Can I Hurt My leather??

L

layer3switchguy

New member
Hi folks,



I love the smell of the Zaino Leather Conditioner and would like to use it often to enhance the leather aroma in my cars. My question is, can I hurt my leather with repeated (weekly or so) use? Both cars are German if that means anything.



I also bought the Wolfang leather care products as well. Again, any issue with repeated use of their conditioner?



Thanks,

L3
 
I can't speak for WG products but I know Zaino's conditioner is very mild and will not damage treated (coated) or untreated leather.



If you have nappa leather (M series, for example) be sure to apply the product to an app *before* applying it to the leather. This goes for any leather care product.



If you have treated (coated) leather, excess product will just sit on the clearcoat and either evaporate or be removed by your clothing.
 
If the purpose of the application is to have the vehicle smell like leather, I would suggest an air freshener with that scent.



I am a firm believer in treating leather PRN
 
Sounds like you want the aroma more than the treatment. Suggest you put some on a piece of cloth and put it under the front seat. Weekly has to be way too often as far a a leather treatment is concerned.
 
Yankee Candle air freshner company makes "Leather". Someone said hang in trunk because it's pretty strong.:nixweiss Try Bed Bath and Beyond.

I currently am using Zaino's leather conditioner applied with bare hand and trying stay away from excess on stitches.
 
MartyGrant said:
Yankee Candle air freshner company makes "Leather". Someone said hang in trunk because it's pretty strong.
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Hanging an air freshener in the trunk is a good idea. Sometimes they can be a bit overpowering when they're inside the vehicle.
 
The OEM folks have you snagged in their marketing!

There are three kinds of leather in autos produced today. 99% are (P) Protected Leather. If you have (N) NuBuck, read your owner's manual. If you have the Ford "King Ranch", read the Owner's Manual.



Otherwise, you have leather that is treated, and painted, with an acrylic based (plastic) agent that provides a smooth and contiguous look. You don't really think the cows have tan/grey/black leather, right?



Since the seats are completely coated with a plastic (go ahead, do your due diligence), would not a quality protectorant, like 303, be the best choice? Works in my shop.



Jim
 
I've been to two BB and Bs and two Yankee Candle stores, and none of htem have the leather scent. The gal at Yankee Candle said they are so back ordered, they can't get them. You guys hogging them all or what?
 
Jimmy Buffit said:




Since the seats are completely coated with a plastic (go ahead, do your due diligence), would not a quality protectorant, like 303, be the best choice? Works in my shop.



Jim
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Wow, Jim. Say it ain't so!

I thought SOME of the conditioner gets through the "plastic"...like it was slightly porous or something.



In other words using Zaino, Lexol, Leatherique, etc. leather cleaning and conditioning products are really doing nothing and are pretty much a waste of money. The only leather product that is getting through is at the stitches, if that. These are my words, I know, but is that what you are saying?



I for one would be very happy to know that basic cleaning and 303 is the better thing to do. Please respond.
 
I have coated leather in one car ,uncoated Corinthian in another, both respond to Lexol well. I've used Lexol on the Cadillac leather for 10 years.
 
I'd love to know the real scoop, too!:nixweiss



I've been using Optimum Protectant from Optimum Polymer Technologies on all new leather lately because the chemist that developed it told me that modern leather is polyurethane coated, so it should be treated as vinyl. OP is for vinyl and leather. It uses polymer technology to allow the protectant to bond and does not have alot of heavy oils that won't penetrate. However, he said it does have some oil. It doesn't leave a glossy surface - very natural - and also has cleaners in it. This makes me think it is similar to the new vinylex with its patented polymer formula.



I've done cars with leather from the earlier 80's up to present and used products with alot of natural oils, including Leatherique. Of course, buffing may be removing the excess oil that hasn't been absorbed. The folks at Leatherique told me that their oils do penetrate at the stitching, but you should leave it on the leather 24 hours to allow the oils to penetrate as much as possible.



I did alot of Internet research with leather manufacturers to try to determine when leather first began to be coated, and found that it has been a long time, at least since the early 80's! Maybe there have been advances (hope so!) over the years and 21st century leather has a different type of coating.



I know I just scratched the surface in my research. Mr. Chemist, would you weigh in on this?



Anxious to know the answer,
 
TOGWT said:
~ One manï¿Â½s opinion / observations ~



Covered Leather (Urethane, (Vinyl or MB-Tex):

Since late '80s early '90s 80% of vehicle manufacturers have used covered leather for their interior upholstery. Its made from natural hides, but uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane resin coating or a vinyl covering to make it more viable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight, leathers worst enemy



Spills wipe off with a moistened cloth; it retains the aura of natural leather without its sensitivity to light and abuse. The urethane resin or the vinyl covering require oils to stop it from drying out (just like a paint system's clear coat) the leather also requires replacement of natural oils. Clean, condition and apply a UVR protection



Identifying characteristics- uniform colour and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change colour.



~Hope this helps~



Knowledge unshared is experience wasted

justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon
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Change a few words, and call it your own? Please see our policy on copyrighted material here: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=33797



Taken from http://www.backbenimble.com/new/pages/brigger/brigger_colorsU1.htm?page=all:

Lifestyle Leather: This top-grain aniline leather is made from the finest natural hides, but uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane coating to make it more suitable for active lifestyles, including children and pets. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight. Spills wipe off with a moist cloth. Choose it if you like the aura of natural leather without its sensitivity to light and abuse.
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Tort

(moderator)
 
My leather comes from GST Autoleather. GST provides the leather for some of these vehicles.



Their leather has a polyurethane topcoat. They recommend regular cleaning with a mild soap and water and for those who want to take extra care of their fine leather, they supply cleaners and conditioners to the manufacturer and recommend them for their coated leathers.



leather_care.jpg




Their products do work great, smell good and are inexpensive.
 
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