New posts (Nov 2011) on Autopia Detailing Wiki

Leather naturally absorbs and retains moisture vapour, meaning it’s also susceptible to losing the moisture necessary to keep it pliant and soft. One of major attribute is its ability for transpiration (allowing the movement of moisture back and forth (evaporation and hydration), which it does even better than wool. This means not just its permeability to air but its permeability to water vapour, on the other hand, whilst it absorbs water vapour it doesn't readily absorb liquid, so a light rain will not harm it and a damp cloth can be used to keep it clean, however the introduction of any solvent-based products accelerates aging of the leather.

Water-based products to a certain extent hydrate finished leather, more so on perforated leather. Water molecules are smaller than the micro pores in urethane, so it can permeate the finish in vapour form. This is essential to transpiration (evaporation and hydration) to maintain a moisture balance as well as the suppleness and leathers natural flexibility, keeping finished leather at its optimum physical performance level, along with softness and strength

Leather requires hydration; but the widespread sale and use of leather conditioners remains prevalent as it is such a big and profitable industry the manufacturers continue to encourage and promote the use of their products

Hydration

Leather Master™ Soft Touch (ex Vital) - this is NOT a conditioner per se but is used to improve and maintain the tactile feel and lustre by rehydration and to ensure the leather remains matte, soft and supple.

This product is often used to solve the complaint that the leather doesn't feel as soft as the floor model and similar comments. Can also be used to restore the tactile feel of older leathers and improve the feel of dehydrated stiff leathers. It can also be used when doing repair work to help soften the area being worked on and to dilute some of the pigments, helping them to permeate

Apply a small amount to dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel, allow 20-30 minutes and then wipe surface with a dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel.

ScheduleThe age and general condition of your leather and its environment will determine how often it should be hydrated. The recommended frequency for hydration is a function of the environment. For example, in an automobile, the head rests and top of the rear seat backrests tend to dry out very quickly due to direct, prolonged sun exposure.

Ideally it should be initially thoroughly cleaned and hydrated so that it's in as best condition as possible and then simply regularly maintained to keep it in that condition. Once your leather has had an initial hydration, which should be undertaken on a two or three monthly regime (more often in the Southern States) it can be vacuumed and maintained weekly or monthly depending on the usage of the vehicle and owners requirements.


“Hydration of Finished Leather” - Hydration of Finished Leather