A week does not go by that we do not get a call or an email from a detailer and some consumers on how to remove blue "jean" dye from leather.
Success comes first from knowledge, then having the right chemistry, tools and process.
The first bit of knowledge you need to have is a knowledge of the type of leather:
+ Analine leather
+ Nubuck leather
+ Suede leather
+ Protected leather
Of course, removal from protected leather is much easier than it would be from nubuck and suede which are more absorbent leathers.
Protected leather uses high performance leather pigments which are much more durable than pigments used in home furnishing leathers. They are designed to withstand UV light compared to standard pigments that are for indoor use.
As well, automotive protected leathers are sealed with a heavy urethane top coat which have cross linkers added to the urethane to increase durability to both dry and wet rubs.
Blue jean dyes are acidic as is automotive leather (about 4.1pH for seats) which is why the dye migrates and transfer so easily on to the acidic leather finishes.
FUNDAMENTALS of LEATHER CLEANING
There are four basic fundamentals of cleaning you may be aware of in cleaning:
a. Chemical action
b. Time
c. Temperature
d. Agitation
To remove blue dye stains rely on a safe and effective chemical system and dwell time.
Temperature is not a factor except if the leather seat is hot during summer months, in that case the chemical reaction will be better than in the cold winter.
Agitation is a last resort and then only with a soft leather cleaning brush that is able to reach the groves in the grain leather.
Dwell time works by allowing the chemicals to penetrate, lubricate and suspend the blue dye stain, in this case.
The recommended chemicals and procedures that seem to work for professionals are:
Step 1 - Apply an ink spotter with a soft leather brush directly to the stain and feather out to entire panel
Step 2 - Let dwell for at least 2 hours for the most effective penetration, lubrication and suspension to take place.
Step 3 - Spray a leather cleaner on the area and lightly agitate and extract with a dry absorbent towel.
Step 4 - Inspect carefully, and repeat the above steps for further removal or proceed to remove residue
Step 5 - Spray a lighter leather cleaner over the area, lightly agitate and remove with an absorbent dry towel
Step 6 - Spray with a rinse and extract for a squeeky residue free surface.
Step 7 - Mist spray with a leather scent fragrance
You should have a soft, natural buttery feel to the leather when this procedure is followed using the correct chemistry.
Explain to the customer that it takes time to remove blue jean dye from leather and that you will need to car for more than a couple of hours. It also helps to explain the price you will charge too.
You need to better understand leathers, they are not mass produced in factories like vinyl and plastic with the push of a button.
Automotive leathers are mostly from cow hide, young males, actually that are 12 to 14 months old to get the size required.
Hides do from the slaughter house to the tannery for processing. To turn a hide into leather takes a total of 19 wet and dry operations.
Be safe do not rush the blue dye removal processes or any leather cleaning process for that matter. Allow for the right products to work properly. And remember do not resort to harsh agitation to clean leather you could end up being sorry if you remove the pigmented coating on the analine leather.
Hope this provides some insights for those of you who do not know much about leather and leather cleaning.
Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS
[email protected]
Success comes first from knowledge, then having the right chemistry, tools and process.
The first bit of knowledge you need to have is a knowledge of the type of leather:
+ Analine leather
+ Nubuck leather
+ Suede leather
+ Protected leather
Of course, removal from protected leather is much easier than it would be from nubuck and suede which are more absorbent leathers.
Protected leather uses high performance leather pigments which are much more durable than pigments used in home furnishing leathers. They are designed to withstand UV light compared to standard pigments that are for indoor use.
As well, automotive protected leathers are sealed with a heavy urethane top coat which have cross linkers added to the urethane to increase durability to both dry and wet rubs.
Blue jean dyes are acidic as is automotive leather (about 4.1pH for seats) which is why the dye migrates and transfer so easily on to the acidic leather finishes.
FUNDAMENTALS of LEATHER CLEANING
There are four basic fundamentals of cleaning you may be aware of in cleaning:
a. Chemical action
b. Time
c. Temperature
d. Agitation
To remove blue dye stains rely on a safe and effective chemical system and dwell time.
Temperature is not a factor except if the leather seat is hot during summer months, in that case the chemical reaction will be better than in the cold winter.
Agitation is a last resort and then only with a soft leather cleaning brush that is able to reach the groves in the grain leather.
Dwell time works by allowing the chemicals to penetrate, lubricate and suspend the blue dye stain, in this case.
The recommended chemicals and procedures that seem to work for professionals are:
Step 1 - Apply an ink spotter with a soft leather brush directly to the stain and feather out to entire panel
Step 2 - Let dwell for at least 2 hours for the most effective penetration, lubrication and suspension to take place.
Step 3 - Spray a leather cleaner on the area and lightly agitate and extract with a dry absorbent towel.
Step 4 - Inspect carefully, and repeat the above steps for further removal or proceed to remove residue
Step 5 - Spray a lighter leather cleaner over the area, lightly agitate and remove with an absorbent dry towel
Step 6 - Spray with a rinse and extract for a squeeky residue free surface.
Step 7 - Mist spray with a leather scent fragrance
You should have a soft, natural buttery feel to the leather when this procedure is followed using the correct chemistry.
Explain to the customer that it takes time to remove blue jean dye from leather and that you will need to car for more than a couple of hours. It also helps to explain the price you will charge too.
You need to better understand leathers, they are not mass produced in factories like vinyl and plastic with the push of a button.
Automotive leathers are mostly from cow hide, young males, actually that are 12 to 14 months old to get the size required.
Hides do from the slaughter house to the tannery for processing. To turn a hide into leather takes a total of 19 wet and dry operations.
Be safe do not rush the blue dye removal processes or any leather cleaning process for that matter. Allow for the right products to work properly. And remember do not resort to harsh agitation to clean leather you could end up being sorry if you remove the pigmented coating on the analine leather.
Hope this provides some insights for those of you who do not know much about leather and leather cleaning.
Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS
[email protected]
