Upholstery Renovation



There are three methods to upholstery renovation-

• Remove the covers and use an immersion dye

• Remove the seats, back cushions and head rests and spray pigmentation (applying pigmentation in-situ can be very messy)

• Renew the upholstery covers ( not an option for Concours d’élégance entrant vehicles)



Examine the worn or faded spots on the urethane surface to decide if the condition has sufficient integrity (see Repair Compound and Mechanical Repair (Sub-patch) for renovation. Also, any imperfections you see at this stage will be amplified after the pigmentation. These can be removed with a light sanding using 3000 grit finishing paper and follow with a tack cloth and final cleaning.



The urethane pigmentation used for automobile upholstery is classified as a semi-solid permeable membrane, being a thermosetting polymer (elastomers) it remains flexible while retaining its tensile strength, to enable it to expand and contract, following the temperature fluctuations (elasticity) of the substrate. The urethane although very resilient to abrasion wear from entering and exiting the vehicle, by using additives it still maintains its physical properties like flexibility, tactile hand and its patina



A urethanes fibre structure will stretch in all directions with no particular grain or stress pattern. The urethane surface coating will not withstand multi directional stress, however, and when it’s flexed or stretched continuously in the same place the surface coating develops minute cracks. So any pigmentation, fillers or adhesives used must be able to maintain this flexibility, without compromising its structural integrity



Colour change - if you are applying a pigmentation to change the colour of the finished leather; surface preparation (removal of existing pigmentation (colour) is the most important step.



It will be necessary to remove most of the original colour finish without creating thin spots or sanding all the way through the top coat. By correctly preparing the surface and breaking down the original pigmentation, your newly applied pigment will look like an OEM applied translucent finish.



Swissvax Leather Healer is an easy-to-apply leather pigment (dye) comprising a high number of super fine pigments combining best results with a minimum thickness pigment application so that the look and feel of the leather is not affected as it is the case with many other leather dyes. The Swissvax dye is easily applied with a small sponge and sets automatically and permanently.



The leathers fine and natural structure as well as its typical original feel are perfectly preserved. 46 Standard Colours are available or you can also send a small leather sample and they will match your interiors leather colour.



Swisswax Leather Glaze- (finished leather top coating) new leather remains new for many years thanks to the colourless protective layer provided by Leather Glaze which drastically reduces any signs of wear. Leather driver’s seat, the smooth leather steering wheel and the smooth leather shift knob are places where the leather undergoes the most noticeable wear - even on new cars. That`s why every leather interior should regularly be protected with Leather Glaze for keeping it in mint "factory" condition - an inexpensive measure and little time invested for the best interior maintenance



Surface Preparation



A few days before commencing the actual leather renovation, clean the finished leather surfaces. As a cleaning solution, I use a formula that is used by one of the major tanneries to clean their leather. Mix a solution of 3% detergents that contains a surfactant (P21S Total Auto Wash) 10% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and the balance distilled water. And then apply Leather Master Soft Touch (formally Vital) this is not a conditioner per se; it softens the finished leather and make it easier to remove the seat covers.



Like all detailing task’s the correct surface preparation prior to the application of the pigmentation (colour) will ensure that it adheres correctly, and has both durability and aesthetics. Use a safe degreaser to ensure any oil and grease free surface (Leather Masters™ Leather Degreaser) this aerosol product is ideal for cleaning as it dissolves the oils and transforms them into a powder that is more absorbent than the leather. This powder is what is wiped off, cleaning and degreasing the leather. Allow the white powder to dry fully. If the powder is drying to a yellow colour, it means that there are still a lot of oils in the leather.



And then use a safe solvent cleaner (Leather Magic DT-152 or Leather Master Color Prep & Cleaner) these chemical is formulated from several types of alcohol and milder based solvents and is used primarily to prepare the surface of leather for repair or pigmentation application. It will remove all dressings, protectants, waxes and oils from the surface, but more importantly, it will strip off the top most layer of the finish, which cleans the surface so that it is receptive to the application of repair and colorant materials. This also creates a permanent bonding of the materials to the leather.



The solvent should be sprayed lightly over the surface, and then by using a medium soft upholstery brush will ensure any ingrained soiling is effectively removed prior to application and to ensure proper product adhesion. Using a cotton terry cloth towel, immediately wipe dry. This will thoroughly remove any foreign matter found on the surface of the leather; mild solvents also work as an excellent de greaser. After letting the solvent dry off for a few hours the area should be lightly sanded over, this will remove any cracks in the surface coating.



Use painter’s tape and/or masking paper around anything that doesn’t require pigmentation applied

To ensure adhesion lightly sand areas to be re-coloured by using an abrasive (Scotchbrite 7447 - Maroon pad, General Purpose Hand - 320-400 grit) You’ll need to break down approximately 25µ (1 mil) of the surface, this is important so the new leather dye can ‘key’ into the finished leather and look natural. Be consistent in how far you remove the pigmentation, it is not necessary to completely remove the pigmentation that is sitting on the leather surface. Remove dust with a tack rag or damp micro fibre towel.



Pigmentation (colour) Application



[: in the US pigmentation is called dye (although it’s a very different process for the application of a colorant]



Ideal temperatures for application 70 – 75.0F with 30%-40% humidity, test the product on a small area for a colour match; it is normal that the newly applied pigmentation colour may appear more vibrant and translucent than the faded hue you have become accustomed to. If you’re satisfied with your test area, apply the product



Pour all the pigmentation into a suitable container so it can be stirred and mixed properly with a wide paint stirrer. As some pigments are heavier than others and tend to settle. If it is too thick, stir in a small quantity of distilled water to achieve a workable consistency.