Leather Care (Natural Leather):

[TOGWT]

There are three main types: Natural (Uncovered) Covered and Unfinished (Nubuck)

Before using a leather care product a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it. Diagnosis is the key, not guess work. Before deciding on what products to use you need to ascertain what type of leather finish you have and wither the leather has a polyurethane covering, or is (un-coated) natural leather, as the cleaning / maintenance varies as to type; although they all require a water-based product to re-hydrate, a suede type leather like Nubuck is the exception.

Automobile leather is either vat-dyed or a spray-on dye is used.
a) Vat-dyed colour is obtained by immersing the hide in dye, ensuring that the dye permeates through the hide.
b) With spray-on the dye is painted on the surface of the hide, it produces an even colour but the natural grain and looks of the hide is hidden as well as the hide's longevity being compromised.
This is also the least expensive way of applying a leather dye (used mainly by both American and Japanese car manufactures) European vehicles are usually upholstered with vat-dyed leather.

Leather hides-the denaturing process of leather tanning removes moisture from the hide, introducing solvent-based products accelerates aging of the leather, collagen-based products restore the lost moisture of natural leather and maintains its natural flexibility.

All cowhides are naturally oily - unfortunately, these natural oils are stripped away in the tanning process (tanning is the process using chromium salts to preserve hides and prepare them to absorb dyes) and some equivalent oils must be re-introduced after tanning. This last tanning step, the replacement of oils, is called "fat liquoring."

Over the centuries, a number of oils have been found that have a natural affinity for leather fibres. Every leather tanner has his own, unique, blend of tanning oils. These formulas are closely held secrets, passed down through the generations. This is one reason why one company's leather can have a totally different feel, fragrance, texture and softness from another company's product.

Prevention is better than correction - Leather that has become cracked from inadequate or inappropriate care usually cannot be restored to its original state by most available products / methods. It is highly recommended that you fully clean and protect auto interiors leather upholstery surfaces 3-4 times per year. It is much easier to practice prevention than it is to correct major problems after the fact

Identifying characteristics-

Covered leather has a uniform colour and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change its colour.

Natural leather has a random shade colours and grain pattern; it will scratch easily; water drops will darken its colour (temporarily)

Leather Care (Natural Leather):
The denaturing process of leather tanning removes moisture from the hide, introducing solvent-based products accelerates aging of the leather. Collagen-based products restore the lost moisture and maintain its natural flexibility.

The care of vegetable dyed natural leather only differs from covered leather in that it needs cleaning, conditioning and ultra violet (UV) protection as it doesn’t have a polyurethane protection. Water-based products will help natural leather to re-hydrate, but it also needs its oil content to be maintained.

Prevention is better than correction - it is highly recommended that you fully clean and protect auto interiors leather upholstery surfaces 3-4 times per year. It is much easier to practice prevention than it is to correct major problems after the fact

1. Cleaning-Do not spray a cleaner directly on the leather. Use an applicator sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning solution. Spraying a cleaner on hot leather can cause spotting and discolorations.

1. Using a soft horse hair brush (Groit's Leather & Interior Brush) and/or a vacuum to remove any dust,
2. Apply a cleaning solution (Water /Woolite® or Dreft® 6:1 ratio or stronger) on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (i.e. a seat back).
2a.Using a sponge, apply a small amount of Leather Master soft/strong cleaner as necessary and work it until it foams, then remove with a damp micro fibre cloth
3. To remove stubborn dirt or grime gently agitate the surface with a boar's hair cleaning brush (this will not harm the leather) then use a clean, damp Microfiber towel to rinse.

Alternate - Leather is a fibrous substance, which normally absorbs liquid, but the biggest obstacle to good absorption is that the leather pores have become blocked, i.e. use of a silicone product on the leather, or a heavy wax build up caused by previously used products. I would suggest a thorough cleaning of the surface with Prestine Clean – it does not contain any harsh chemicals or petroleum distillates to dry and destroy fine leathers, contains a conditioner that cleans and conditions vinyl, even rubber trim pieces.

Use to clean leather after application of Rejuvenator Oil has done its job or as maintenance cleaner - aspx Home Page

Maintenance cleaning- use a cleaning solution (Water /Woolite® or Dreft® 10:1 ratio) on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time

Stubborn stains- dependent upon the leathers condition or how dirty it is consider using a leather-cleaning product. (Leather Master Strong cleaner, Leatherique's Prestine Clean, Zaino Leather in a bottle, Groit's Leather Cleaner or Autoglym Leather Cleaner)

Conditioning - vegetable-based tanned natural leather loses its fat liquors and it dries out and these need to be replaced with suitable oils. Leather is a fibrous substance, which normally absorbs liquid, but the biggest obstacle to good absorption is that the leather pores have become blocked, i.e. use of a silicone product on the leather, or a heavy wax build up caused by previously used products. I would suggest a thorough cleaning of the surface with

Rejuvenator Oil - known for its ability to soften even cardboard hard leather, a complex blend of animal oils and proteins, Collagens and other beneficial ingredient, it will not stain or discolour leather, by making the larger oil droplets into a microscopically fine emulsion it can be readily absorbed into the leather fibres. Simply massage into the leather with your hands, and let it be absorbed into the fibres, its' unique capillary action forces the oils and proteins into the leather and the dirt out.

This product is not a leather conditioner per se; Leather Master’s Vital penetrates leather (c/l or n/l, except Nubuck) to soften it. It can also be used when doing repair work to help soften the area. Once the leather surfaces have been cleaned, apply the product to a clean micro fibre towel and wipe a very, very thin even layer on the surface. It is better to apply several thin layers than a heavy application. Allow each layer to dry and be absorbed.

Allow either product to be absorbed into the hides for several hours on a sunny day, or overnight. Warmth makes the leather fibres pores open allowing the proteins and collagens to be absorbed readily. Park the car in direct sunlight, cover seats with black plastic trash bags, and roll up the windows to create a steam room to allow the Rejuvenator to fully penetrate into the hides.

Alternative product –
Aged Leather Revitalizer - Top of the Line Auto Detailing Supplies

Protection - this product provides a water-based protection for all leather types ((c/l or n/l, except Nubuck). It places an invisible, breathable barrier between you and your leather. Protect your leather first, and then follow a routine of cleaning and re-protection, this way you are not actually cleaning the original surface, but cleaning from the surface of the protection –
Leather Master Protection Cream -- leather repair kit, vinyl repair kit, leather cleaner, leather cleaning, leather dye & paint

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Protection - you should consider additional sunscreen protection (especially if you own a convertible) leather (c/l or n/l) conditioners typically do not offer any UV screening. The best solution is to use an ultra violet (UV) radiation (303™ Aerospace Protectant) bonds to vinyl, finished leather, coated leather and leaves a non-oily, non-greasy repellent finish, that repels water, dirt, dust, oils, sweat, lotions, ink marks, etc.

Application- this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface

Natural Leather Renovation Products:

1. Leather Super Prepping Agent:
This is the only leather preparation agent of its kind, completely safe for the environment, and will not harm leather fibres as harsh chemicals can. Yet it powerfully penetrates old, tough finishes to enable Rejuvenator Oil or new dye to permeate the leather, ensuring a professional finish. To remove every trace of silicone, wax, dirt, oil, mould, toxins, perspiration, or emissions from you surface to enable your new dye to adhere well. Non-toxic, non flammable, biodegradable ; original scientific formulation safely cleans MB Tex, vinyl, hard plastics, tough stains on convertible vinyl tops, and arm rests, door panels, floor mats

2. Prestine Clean - does not contain any harsh chemicals or petroleum distillates to dry and destroy fine leathers, contains a conditioner that cleans and conditions vinyl, even rubber trim pieces. Use to clean leather after application of Rejuvenator Oil has done its job or as maintenance cleaner

3. Rejuvenator Oil - known for its ability to soften even cardboard hard natural leather, a complex blend of animal oils and proteins, Collagens and other beneficial ingredient, it will not stain or discolour leather. Simply massage into the leather with your hands, and let it be absorbed into the fibres, its' unique capillary action forces the oils and proteins into the leather and the dirt out –
Leatherique - aspx Home Page

Note: any leather that has become cracked from inadequate or inappropriate care usually cannot be restored to its original state by most available products / methods

Leather steam cleaning- a steamer has a multitude of functional usages for leather interiors; doors, leather (and vinyl) upholstery and trim, all clean exceptionally well with steam, it will loosen up the deep ground in soil that normal cleaning cannot reach and emulsify most types of dirt and grime that gets into what are inaccessible places for other methods of cleaning i.e. cup holders, seams and grooves, between cushion and bolsters, liquid spills, etc. Use a d-limonene based (citrus) solvent P21S Total Auto Wash, in a ratio of 10:1 or stronger with distilled water as a pre-cleaning solution, the steamer will also ease out wrinkles.

Leather care products-
a) Leatherequi - aspx Home Page (US)
b) Leather Master, US - .Top of the Line Auto Detailing Supplies UK – Leather Master UK

TOGWT ™ Copyright © 2002-2007. Jon Miller, all rights reserved