Leather Conditioning

[TOGWT]

Leather Conditioners:
I have discussed this issue with some people in the leather care products industry and haven't received a definitive answer. My issues are (a) how much conditioner will get through the thick polyurethane top coat on the leather (b) a chrome tanned leather hide is sealed at the tannery and then pigmented; what would could a conditioner do for the hide?

Many so called leather conditioners utilize chemical solvents in order to facilitate penetration of the oils into the polyurethane covering or the pigmented leather. Most covered leather finishes are water based and so any solvent or alcohol can begin to cut through them, even if you go over it and you see no colour come off, you have probably compromised the clear protective top coat and possibly the leather’s pigmentation (colour). Solvents will soften the protective covering, which can get tacky very quickly, attracting abrasive dust/dirt and will eventually wear through as it does not have the durability found in the topcoat.

An aqueous emulsion (water / oil for surface lubrication) achieves these objectives: polyurethane penetration and leather re-hydration, absorption and retention in the hide. A water-based product accomplishes this with an emulsion of micro droplets of oil (for surface lubrication) and water that permeate the leather finish and / or the polyurethane as the emulsions molecular structure is smaller than the molecules of the finished leather or the polyurethane covering. Water unlike other organic or hydrocarbon-based solvents, is non-flammable, odourless, non-toxic and non-sensitizing to the skin and it doesn’t impart a greasy or tacky feel to the surface of the leather.

In summary, an aqueous emulsion is readily absorbed into the fibres and provides lasting and effective lubrication without migration, while re-hydration leaves leather feeling silky soft and pliable
Leather Conditioners:
I have discussed this issue with some people in the leather care products industry and haven't received a definitive answer. My issues are (a) how much conditioner will get through the thick polyurethane top coat on the leather (b) a chrome tanned leather hide is sealed at the tannery and then pigmented; what would could a conditioner do for the hide?

Many so called leather conditioners utilize chemical solvents in order to facilitate penetration of the oils into the polyurethane covering or the pigmented leather. Most covered leather finishes are water based and so any solvent or alcohol can begin to cut through them, even if you go over it and you see no colour come off, you have probably compromised the clear protective top coat and possibly the leather’s pigmentation (colour). Solvents will soften the protective covering, which can get tacky very quickly, attracting abrasive dust/dirt and will eventually wear through as it does not have the durability found in the topcoat.

An aqueous emulsion (water / oil for surface lubrication) achieves these objectives: polyurethane penetration and leather re-hydration, absorption and retention in the hide. A water-based product accomplishes this with an emulsion of micro droplets of oil (for surface lubrication) and water that permeate the leather finish and / or the polyurethane as the emulsions molecular structure is smaller than the molecules of the finished leather or the polyurethane covering. Water unlike other organic or hydrocarbon-based solvents, is non-flammable, odourless, non-toxic and non-sensitizing to the skin and it doesn’t impart a greasy or tacky feel to the surface of the leather.

In summary, an aqueous emulsion is readily absorbed into the fibres and provides lasting and effective lubrication without migration, while re-hydration leaves leather feeling silky soft and pliable.

A leather protection product would be far more effective than a ‘conditioner’ Being water-based it helps hydration by balancing the necessary moisture level of all leather types (except Nubuck). Although it’s primary purpose is to act as a barrier between the leather surface and any soils that may settle on it.

The keys to leather care are; keeping leather (a) hydrated (b) clean, as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear. A leather protection product is essential as it will protect the surface finish and makes dirt easier to clean off.

TOGWT ™ Copyright © 2002-2008 - Jon Miller, all rights reserved

[purplenurple]

So you are saying that one should use only water? The first time ever that I cleaned + conditioned the seats when my GTO was new with Pinnacle cleaner/conditioner spray, black came off on my MF. So was this the "top coat" of the leather? I assumed that it was just excess dye and grime.

[Tonya]

Thanks TOGWT!

[Bunky]

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Leather Conditioners:
I have discussed this issue with some people in the leather care products industry and
Many so called leather conditioners utilize chemical solvents in order to facilitate penetration of the oils into the polyurethane covering or the pigmented leather.

I have not found any leather conditioners intended for general automobile use that has solvents (OTC or boutique). They are all water based but they all have added oils if just for spreadability on the leather. I think some companies use this the claim "we do not use solvents" to create a perception of difference when there is not a real difference. The competition does not use solvents either.

It is like labeling on chicken in grocery stores where they say "We do not use hormones". Well, no one does. It is a law. The purpose is to create the perception of difference when there is not one. They are trying to give the impression that it is organic raised chicken but that is something different.

The equestrian market (saddles, etc) is something different.

[dengood1]

Can we categorize and "sticky" TOWGT's posts, or would that be a copyright infringement? Great info as usual....thanks Jon.

[Largebore]

What's the story on equestrian leathers ?

[HopetonBrown]

Originally Posted by Largebore

What's the story on equestrian leathers ?

Google "The Myth Of Saddle Soap".