New Mercedes Leather Care

[judyb]

The problem here is that what actually does the damage to leather is the build up of dirt and oils which together with friction will break down the finish on the leather. Products that contain oils and waxes which cannot get through the finish on auto leather will remain on the surface and attract more dirt and oils thus in the long term doing damage. Hence the need to keep leather clean and protected. Therefore it is not particular products that do the damage but the use of them will not do the leather any favours.

Our background is as leather consultants and we are also trainers to leather technicians and specialists therefore we have an in depth knowledge of leather, its properties and the safest and most effective form of maintenance. We try our best to pass on good advice on the care of leather as this is part of our job as leather consultants and instructors (our main aim in the industry) and the products we do supply have been very carefully researched from across the world for the job they do. These are a mixture of products that have been proved over time to be the most effective. We are very genuine in what we do and have years of technical knowledge behind us together with on going research and testing.

There are several ranges of products that fulfill the criteria of fluorochemical water based protectors (most come from the furniture care products rather than the car market) and these protectors can easily be tested for their effectiveness.
I am as always here to give technical help and advice as we know the results that can be achieved and would like everyone to benefit from the.

Forums are here to try to help people with good advice on the probelms they have but it is always a difficult task when we are not allowed to mention specific products that have been well tested and proved by both leather scientists and technicians. I only wish I could help more.

[jedovaty]

Perhaps it would help if we knew how to identify a "fluorochemical water based protector" by the ingredients. I looked up "fluorochemical", and turns out it's simple a molecule containing a fluorine atom.. typically a fluorocarbon.
define fluorochemical - Google Search

Dupont has an interesting comment:
DuPont Stone Care Using the Products Glossary

[jayjacque]

Well, they're all claiming to be safe, not oily, the best product or one of the best products on the market, have been researched for years, etc. On most of them if you buff out or wipe off the excess I don't personally see anything to worry about. Just try a few different brands others are recommending, and settle on what you like.

[OCKlasse]

FK 108 for a water-based, UV-inhibiting protector?

[Statman]

I sort of understand judyb's replies, but I have sen the same reply about 20 times...I have been happy with Zaino for surfaces that directly interact with the skin...for dashes/doors...I use 303.

[baseballlover1]

303 IMO is a good final product. I apply 303 to the convertables that see a lot of UV.

[fergnation]

For a complete cleaing and some what of a restoration, I like to use Leatherrique. It has worked wonders on some of the worn out leather I have encountered. My all time favorite for standard leather care would have to be the two Zaino products. The cleaner really helps to get stains out and the conditioner really brings back the smell. I also have the Lexol products and the cleaner works great due to the amount of water and foaming action. Not a fan of the conditioner at all though.

Danase leather has a great smell and I usually get a lot of dirt on the MF applicator. For some reason I just don't think it gives me the look I am going for.

1Z Leather phlege seems to do a decent job also. I like it's cleaning ability but don't know if I really like the smell of it. It kind of has a perfume to it that lingers in the car. This perfume matches well with the interior of a Rolls but really doesn't go well in most other cars.

I really like the UV protection of 303 but leave that to the trim and other plastic pieces. Some of the lower class Benz's have lots of Plastic and rubber that get 1Z or PB restorer and then topped with 303. I just don't like to use it on the leather seats. It just kind of reminds me of the days of Armor All.

Meg's has had tons of leather care products. I have used GC spray many times and have had great success with it but don't use it anymore. I have also used many, many, many GC leather wipes. If you like that Armor All look, definitley go with the wipes. Sometimes I still break a canister of these wipes out on certain cars for that look. I tone it down a bit by wiping over it but have never had any bad experiences.

[wfedwar]

She makes an interesting point on looking toward furniture care lines rather than automotive care. I also wasn't saying she wasn't trying to help, just pointing out that she's obviously hesitant to post her links for spam concerns. By the way, the "fluorochemical" comment is incredibly vague and should not be used to judge a product good or bad. Fluorochemicals range from HF (the acid that can be used to etch glass) to Teflon.

[artikxscout]

Originally Posted by Deanski

First, is this a new car under warranty? Have you at least read the manual to see what they say in maintaining the leather?

Most todays leathers are "coated" and some are natural leather. Both are different in maintenance/treating.

Yes, the car is still brand new. We have the slip that came wit the car that read "Etch Leather" please use Mercedes leather cleaning products to take care of your leather. -_-. Looking for alternatives at this moment. What products besides 303 is great at UV protection? I'll likely use that on my dashboard as it's also leathered.