah blah...

Thoughts?

Upset That I Screwed Up Brother's Car

 

[wjamyers]

This is a better representation, his interior is black.

 

[judyb]

Microfibres are not recommended for any leather process. If the finish is damaged in any way then the microfibre will make matters much worse. Leather should never be scrubbed the products should always be doing the work.
Hope this helps
Judyb

 

[wjamyers]

Microfibres are not recommended for any leather process. If the finish is damaged in any way then the microfibre will make matters much worse. Leather should never be scrubbed the products should always be doing the work.
Hope this helps
Judyb

Interesting, this is the first i've heard of it after studying the detailing forums for months. Here's microfiber being marketed specifically for leather:
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Viking Microfiber Leather Care Cloth - 2 Pack
And here: Leather Guide, How to clean leather, interior car care how to, car interior cleaning, cleaning leather seats, car interior cleaner, vinyl and rubber protectant, leather conditioner

Also, from the Lexol instructions...
"Apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean, wet Lexol applicator sponge or cloth."

Should I assume not microfiber unless specified? I have been doing the opposite, staying away from cotton.

It may cost me @ $200.00 to replace that wheel...

 

[Chimpboy]

Shiny leather is dirty leather. You should follow up the leather cleaner with a conditioner to put something back in. Lexol make a conditioner or you could use 303, OPP etc. I am not sure about the wrap issue, I use MF with lexol on my seats all the time.

Andrew


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[wjamyers]

in the daylight, owner says I put 5 years of wear on it. so pissed.

I'm going to try to replace it and remember to never scrub leather with lexol.

there needs to be more admonitions to be careful and less hagiography of how faultless the product is.

 

[Gavin S.]

in the daylight, owner says I put 5 years of wear on it. so pissed.

I'm going to try to replace it and remember to never scrub leather with lexol.

there needs to be more admonitions to be careful and less hagiography of how faultless the product is.

Hagiography? Awesome word! Sorry about your troubles, though.