Any ways to fix slight wear on leather seats?

Tex · 10-23-03, 02:02

Hey all,

First post here, looks like an awesome site, I expect to be around absorbing as much info as possible here!

A (not so) quick blurb:

I am currently looking at purchasing a car. It's a '93 model Eunos/Mazda, and has a leather interior, sand in colour.

I'm trying to find an example with the nicest interior possible, and this one is probably it - most of these cars that have a decent number of kms on them have ugly interiors, due to the leather wearing, and being a light-coloured leather, it turns dark in these areas, a dark grey kind of colour.

Anyway, this particular car has only very slight wear (it's a low kms car) in the places you'd expect - side bolsters of seats, centre console bin lid/armrest etc. I've only seen pics so far, but in those areas, the leather looks slightly darker. I have attached a pic!

Should I buy the car, I will be giving it a hit with Leatherique Rejuv Oil and Prestine Cleaner (based on the info I've seen in here on the stuff). Obviously though, I don't expect that to fix this slight darkness, as I assume that is a loss of the dye frmo the leather.

NOW for the question (sorry to drag this out!):

Does anyone know of a product that could be applied to the seats, like a die, to restore the colour to as new, WITHOUT requiring that the seats be totally stripped of colour first? I notice the Leatherique products need to have the hide sanded gently etc. first, and I'd like to avoid this! Also, obviously the dye has to stick, I don't want it coming off on anyone's clothes!

Any help much appreciated!

PAW · 10-23-03, 11:25

If you can get Leatherique (www.leatherique.com) in Australia, that would be good. Try the Rejuninater Oil and Prestine Cleaner. Or just start with typical leather cleaners. If the color doesn't return, Leatherique offers a dyeing product also.

Scott P · 10-23-03, 01:01

Hey!! The steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car!! You should get that fixed before you buy it...

Tex · 10-23-03, 04:33

Quote:

Originally posted by PAW
If you can get Leatherique (www.leatherique.com) in Australia, that would be good. Try the Rejuninater Oil and Prestine Cleaner. Or just start with typical leather cleaners. If the color doesn't return, Leatherique offers a dyeing product also.

Forgive me, but did you read my entire post?

PAW · 10-23-03, 07:30

OOPS! I missed it. Sorry about that. I've discussed the dyeing process with the Leatherique folks. I spoke to a woman but I don't remember her name. The sanding is VERY light, just enough to break the glaze that maybe on the leather. I believe a one or two people here have done the dyeing. Try searching. It might take a couple of tries. I have personally used Leatherique on a badly kid abused leather couch. It helped even out the color. You may be surprized at the results. This couch is a non-clear coated leather. Semi-anline? I'm guessing the car's maybe also. Try placing a drop of water on various parts of the seat. If it is readily absorbed, it's not clear coated. I recommended various parts because the bottoms take more abuse and more of the clear coat maybe worn. There are spray products that coat the leather. However from what I've read, they are a temporary solution. The dye wears off. Also, PM Deanski here. He has a Lexus with light colored leather.

GoodnClean · 10-23-03, 09:37

I think you actually may be surprised that a lot of that greying you're talking about (I see it in the pic) is actually dirt that the Leatherique will get out. It may take a few applications.

Tex · 10-23-03, 10:56

Thanks for the tips guys. Should I purchase the car, I shall hit it with the Leatherique and pray for the best!