Wet Sanding Leather

Beemerboy

Beemerboy

Just One More Coat
I recently ordered some Leatherique for a BMW that needs it badly...in reading the directions on the web site for re-coloring the leather, of which I'm not going to do at least this first time threw....It talks about wet sanding the leather to remove the clear and even out the area for prep of the color.

Question anyone have any experience with this process? or even heard of it?

I plan on trying it but on a old leather seat to practice.
 
I've heard of it but don't have much info to give you about it. I know that sanding is part of the reconditioning. I've seen before and afters of this process and it is well worth it.
 
PEI Detail said:
Well I never heard anything like that.
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2. BASIC LEATHER CARE/LEATHER RESTORATION/PREPPING YOUR LEATHER SURFACE

You will need prepping agent, fine grit sand paper, 400 to 600 grit, and a clean, empty bowl or container. Pour a few ounces of prepping agent into the bucket and use that to dip your wet or dry sand paper into. Also have plenty of paper towels to wipe dirt from the surface of the leather.

Using 400 grit, lightly wet sand the leather to smooth out any cracks and hangnails in the surface. Remove as much of the old Leather dye as you can without creating suede. Wipe surface with soft rags or paper towels to remove as much of the faded or oxidized old Leather Dye as possible. Do not attempt to redye over damaged dye. Be sure all old dye is broken down, and all previous treatments such as silicone, wax or oil product residue is gone. Then resand with 600. If you are filling cracks with Leather crack filler, this is the time to do that step. Apply Leather crack filler only into cracks, not near grain. Allow to dry 20 minutes and refill as necessary. For holes in leather, a mechanical repair will be necessary. Insert a patch larger than the hole, (a piece of canvas or leather fuzzy sides together) carefully into the hole. With a toothpick, spread a small amount of craft or leather glue into hole and press to adhere. Fill remaining scar with layers of Leather crack filler. Resand Leather as necessary with 600 for a smooth, flawless finish. Allow project to sit overnight or about 6 hours to allow prepping agent and crack filler to dry. Sufficient Leather prepping is the key to a successful Leather Restoration project. It is helpful to a good finish to remove the top surface of the old lacquer base Leather dye to allow new Copolymer Leather dye to "bite". This also assures that any silicone, petroleum or mineral oils, or wax are removed. If doing a color change, remove as much of the old dye as possible without damaging the leather or creating suede.
 
Ive used leatherique and I wasn't impressed at all. As a matter of fact I have practicly a full bottle of the rejuvinator and the Pristine clean sitting in my basement. I actually found that it works better on my wallet than it does on my car seats. I never wetsanded the leather but I can understand the logic behind it. I would be afraid of sanding away the grain though.
 
The procedure it seems to make sense but as focusedonsound sound I would worried about going to far.
Beemer if you do decide to do it, I would be interested in seeing the before and afters on that.

Good luck
"J"
 
on the upcoming car I will not be wet sanding but I do plan on taking some before and after pics to post....I hope this works for this leather its pretty ratty in some areas...mainly dry feeling
 
what about using a scouring pad, like the ones to clean dishes. it would scuff the leather up but not as rough as sand paper. also for practice pieces try contacting a dealer if you deal with one to try and get interior pieces before they are thrown out from warrenty claims. most times they just pitch them but they would be great practice pieces. good luck. i can't wait to see the pics.
 
Beemerboy said:
I recently ordered some Leatherique for a BMW that needs it badly...in reading the directions on the web site for re-coloring the leather, of which I'm not going to do at least this first time threw....It talks about wet sanding the leather to remove the clear and even out the area for prep of the color.

Question anyone have any experience with this process? or even heard of it?

I plan on trying it but on a old leather seat to practice.
Click to expand...

use 600 to 1000 grit SP (automotive only) depending on how much aggressiveness you need and use water as the lubricant- remember your goal is to level out the surface if its damaged so when you apply the color it will be relatively smooth wipe down with a damp clean soft cloth to clean up debris as you go
 
Larrycolorglo said:
use 600 to 1000 grit SP (automotive only) depending on how much aggressiveness you need and use water as the lubricant- remember your goal is to level out the surface if its damaged so when you apply the color it will be relatively smooth wipe down with a damp clean soft cloth to clean up debris as you go
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I just had to add this but it seems you are looking for some strong penitration so it may not be of interest but for cleaning leather seats and car interiors the MrClean majic eraser rocks.
 
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