Leatherique Review

[Todd@RUPES]

Manufacturers Claims (copy and pasted from Leatherique.com)

REJUVINATOR OIL - Known world wide for its ability to soften even cardboard hard leather. It is a complex blend of animal proteins, collagens, with absolutely no oil fillers of any kind. Totally unlike all other leather products, it will not stain or discolor leather. It is perfectly safe for equestrian use! Simply spray or wipe onto the surface and massage into the leather with your hands. Allow for it be absorbed into the fibers. Rejuvenator Oil has a unique capillary action which forces proteins into the leather and dirt out! Repeated use will keep leather in tip top shape. Use to condition and preserve all your leather cars, saddles, tack, furniture, motorcycle leather and even apparel. Prestine Clean is the perfect cleaner to use after each application of Rejuvenator Oil to remove the displaced impurities on the
surface of the leather.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l0006-1.jpg

PRESTINE CLEAN - Absolutely the best cleaner available for all fine leather. Does not contain any harsh chemicals to dry and destroy fine leathers. Contains a conditioner which cleans and conditions leather, but to a lesser extent than our Rejuvenator Oil. Use to clean leather after the application of Rejuvenator Oil has done its job and as maintenance cleaner and detailer on an as needed basis. This product is also an excellent cleaner and conditioner for vinyl and rubber. Use Prestine Clean every time you wash your car.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l0007.jpg

Leatherique is a unique (compared to what I am used to) way to not clean leather, but it also softens the feel of the hide as well as restores the softness/feel. It is a two part system that works backwards to convention. After vacuuming the leather and making sure all the grime and particle build-up is removed, the conditioner ( Rejuvenator Oil) is hand applied and massaged into the leather. The directions recommend allowing the interior to get warm (either by sitting in the sun, using a trash-bag and hairdryer, or running the car/heater) and allow the conditioner to "steam". After allowing the several hours (the longer the better), the excess conditioner and grime (that floated out of the seats) is wiped away with the cleaner (Prestine Clean). This is supposed to ensure that the hides are fully conditioned and cleaned from the inside-out.

Initial Impression- I first tried the Leatherique System because I was having a hard time getting the leather clean on a car I was preparing for the Ferrari Cavallino Concours Show in West Palm Beach, Florida. Using spray cleaners (Duragloss Leather Cleaner, Meguiars Gold Glass, Lexol Leather Clean, Zaino Z9) didn't have much cleaning ability, unless I scrubbed with a firm bristled brush. Even then this was a slow and tedious job, but more importantly I was also getting some dye transfer on the towel.

I called Brian (VASuperShine) and he had expressed that I need to try the Leatherique System (how it was gentle and floated dirt out, deeply reconditioned the seats, blah, blah..). When I next prepared the Ferrari, I had Brian along and apply the Leatherique to the interior.

Honestly, I was not expecting much. I was blow away. Not only did it remove all of the grim (easily) but it restored the original, Ferrari smell! (I should say that Leatherique is not scented like leather, and smells quite horrible). The leather was amazingly soft, and felt like butter. I was beyond impressed.
Here is a link to the detail of the said Ferrari. Brian can be seen applying leatherique about half way down (There is about 160 pictures on the thread, so it’s a long read).

The Road to Cavallino: Updated 10/21 (127 PICS) - Autopia Car Detailing Forum (http://autopia.org/forum/click-brag/97973-road-cavallino-updated-10-21-127-pics.html?highlight=cavallino)

Since then, I have been using leatherique faithfully and often enough to give a review and share a small write up and some tricks.

PROS: Easily and safely removes the worst of grime and grease from the hides. Restores leather better than anything I have ever used. Restores feel, smell, texture, appearance. Really does seem to work from the inside out. Relative time spent is rather small.

CONS: Long dwell time. Requires at least 6 hours (in my experience) for full cleaning. Liberal amounts are applied of the both the cleaner and conditioner, so the product cost is pretty high. Can be pretty messy.

OVERALL: Simply a mind blowing product. The cost is high and the product takes for over to work (because it works better than anything else) but I am a pro, so I can charge for this. Every time I use it, I get excited because it never fails to impress. If you are an enthusiast looking for the best, then I think I have found it. If you are a pro, then you have something to step up your game with (and charge for, of course).

Tricks:

You can wear latex gloves when applying the oil. Not only does this keep your hands clean (the conditioner is a little tacky) but it also gives you a good base when you need to add more. The product will spread and work quickly, but will thin quickly, and when the gloves "stick" to the leather, its time for more oil.

Apply both the oil and prestine clean by spraying on. This really eases the application of the oil and cleaning of it. It is much easier to apply the products with out having to pour it into your hands (and spill) and wipe it quickly. Buy some sprayers at Wal-Mart and thank me later!

Allow to dwell for as long as possible in as much heat for as long as possible. The longer the oil sits the easier it comes off. The warmer the climate inside the interior, the better the oil works and easier it comes off.

If it’s difficult to remove (it can be try the following)... Apply more prestine clean (I use the sprayer) and wipe with a clean cloth. Sometimes you have to use a lot of it. If it’s still difficult to remove, try heating the interior (pull it in the sun, turn on the engine and heater, or wipe with a hot rag). I have found the longer I can let it dwell and the warmer the interior temperature is while its dwelling have a SERIOUS impact on the ease of removal.

A quick write up.

I am working on this 1994 Trans Am 25th Anniversary. This car is rough (for those who say I am spoiled too much :) ) with mold on the outside (it has sat out for the last 5 years) and a disgusting white leather interior.

When I first moved the car (the owner has left it my house for the last couple weeks as I have been busy and am working on it on spare time), I noticed how nasty the interior was, and I knew the first thing I would grab for was the leatherique. The seats where dry as cardboard and smelled funky (the mildewy old car smell).

I don't know how well the pictures came out, but the difference has been dramatic.

Here is a before of the passenger seat...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x001.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x002.jpg

Here is the rear seat after being wiped with Prestine Clean.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x003.jpg

Afters of the passenger seat (Leatherique was allowed to dwell for 5 hours in the sun, at about 85 degrees out).

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x004.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x005.jpg

Here are a couple half and halfs of the drivers seat..

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x006.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x007.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/x008.jpg

I had noticed that while most of the dirt was removed (easily) the seats still felt a little dry and there where some spots that needed a second application. I applied the second coat of Rejuvenator Oil early the next morning and left the Trans Am in the sun the entire day. Not only are the seats and leather amazingly soft and supple, but the smell in the car (the next day) is beyond amazing. Also, all the dirt and grime came off (and out from the inside). It is truely a transformation!

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l001.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l002.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l003.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l004.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/25th/l005.jpg

[Todd@RUPES]

Here are a couple "in progress" shots of Brian and I using the products in our clients' cars..

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/trip2/a061.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/trip2/a012.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/trip2/a013.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/trip2/a030.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/trip2/a032.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/porsche930turbo/a047.jpg


http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/porsche930turbo/a064.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/edferrari/a002.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/edferrari/a003.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/360CS/b009.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/360CS/b010.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/boxer/a100.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/barryferrari/a014.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x121/tropicaldetailing/barryferrari/a125.jpg

[ScottB]

as offered on the corvetteforum, we believe in the product and have offered it for years. It is slightly messier and more time consuming than other products, but really does what it offers. Best of all, its not needed all that often.

Leatherique leather care & restoration products are available in the Leatherique 16 ounce kit! Clean leather seats with leatherique! (http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html)

[PWORLDSTANG]

Thanks for the review! My leather is hard as rock on my Cobra (thanks to the previous owner :mad:) and I've been looking around for the best products to get is as soft as possible. I definitely have to give this stuff a try.

[Old Pirate]

Awesome write up on the Leatherique Todd, enjoy the process and pic's too, on my wish list for some time and be getting it soon..........:cheers:

[GranPrix]

as offered on the corvetteforum, we believe in the product and have offered it for years. It is slightly messier and more time consuming than other products, but really does what it offers. Best of all, its not needed all that often.

Leatherique leather care & restoration products are available in the Leatherique 16 ounce kit! Clean leather seats with leatherique! (http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html)

How much for just the Oil and the Prestine Clean without the kit?

[GranPrix]

^Nevermind.

[gary26]

Leatherique is worth every penny and every minute you spend on it. It can be messy, but if you use your head you can really avoid the mess. I warmed my oil and applied with a brush then massaged it in. I found spraying the oil was way to messy. At the Leatherique site there are 25 pages of info and leather knowledge well worth reading before applying.
Nice review !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wytstang]

Sweet review wonder if this stuff would work well on leather shoes (I'm sure it would). When my Pinnacle conditioner runs out I may try this or Leather Master. Actually TOL has Leather Master on sale might pick that up for my shoes.

[wytstang]

as offered on the corvetteforum, we believe in the product and have offered it for years. It is slightly messier and more time consuming than other products, but really does what it offers. Best of all, its not needed all that often.

Leatherique leather care & restoration products are available in the Leatherique 16 ounce kit! Clean leather seats with leatherique! (http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html)
Have you or the OP tried Leather Master??

[Tonya]

I was impressed with this review! I looked up the product and found this.

For Best Results:
Apply the Rejuvenator Oil liberally (about 4 oz. per seat) with your hands, massaging the oil well into all the surfaces and natural folds of the leather, this puts natural ingredients, not harsh cleaner, back into the leather and forces out dirt. You may also use a soft sea sponge, or a soft paint type brush.

Now I keep thinking.... (4 oz per seat) times 4 seats! So I will use an entire 16 oz bottle @ 34.99... for one application? :eek: So for those of you that have used this..... what are your thoughts on this suggestion?
:feedback: please! :D

[gary26]

Yes it does take approximately 4 ounces of oil per seat, if you think about it your also doing the sides of the seat and the back and saturating every seam. The oil does absorb somewhat. At the Leathrique site they suggested you warm the oil slightly and brush it on which helps eliminate the mess. The Pristine Clean that you remove the oil and dirt with goes alot farther than the oil approximately about half as much.
You won't believe the dirt that will come to the surface after you use the oil. I believe that's the reason they ask you to leave it on so long. I hope this helps.

[TOGWT]

Leather Care / Cleaning / Maintenance–my first question when asked for recommendations on leather care / maintenance is; what kind of leather finish is it? There are three main types: Natural (Uncovered) Covered and Unfinished (Nubuck)

Before using a leather care product a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it. Diagnosis is the key, not guess work. Before deciding on what products to use you need to ascertain what type of leather finish you have and wither the leather has a polyurethane covering, or is (un-coated) natural leather, as the cleaning / maintenance varies as to type; although they all require a water-based product to re-hydrate, a suede type leather like Nubuck is the exception.

Many of the newer vehicles do not use natural leather hides anymore Approximately 80% of vehicle manufacturers are using (thermoplastic) polyurethane covered pigmented leather for their interior upholstery. Pigmented leather simply means that the finished leather or polyurethane covering has been coloured (you’ve never seen grey cows have you?)

Automotive leather upholstery is made from natural chrome tanned hides, which is pigmented and some are then further sealed by a durable polyethylene covering to make it more viable for automotive seating protecting the hide from abrasion from clothing as well as the dust / dirt introduced by the vehicle’s AC system. It retains the softness of natural top-grain leather but resists fading in direct sunlight, which besides body oil is leathers worst enemy.

The complex tanning process of chromed tanned hide’s results in the fat liquoring and oils necessary to keep the hide soft and pliable being locked in and therefore there is no need to supplement them. Traditional type conditioner’s cannot penetrate the finished hide, but rather sit on the surface until they are removed by contact with clothing or evaporate. The same is true of most oil-based conditioners, but they will also have an adverse effect on polyurethane.

Water-based leather care products will permeate the finished leather or the polyurethane covering as its molecules are much smaller; oil has larger molecules than water and are unable to penetrate

[Tonya]

Thanks TOGWT! I was going to go back and find one of your previous posts. I knew you had commented on this topic before. Thanks!

[TOGWT]

Thanks TOGWT! I was going to go back and find one of your previous posts. I knew you had commented on this topic before. Thanks!

The complex tanning process of chromed tanned hide’s results in the fat liquoring and oils necessary to keep the hide soft and pliable being locked in and therefore there is no need to supplement them. To quote a well known product – “Rejuvenator Oil has a unique capillary action which forces proteins into the leather and dirt out!” Traditional type conditioner’s cannot penetrate a finished hide, but rather sit on the surface until they are removed by contact with clothing or evaporate. The same is true of most oil-based conditioners, but they will also have an adverse effect on polyurethane.