Searching for interior leather products

[perryyip73]

Im going to collect my new wife coming monday, but i've been searching cleaning product for my leathers or interiors. I saw few guys posted with power cleaner plus detailer (protection) but i dunno where to get those stuffs. Hope someone can sell to me directly Thanks.

 

[Alex5522]

Look for club member kc, guess he will help u to get the stuff u need.

 

[KrisMas]

For leather, if it's OEM most probably it'll be coated. Regularly clean them (once a fortnight) with a very mild APC (All Purpose Cleaner) or very diluted dish washing detergent (1:100) or even plain water is enough. Just make sure you rinse them thoroughly (with damp cloth) if you're using APC or detergent. Or if you don't feel safe with that, look for all-in-one leather cleaner and conditioner. I'd suggest you get those from a reputable company, I'd recommend you search for Mother's, Meguiars or Duragloss.

Same thing goes for plastics/vinyls. If well maintained, you won't really need anything other than plain water. Once in a while use some mild/diluted APC to deep clean and dress with some dressings made for plastics/vinyls. Same thing, I'd suggest you go for the reputable brands, and again Mothers, Meguiars, Duragloss and Optimum comes to mind. I'm not saying that Turtle Wax, Armorall, or the other off the shelves products are bad, but, after trying out some of them, I'd rather go for the brands that I've mentioned above.

Regards.

 

[db8]

you can find those branded stuff at Ace Hardware

 

[kc's]

Im going to collect my new wife coming monday, but i've been searching cleaning product for my leathers or interiors. I saw few guys posted with power cleaner plus detailer (protection) but i dunno where to get those stuffs. Hope someone can sell to me directly Thanks.

Effortless Interior…detailing on leather seats


show u some examples

Tools needed
1. soft hair bristle brushes
2. OPtimum power clean (it is safe for interior exterior & not harmful to your skins unlike APCs & pls becareful it will etch yr leathers , vinyl & paint - if it is not wipe immediately


(dilute 1: 5 part water - leather, interior vinyl, Dash, Fabrics, upholstery)
(dilute 1: 3 part water - for WHEELS
(dilute 1: 1 part water - for engine
best part
Dilute 1: 8 part water for paint cleaning (car exterior)


A marked area 50%/50%

Before side

After

Protected & condition with

T a D a

After 50/50%

Its simple, effective & effortless

have fun

 

[kc's]

all you need to do weekly is a quick wipe down with damp microfibers & montly spray wipe & walk away with leather protectant plus



pls do not lt any oil stains & cracks on yr leathers....do not use 2 in 1 conditioner or cleaners ...as it is not the best , as the cleaner stay on yr leathers & you are siting on it...use a pure conditioner....the right & PROFESSIONAL WAY

 

[Gerald 5]

hi Kc, fantastic job! by the way, do you provide such services with a fees? if yes, can you pm me please. Just bought an e46 ci and would like to get it clean inside out for the bling bling effect. cheers!

 

[KrisMas]

Just some food for thoughts:

"You probably have a pigmented/protected/top coated/painted type leather because this is the most common leather type and is used in over 95% of automotive interiors. This leather has a uniform appearance and color with a definite pattern (grain). You cannot see any natural leather markings through the top coatings because a pigmented leather paint coat is applied to the surface. It is then sealed with a durable finish. If properly maintained, this finish will provide years of durability.

Identifying characteristics of pigmented/painted leather: uniform color and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water dropped onto the surface will not change the color of the leather.

Another kind of leather found in automotive interiors is aniline (Castano) leather. It is top quality natural leather in which the actual surface grain markings of the true leather (hide) are visible. This type of leather is not intended to remain pristine but rather rugged. These seats have no or very little protective treatments applied. They also require different cleaning procedures than protected leather due to its porous nature and are prone to sun fading.

Identifying characteristics: very easy to scratch, water dropped onto the surface will darken the color and then dry back to natural color.

Yet another kind of leather found in automotive interiors is nubuck leather found on some Lexus and Dodge Durango seats. These are natural aniline leathers that have been brushed creating a nap and leaving a texture similar to suede. Nubuck has a natural finish, but may have a light protective coat and a transparent leather dye for color. This process increases the leather’s surface exposure making it extremely absorbent to body oils and soil, also making it difficult to clean effectively.

Identifying characteristics: usually gray in color, very soft to the touch, will scratch or scuff very easily, water dropped onto the surface will darken the color and then dry back to natural color.

So now you know what kind of leather your car has, but you might be surprised to learn that the entire seat is not actually leather! Most modern cars have leather seating surfaces while the rest of the seat is vinyl that is made to look like leather. To the untrained eye it looks like the entire seat is leather, but in fact it is not. Why do they do this? Because vinyl is cheaper than leather of course. “But I ordered leather seats when I bought my car!”, you may say. To that I will say, “Read the fine print of the order sheet, it says ‘leather seating’ or something similar to that.” This is how the car manufacturers trick you into believing that the entire covering is leather.

So what? So some of the surfaces are vinyl, does that matter? Generally not except that the sides will wear out and crack well before the leather surfaces do. At which time you take your car to an auto upholstery specialist and have them replace that cracked/torn vinyl panel with a real leather panel and you’re good to go.

What about leather conditioner? This is where I really have to laugh at what’s going on in the public’s mind. The use of leather conditioner on most automotive seats is vastly overrated. I don’t mean it’s a waste of time, but it’s not as critical as many people believe and here’s why: Remember that 95% of cars have the pigmented/protected/top coated/painted type of leather right? That top coat seals out moisture and contaminents… so how well do you think that leather conditioner soaks past that protective copcoat and into the leather? It doesn’t. I hear all the arguements from car enthusiasts that it is critical for long lasting leather and to keep it from cracking. I say this, keep your leather clean, (including in the seams where the stitching is) and keep it protected from UV rays (window tinting) and your leather will last a long time. Going to the expense and trouble of applying leather conditioner on a regular basis isn’t a bad thing, in fact it shows that you’re willing to take care of your investment, just don’t lose any sleep over it."


Open for comments and discussions.

 

[Eggie86]

hi Kc, fantastic job! by the way, do you provide such services with a fees? if yes, can you pm me please. Just bought an e46 ci and would like to get it clean inside out for the bling bling effect. cheers!

You're looking at the right buy to make your car as good as new!

Hehe. KC bro is the best! :top:

 

[Eggie86]

Just curious, I know how good a decent and reputable leather conditioner will do to the leather, but won't it sometimes leave some sort of oily sheen? My car doesn't have leather seats, but I've used trim detailers or some leather products before on the trims, and sometimes I feel as though it leaves a rather slippery residue when I run my fingers thru them.

So, just wondering, if we coat and maintain the leather using conditioners, wouldn't that result in some slippery action?

 

[kc's]

In layman terms


there are only 2 types of leathers -

1. Dyed leathers -, E90....& many more....i will give you a list


2. Sprayed Leather -E46 M3


cow does not comes in colour, so it is either coloured by Dye or sprayed method....

TEST:-
(mama always says - test before you go into water)

Flip at the bottom of your leather seats (at the back ) & clean it with leather cleaners...if discolouring - then this is dyed leathers...of such Esp E90...please becareful ....do not apply any aggressive cleaners ..ESP APC -megs too aggressive ...it will discolour or pigmentation - they also won out faster - dull & pale -

look at this

as for sprayed leather of Such in a E46 M3....you can clean without any percaution...longer lasting - looks brighter & glossier

after clean - 50/50 leathers conditioner application (M3 E46)

remember - for once this is a living being - it has natural way to protect & new layers of tissue birth forth the damage ones...but now..it is preserve chemically

The number on enemy of leathers - is OIL - whether is from baby oil - food - or grease ...it will definite...wear out yr leathers

chauffeur driven from this

i clean it with soft bristle hair & power clean (5:1)

ta da

Bro Eggie - there are 2 very good PURE - leather conditioner

Megs Aloe - apply & buff off like wax
the other Optimum Leather protectant - Spray on, WIPE off & walk away - further more, itis a satin finish & not oily, does not squeaks when sat upon, does not contain any filler but protect (UV),

btw...weekly wipe down with damp microfibers & monthly


another kaw kaw chauffeur driven
did with my buddy

GT3
leathers & alcantra

have a fun filled evening

 

[KrisMas]

So, the question is...are we cleaning the leather hide itself or are we cleaning the urethane coating?

 

[KrisMas]

Just curious, I know how good a decent and reputable leather conditioner will do to the leather, but won't it sometimes leave some sort of oily sheen? My car doesn't have leather seats, but I've used trim detailers or some leather products before on the trims, and sometimes I feel as though it leaves a rather slippery residue when I run my fingers thru them.

So, just wondering, if we coat and maintain the leather using conditioners, wouldn't that result in some slippery action?

hmmm...curious...that does sounds like the 'conditioning oil' in the leather conditioner not soaking into the leather....so the coating on the leather might be preventing it from doing so.

Curiosity just got the better of me and time to go do some more research and experiments.:driver::driver::driver: pon pon

 

[kc's]

So, the question is...are we cleaning the leather hide itself or are we cleaning the urethane coating?

sifu krismas
why not post some of your work & show us some examples that will benefit everyone:top::top:


i am sure many ppl yearns to see them:love:

 

[KrisMas]

My portfolio is not that extensive and for the past couple of years I've been concentrating (and testing or trying out products) on maintaining of my own rides as oppose to restoration of others (my current work conditions doesn't give me that kind of luxury of time). So there's really nothing to show...and the 50/50 won't look as drastic. As some of the members here have seen it, all I can show is the condition of a car if and when it's well maintained (please note the word 'well' instead of 'correctly' as in detailing there's no such thing as the 'correct' products and method, there's on the 'preferred' ones).

Anyway, I'm slow and need at least 2 full days to do a complete detail so nowadays, I'd rather like to spend those times with my kids instead (and some time maintaining my rides).

I'll try to load up and contribute some photos if I can find some that are appropriate and beneficial.

Regards.

 

[Eggie86]

Thanks KC and Krismas bro for your expert opinions! :top:

 

[kc's]

My portfolio is not that extensive and for the past couple of years I've been concentrating (and testing or trying out products) on maintaining of my own rides as oppose to restoration of others (my current work conditions doesn't give me that kind of luxury of time). So there's really nothing to show...and the 50/50 won't look as drastic. As some of the members here have seen it, all I can show is the condition of a car if and when it's well maintained (please note the word 'well' instead of 'correctly' as in detailing there's no such thing as the 'correct' products and method, there's on the 'preferred' ones).

Anyway, I'm slow and need at least 2 full days to do a complete detail so nowadays, I'd rather like to spend those times with my kids instead (and some time maintaining my rides).

I'll try to load up and contribute some photos if I can find some that are appropriate and beneficial.

Regards.

YUPP

FAMILY 1st.....totally agree

 

[kc's]

simple yet effective

I remember the 1st time 1 got a pair of leather shoe at the age of 13 (my dad taught me to polish it with KIWI wax) later it crack... found out it was PVC.....then when i got my pairs of adidas boots...he taught me to wax on all the linings & thread with candles..lasted for years..even in rain


i take pleasure in cleaning leathers...


when i started working, i happen to know a cobbler who repair lots of expensive shoes....in Pertama Komplek
i brought my 1st pair of CAMEL shoes (at $50 - 2nd hand, cos cant afford the new ones)

since then i kept polishing my shoes...it lasted for years ...usually wore for bike - the sun & rain...

years later i did the same to Doc Martins.......CLarks.....Timberland......Red wings( 14 years & still wearing)


now I have a DECADE old leather seats whom i park under the SUN Seven 24 ...
i purposely take this shot today...as my testimony

extreme close up pores

ht

i like the seats so much till i sold my 6 months old Myvi & kept this ride :love::love:



driver seats

BTW this is a sprayed coloured leathers...I have only steams once this year after a Decade...to loose the leathers pores...which might have trap dirt .....Bro Sheng last sun..even touch & says it is supple



passenger seats

and both our baby & child seats at the back

we have train our childrens not to step on the seats or jump ...they knew....since birth, we have cradle seats (8 months) ...infant todler seats till 4 years & lastly child seat...till they are able to take adults safety belts height...safety 1st

what i simple does is

bi weekly wipe with H20 micro fibers
1/4 apply leathers condition

preparing for decades to come

cos i remember my dad's advise