Leather Seats...how Much Is Too Much...or Not Enough???

[FLONI]

The seats are in good shape cleanliness wise.......I had always used(for the past 3 mths) Meguiars all in one cleaner/conditioner....so I switched to Lexol for the cleaning and I got some Pinnacle for conditioning.....went out tonite.....cleaned it up nice with the Lexol first...to be safe......then when I was applying the conditioner it went on so smooth and nice.....I let it sit for a min or two...then buffed off with a mf towel.......the question is....some of the areas...where the seats are "creased" still feel hard......so...
am I not putting enough conditoner on or is it just that I need repeated applications to see the best effects...

ps...I used a foam applicator to apply the Pinnacle

[FLONI]

im going to try to put this link in here.cross your fingers.....


<a href=http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1786629&a=13832689>See my photos of Recreation at PhotoPoint</a>


see how tight the creased areas look....

[ZV]

Lexol suggests that you leave the product on the seat to "soak in", preferably on a hot day to open pores. I condition once every two weeks or so. I normally spray down all the leather seats then let it sit in the sun or overnight for hours, then I reapply and rub it in. The leather soaks it up pretty good so I keep the seats moisturized pretty frequently. Once they start to crack and get hard, it's impossible to bring it back to original specs. I've yet to see the leather get "full" of product, lot's of it gets rubbed off or gets dispersed into the atmosphere. (Well, at least hard BMW leather, the softer Jap leather is probably better.) I alternate between Lexol and 303, Lexol moisturizes and 303 protects.

[FLONI]

Thx ZV....let me just be clear....I use the Lexol to clean...but I use the Pinnacle to condition.......as for the leaving it on overnite...that sounds great.....I thought I read somewhere...that after a few minutes....2-3...that the leather actually stops absorbing the conditioner.....so theres no point in leaving it on that long.....

also...I use the 303 for the dash..vinly..rubber..and everything else for protection...but I didnt know it was also good for leather...thx

ps....do you ever have that problem...when you leave it on overnite...where the evaporating conditioner gets your windows all miky ....or do you just leave the windows cracked open a little.........

[ZV]

bottle do you use, the brown (conditioner) or the orange (cleaner)
to clean? As far as 2-3 minutes, that's not nearly enough time to absorb product. Even Lexol recommends 20-30 mins.
See link: http://www.lexol.com/docs.html

I got my technique from a leather site, forgot which one though but they suggest leaving conditioner on overnight and in the heat of the day. They say leather has pores (like the cow I suppose?)
and expand and contract with heat, thus absorbing more product when heated. Also check this link: http://www.properautocare.com/propleatcar.html

Alternating between nourishing moisturizing (Lexol) and UV protection (303) is a good way to go. I don't really get much clouding leaving conditioner on all night, I actually get more clouding from applying protectant to the dash, but I suppose cracking a window would help off-gassing. If I find that leather site I will let you know, it really is the definitive leather site. That site also suggested using distilled water and a mild soap to clean leather, as they say most cleaners are just that, soap and water.
They sell cleaner, so for them to suggest just using soap and water adds some validity to their suggestion. Good luck.

[FLONI]

what u sa makes sense...its so weird..i know i read that 2-3 minute thing somewhere...i apprecita all the info...i think your right about the distilled water and the ingredients of the cleanres...thx buddy.....

[bigboyhf]

I used Pinnacle Leather conditioner yesterday and just left it on. In about 20 minutes I came back and the seats were dry! I buffed them a bit with a towel but there was no product on the towel afterwards. I have been doing this about every 4 weeks.

H

[Guess My Name]

I have used Eagle 1 leather stuff, Lexol, Turtle Wax, Meguires, etc etc. I find for conditioning not one is better than the other. I always apply with my hands to work it down into all the seams and tight spots and ensure even coverage.

Buffing is a must when done and also using a UV protectant like 303.

You have to take care of them seats else they will crack and/or lose their color.