Leather care

[sutyak]

I'm looking for some tips on leather conditioning/restoration. I bought some used leather Recaros from an SVT Focus donor. Overall they are in great shape, but have some minor cracking on the driver's seat bolsters. I'd like to condition the seats to prevent any further cracking, and also hide any current cracks. I'm not looking to just shine, but properly condition the leather. I've been doing a lot of reading, but I'd like to hear what products you all use, how often you use it, what not​ to use, etc.
Thanks for any advice. :goodidea:

[PaxtonShelby]

Call T at Autoality. He will set you up.

[ecrissman]

Eric (T), will definitely have something that will help. If they need redone talk to Jeff at Fibrenew Three Rivers. He has done work for me personally and is extremely reasonable, and the results were amazing.

[scott5]

I use Adams leather cleaner and conditioner and it works good but I don't like leather seats so I haven't used it that much not use it enough to try other products

[95V6]

Call T at Autoality. He will set you up.

This. T will tell you everything you need. Awesome guy.

[sutyak]

Thanks all. Any DIY info is appreciated. I don't plan on taking it to a detail shop at the moment, but I'll keep Autoality in mind if I do. :goodidea:

[PaxtonShelby]

Autoality is a detail supply store and not a detail shop.

[Steve-0]

I've been using Lexol pH leather cleaner along with Chemical Guys leather Serum. I like them both so far. Haven't really used the Lexol on anything real dirty yet though since both of my vehicles are almost new. The Lexol can be bought at Walmart which is nice.

[stieny]

I've heard great things about Swissvax products. I haven't used any yet but all the reviews and videos I've watched look promising. I will be picking up their leather car Kit which includes their leather cleaner, leather milk, and appropriate applicators. Leather should be matte and soft when properly cleaned and conditioned. I can't stand it when a cleaner and or conditioner leaves leather all shiny and slippery.

http://www.swissvax.us/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=swissvax&Product_Code=SE1042690&Category_Code=LEATHER-CARE

I emailed them to ask if it would be ok to use on my dakota leather and their response was quick, informative, and polite.

A good DIY with the product:


http://youtu.be/OOXGNRgjYn8

[Terminated]

I use Lexol on the leather parts in my 03 Cobra and pretty happy.

Tape off the inserts and apply Lexol with a clean MF , let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then buff the excess off with a MF towel.

Test in an inconspicuous area of course, but your SVTF leather should prob. be of the same material.

I usually scub the seats with Meguiar's APC diluted about 10:1 and a soft bristle tooth brush if a seat is really dirty.

[sutyak]

Thanks for the input everyone. After much reading and learning basically all leather auto seats are really coated with plastic, I went ahead and ordered a Zymol kit. It's very well reviewed, and rather inexpensive. If I don't get the results I'm after next in line to try is Lexol.
My concern is that no product will actually penetrate to the leather, but I guess I'll find out.

[VaderGT]

I use Ultima. The interior gel shampoo and the Interior guard + Ultima makes some of the best out there. Nothing greasy and shiny like a lot of products. It leaves it the proper matte looking color and no greasy feeling. Plus it's durability is hard to beat.

[ecrissman]

You are semi correct, the "clear" top coat applied to protect the leather is cracked and nothing except having a company like Fibrenew repsrayed a new top coat can make it look correct again. You will be able to slightly improve the look using the products you mentioned but that's about the best temporary results you can expect. When the time comes give them a call and your seat will look brand new on the cheap.

Thanks for the input everyone. After much reading and learning basically all leather auto seats are really coated with plastic, I went ahead and ordered a Zymol kit. It's very well reviewed, and rather inexpensive. If I don't get the results I'm after next in line to try is Lexol.
My concern is that no product will actually penetrate to the leather, but I guess I'll find out.

[jaa55]

Black shoe polish, no joke try it. Rub it in when it's still wet. Did it to a 95 cobra and my SVTF recaros

EDIT: black shoe dye

[sutyak]

Black shoe polish, no joke try it. Rub it in when it's still wet. Did it to a 95 cobra and my SVTF recaros

EDIT: black shoe dye

Any particular brand you used?

[jaa55]

Kiwi

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/16/77f9a6e383b70a82fe8bc8a8fe5cf67f.jpg

[sutyak]

Black shoe polish, no joke try it. Rub it in when it's still wet. Did it to a 95 cobra and my SVTF recaros

EDIT: black shoe dye

Well, I just saw that you edited it from shoe polish to shoe dye, but I used shoe polish anyway and it worked great. :goodidea:
It's certainly shinier than I would prefer, but I'm sure it'll dull over time. The shoe polish was amazing for hiding the cracks/defects in the leather.

[jaa55]

Cool good to hear, The dye works very well too