Upholstery and Trim Surface Identification
It is important to be able to recognise the different materials used for vehicle upholstery as some OEM use different materials for the various surfaces (i.e. perforated leather for the seating areas, PVC bolsters and seat backs) Before choosing a product to clean or maintain interior surfaces you must be certain of the material used and wither it is protected or covered, as the correct product requirements are vastly different.
Automotive leather care is a subject surrounded with misinformation and myth. Products such as leather (Saddle) soaps, oil-based Conditioners, Neat-foot oil, and Hide Food still prevail as top sellers, albeit most are made for equestrian tack. These are very different leathers with drastically differing care requirements.
The exact reason for this type of misapplication is unclear. It?s possible that there is an association with old world quality (i.e. European automobiles with leather upholstery and real burl wood interiors) with these types of products, despite the fact that the automotive industry has been using water-based polyurethane covered pigmented leather in 95% of vehicles for many years
As materials and production methods that are used change; we need to adapt our product usage and application methodologies to change with them
To identify the material used; (N-Nubuck / Alcantara?) (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) (P-Protected / Coated)
(a) Protected leather ((P-Protected / Coated) - by slightly scratching it with your nail, if it changes to a darker / lighter shade, it is unprotected (i.e. how suede changes colour depending on the fibres' orientation). If this has little effect it?s protected. If water ?beads? on the surface, or if cleaners and conditioners remain on the surface. It is protected leather as liquids will not penetrate this type of leather; it will also have an even shine.
(b) Natural leather (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) Aniline Leather is coloured all the way through with a transparent dye. The effect is applied by immersing the leather in a dye bath. Because the finish is transparent and shows the natural markings of the leather, only top quality hides can be used. It has a random shade colours and grain pattern; lightly scratch the surface to see if it reveals a lighter colour, water drops will darken its colour (temporarily).
(c) Nubuck, Alcantara? (N-Nubuck / Alcantara? ) - are top-grain cattle hide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibres, producing a velvet-like surface. It is 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.
(d) Nappa Leather (A-Aniline // Non-Coated ) ? a very soft, full grain (uncoated) leather made from an un-split sheepskin, lambskin, or kidskin, usually tanned with alum and chromium salts and dyed throughout, water drops will darken its colour (temporarily).
(e) Vinyl - vinyl will have a much more even, almost repeating pattern. The depth of the lines within the grain on vinyl is also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary; it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch. water drops will remain (unchanged) on its surface
The keys to leather care are keeping leather;
(a) Hydrated - use water-based products and clean surfaces with a damp towel
(b) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear.
(c) Protected - is essential as it will protect the surface finish and makes dirt easier to clean off and an ultra violet protective product (UVR) will preserve the finish
For many, finding the best leather care product is as simple as using what is the most popular. While popularity can sometimes be a reliable barometer, it isn?t always the correct choice. Some even make their decision based on new car?s leather fragrance alone.
My best advise; research other options and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information, not hype or brand loyalty. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? I would also strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you.
Choosing a Leather Care Product
Leather Master is the leather care ?bench-mark product, its pH balanced; water-based formula gently cleans without drying leather upholstery. Leather Master Products are used as a ?benchmark? by other leather care product vendors. All water-based cleaners will remove any body oil or salts, dirt and grime and wash them from the leather surface.
Today, Leather Master leads the industry with over 350 different leather products. All Leather Master Products are manufactured in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy. The world's largest tannery, located nearby, keeps them up to date on the latest changes within the industry. As an added bonus you?ll use a lesser amount of product with superior results.
An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles ? TOGWT ? Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved.
