Mustang Leather....Best Care?

[Matt M PA]

I must have placed this in the wrong place...or it was moved. Let's try again.



Hi folks...been watching this forum for quite some time, and am finally making my first thread.



A friend has a '99 Mustang GT and he showed me last night where the color is coming off the leather in the creases. He admits to never doing anything to the leather except for one treatment years ago of Lexol. I do understand that Ford does not use the best leather and that it is coated...but is there a way to prevent this?



The reason I ask is because I have an '03 Cobra and would like to avoid this happening in my car. I was amazed how much of the Cobra's seats are actual leather. It also has those alcantra (suede) inserts, so I want to be careful not to damage the inserts either. I was tempted to try leatherique, but was concerned that it may find it's way into the suede as it is stiched to the leather.



I have been using Zaino's leather treatment, but if there is a product or technique that will help keep this leather looking as good as it does now...I'd sure like to know about it. Thanks!

 

[togwt]

~One man’s opinion / observations ~



Identifying Leather Finishes: Coated Leather: leather made from natural hides, but uniquely treated with a light pigmented urethane coating to make it more suitable for automotive seating. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight. Spills wipe off with a moist cloth, retains the aura of natural leather without its sensitivity to light and abuse. Clean / condition / UV protect as above

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



a) Cleaning- apply a cleaning solution (Water /Woolite or Dreft 6:1 ratio or stronger) on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (i.e. a seat back). Gently agitate the surface with a boar’s hair cleaning brush. This removes stubborn grime and will not harm the leather. Use a clean, damp Microfiber towel to rinse the leather.



Dependent upon the leathers condition or how dirty it is consider a leather-cleaning product as an alternative (Connolly Concentrated Leather Cleaner or Leatherique’s Prestine Clean)



b) Maintenance- recommend a preventative maintenance routine three to four times a year, once prior to the winter season to prevent cold temperatures cracking the leather, and once before the heat of the summer to prevent deterioration and shrinkage by heat, which result in continued cracking of leather. In addition to regular cleaning, leather requires replacement of natural oils; Collagen-based products restore the lost moisture and maintain it’s natural flexibility. The smell of leather comes from oils evaporating out of the hide. Once every 30-60 days, Arizona, Florida and Texas, especially in summer, for northern climates between 90-120 days, use a leather conditioner to restore these natural oils and keep the leather soft and supple. (Connolly leather cleaner is a good maintenance product)



c) UV Protection- you should consider additional sunscreen protection (especially if you own a convertible) Leather conditioners typically do not offer any UV screening. The best solution is to alternate between a leather conditioner and a UV Protectant. One month use a conditioner to keep the leather healthy and supple. On alternate months mist and wipe the leather with a UV protectant. After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, then using a 100% cotton cloth lightly buff surface.



303â„¢ Aerospace Protectant leaves an as-new, non-oily and anti-static finish that does not attract dust or dirt. Surfaces stay cleaner thereby reducing maintenance. Protects surfaces from fading caused by UV radiation.



~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*

 

[Matt M PA]

TOGWT..thanks for the tips. I know that mine is coated.



You post says to clean-condition-UV protect as above...I assume you meant, as below as that is where the info is..or am I missing something?



The Zaino leather product is supposed to contain a UV gurad.

 

[togwt]

I apologise I reacted to the un-coated leather as the phone rang, I should have read the rest of the post…but hit the enter

" …The reason I ask is because I have an '03 Cobra and would like to avoid this happening in my car. I was amazed how much of the Cobra's seats are actual leather. It also has those alcantra (suede) inserts, so I want to be careful not to damage the inserts either."





Unfinished leather (Nappa, Nubuck or Cirrus): Some cars have untreated leather, a soft, full grain leather made from an un-split sheepskin, lambskin, or kidskin, usually tanned with alum and chromium salts and dyed throughout. The easiest way to tell is to sprinkle a few drops of water onto the leather, if the water is absorbed into the leather and looks like a stain, it’s untreated if the water is not absorbed then it’s treated.



The surface of these leathers has no protective barrier to protect them. As a result these leathers are very prone to soiling and staining. To protect unfinished leathers including suede, deerskin and unfinished dyed leathers, use 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. Use on new or newly cleaned leather, spray on and let dry, it creates and maintains water repellence, resists soiling and helps protect against both water and oil based stains.

Identifying characteristics- very soft to the touch, will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original colour after drying.

 

[Matt M PA]

Thanks for the clarification.



My concern about the "suede" is that some products claim (leatherique) to get drawn into the leather by a capilary (sp?) action and I was concerned that the suede would also soak up the oil and be ruined.



My main concern is to keep the actual coated leather areas nice and avoid having the coating come off like my friend's car did. I see lots of newer cars today and the leather is all worn in a short time. I have another friend who swears by saddle soap, but I know this is bad for leather..and his seats show it!

 

[togwt]

If you are diligent with the up-keep of your setas (what am I saying your an Autopian)with Fabric Guard you should be able to obtain a stain free seating surface.