Angus
05-27-2014, 03:11 PM
Over the weekend I had a chance to clean and condition my 335i convertible’s leather interior. Up until now, I’ve only used Griot`s Garage Leather Care but with a recent order I picked up free sample of Pinnacle`s Leather Conditioner to try out.
Prior to applying the two products, I cleaned the leather with Detailer`s Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1265-dptic.jpg
(Click here for my comparison review of DP TIC (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailing-product-reviews/45409-detailers-pro-series-total-interior-cleaner-comparison.html)).
For applying the leather care products I used an inexpensive microfiber applicator pad purchased locally at a big box store. Each product was given a quick shake before use.
Griot`s Garage Leather Care is highly concentrated and has a gel like consistency:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1263-griots.gif
From Griot`s Garage Leather Care’s product page on ACC:
“It was a challenge to develop a leather treatment that smelled like leather, replaced vital nutrients, dried clear on perforated leather and left a non-greasy, supple finish after the final buff. Griot`s is happy to say Leather Care does all of the above and will clean soiled leather surfaces! A highly concentrated liquid that penetrates deep to replenish the natural oils of your leather fibers. Much better than the other greasy, lanolin-based products on the market. Easy to use and essential for long, supple life of your fine leather. Use sparingly - a little goes a long way if applied with a microfiber applicator. Great for newer leather.”
Application impressions:
Easy to work with, goes a long way, but takes a some effort to spread evenly
Absorbs slowly, requiring a light buff to even out
Very strong “new leather” smell. Not a fan of the odor.
Darkened the leather nicely
Pinnacle Leather Conditioner on the other hand has more of milky lotion consistency:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1262-plc.gif
From Pinnacle Leather Conditioner product page on ACC:
“The VOC compliant formula in our Leather Conditioner is rich in lanolin and natural oils. These oils absorb into the leather’s pores, replacing its natural oils that were lost through processing and subsequent cleaning. Hydrated leather retains its softness and resists cracking caused by overexposure to the sun. The lanolin acts as a natural moisturizer for the hide, just like it works on human skin. Your leather will be left with a soft, satin glow, just like new leather. Leather Conditioner will preserve new leather and rejuvenate older leather that has become stiff.
Because leather is a natural skin, it is sensitive to many of the same things as our own skin. Alkaline products will dry it out and cause premature aging. Leather Conditioner contains no petroleum distillates and will not dry the leather or its stitching. With a neutral pH rating of 7, it perfectly matches the natural pH of leather. In addition, Pinnacle Leather Conditioner contains a strong UV protectant to shield your leather from the harmful effects of the sun.”
Application impressions:
Easy to work with, spreads evenly
Absorbs quickly. Very light buff if any at all required.
Slight “new leather” odor, not noticeable.
Darkened the leather nicely
After applying both products to the leather trim on the passenger’s side door I waited a moment before giving them a quick buff to knock down any high spots and removed the blue tape to expose my clean control surface:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1260-plcvglc.jpg
W/ iPhone flash on:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1264-plcvglc2.gif
PLC is made the leather slightly darker with a satin finish. Griot`s also darkened the leather but left a matte finish.
Cost breakdown of products:
Griots: $1.06 per oz/ $16.99 per 16oz bottle
PLC: $2.18 per oz/ $34.99 per 16oz bottle
Dang, Griot`s is ½ the price of PLC! Thank goodness for free product samples!!
Conclusion: I’ve been using the Griots for 2 years, I do like it, and a little goes a long way. But it has a strong “new leather” smell which I’m not a fan of and is the main reason I’ve been looking for leather care alternatives. Yes, the PLC is pricey but among other pluses it has an UV protectant advantage over Griots. If you own a convertible with a leather interior, doing everything you can to shield it from the harmful effects of direct UV rays is important. The glass used on all new cars has UV coatings so this factor may not be as critical for non-convertibles.
I removed the Griots with Detailer`s Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner and applied the rest of the PLC 2oz sample to the interior. There is a little left over for touching up the headrest and other high sun exposure areas:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1261-plc2.jpg
I’d love to purchase PLC but will wait until I can find it on sale so the price is a little easier to swallow. For now, I`ll keep an eye on the longevity of the PLC and update this tread with any new observations.
Prior to applying the two products, I cleaned the leather with Detailer`s Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1265-dptic.jpg
(Click here for my comparison review of DP TIC (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailing-product-reviews/45409-detailers-pro-series-total-interior-cleaner-comparison.html)).
For applying the leather care products I used an inexpensive microfiber applicator pad purchased locally at a big box store. Each product was given a quick shake before use.
Griot`s Garage Leather Care is highly concentrated and has a gel like consistency:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1263-griots.gif
From Griot`s Garage Leather Care’s product page on ACC:
“It was a challenge to develop a leather treatment that smelled like leather, replaced vital nutrients, dried clear on perforated leather and left a non-greasy, supple finish after the final buff. Griot`s is happy to say Leather Care does all of the above and will clean soiled leather surfaces! A highly concentrated liquid that penetrates deep to replenish the natural oils of your leather fibers. Much better than the other greasy, lanolin-based products on the market. Easy to use and essential for long, supple life of your fine leather. Use sparingly - a little goes a long way if applied with a microfiber applicator. Great for newer leather.”
Application impressions:
Easy to work with, goes a long way, but takes a some effort to spread evenly
Absorbs slowly, requiring a light buff to even out
Very strong “new leather” smell. Not a fan of the odor.
Darkened the leather nicely
Pinnacle Leather Conditioner on the other hand has more of milky lotion consistency:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1262-plc.gif
From Pinnacle Leather Conditioner product page on ACC:
“The VOC compliant formula in our Leather Conditioner is rich in lanolin and natural oils. These oils absorb into the leather’s pores, replacing its natural oils that were lost through processing and subsequent cleaning. Hydrated leather retains its softness and resists cracking caused by overexposure to the sun. The lanolin acts as a natural moisturizer for the hide, just like it works on human skin. Your leather will be left with a soft, satin glow, just like new leather. Leather Conditioner will preserve new leather and rejuvenate older leather that has become stiff.
Because leather is a natural skin, it is sensitive to many of the same things as our own skin. Alkaline products will dry it out and cause premature aging. Leather Conditioner contains no petroleum distillates and will not dry the leather or its stitching. With a neutral pH rating of 7, it perfectly matches the natural pH of leather. In addition, Pinnacle Leather Conditioner contains a strong UV protectant to shield your leather from the harmful effects of the sun.”
Application impressions:
Easy to work with, spreads evenly
Absorbs quickly. Very light buff if any at all required.
Slight “new leather” odor, not noticeable.
Darkened the leather nicely
After applying both products to the leather trim on the passenger’s side door I waited a moment before giving them a quick buff to knock down any high spots and removed the blue tape to expose my clean control surface:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1260-plcvglc.jpg
W/ iPhone flash on:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1264-plcvglc2.gif
PLC is made the leather slightly darker with a satin finish. Griot`s also darkened the leather but left a matte finish.
Cost breakdown of products:
Griots: $1.06 per oz/ $16.99 per 16oz bottle
PLC: $2.18 per oz/ $34.99 per 16oz bottle
Dang, Griot`s is ½ the price of PLC! Thank goodness for free product samples!!
Conclusion: I’ve been using the Griots for 2 years, I do like it, and a little goes a long way. But it has a strong “new leather” smell which I’m not a fan of and is the main reason I’ve been looking for leather care alternatives. Yes, the PLC is pricey but among other pluses it has an UV protectant advantage over Griots. If you own a convertible with a leather interior, doing everything you can to shield it from the harmful effects of direct UV rays is important. The glass used on all new cars has UV coatings so this factor may not be as critical for non-convertibles.
I removed the Griots with Detailer`s Pro Series Total Interior Cleaner and applied the rest of the PLC 2oz sample to the interior. There is a little left over for touching up the headrest and other high sun exposure areas:
http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/members/angus-albums-pics-picture1261-plc2.jpg
I’d love to purchase PLC but will wait until I can find it on sale so the price is a little easier to swallow. For now, I`ll keep an eye on the longevity of the PLC and update this tread with any new observations.