Leather Needs Help

[scrape]

The leather on the front seats of my 01 Outback is dirty, dull, and worst of all hard. In comparison my rear seats are relatively clean, have a nice matte look to them, and is still soft. Its been like that since i got it, the previous owner didnt take very good care of the car cosmetically, so im sure that is the cause. What products should i use to fix this? From what i've read leatherique is the best, but im unsure as to whether or not it will work on my leather, because im sure its not all natural leather since it is, after all, only a subaru. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[D]

Leather Master.

[ScottB]

Leatherique ... do a search on all forums, its considered one of the best. Always positive reviews and best of all AG sells it with forum discount !

[StephenK]

sounds like a great chance to see what the VODOO can do for you.

Surf City Garage Voodoo Blend Leather Rejuvenator (http://www.autogeek.net/surf-city-garage-leather-rejuvenator.html)

[Tonya]

Here is a thread that might help you out. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/11376-basic-leather-care.html
With this question you are going to get a lot of product suggestions. Good luck!

[scrape]

thanks for the link, i have read that thread before. my biggest question is more of a what will penetrate my protected leather? i know its coated, dressing just sits on top of it and water doesnt darken it or absorb into it. I would like to use leatherique if possible, but if not i will go for leather master.

[mixxer]

Leatherique

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

Take a look at Leather Masters.

[TOGWT]

thanks for the link, i have read that thread before. my biggest question is more of a what will penetrate my protected leather? i know its coated, dressing just sits on top of it and water doesnt darken it or absorb into it. I would like to use leatherique if possible, but if not i will go for leather master.
Upholstery leather given the proper care and protection will withstand all of the above; provided the loss by evaporation of its essential moisture is replenished to counteract drying and stiffening, and to maintain both flexibility and suppleness. Upholstery leather should be routinely cleaned with a pH balanced, non-alkaline cleaner (a 6:1 solution of Distilled Water/ Woolite®) to loosen and lift grease, dirt and dust without overly drying the leather or affecting the hides natural pH. In addition to regular cleaning, leather requires regular replacement of its moisture (re-hydration)

Polyurethane (covered leather) is porous so it does not completely seal leather per se; it’s a thermoplastic and therefore remains pliable to follow the flexing of the leather upholstery. The finishes have to remain somewhat porous (to allow hydration) 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. Hydration is important to ensure that the leather hide does not dry out as this would make the leather more liable to absorb stains / spillages; as once these are absorbed they can be impossible to remove.

See also Basic Leather Care - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/11376-basic-leather-care.html

[scrape]

well, after emailing leatherique, i found out that theyre restoration and cleaning system will work on both coated/treated leather as well as all natural leather. I will be placing my order shortly:)

[TOGWT]

well, after emailing leatherique, i found out that theyre restoration and cleaning system will work on both coated/treated leather as well as all natural leather. I will be placing my order shortly:)

I'm not suprised by their answer, but just a little dubious. Honest opinion or merely advertising? Commercialism brings with it concerns of honesty and true representation. In other words, it’s difficult to know what is true when someone is motivated by income, i.e. directly targeted at product sales, more so than an unbiased opinion

[scrape]

"Yes, the Rejuvenator works wonderfully on the coated leather as it has a water based finish and the Rejuvenator can easily absorb through it, and also migrate laterally under the finish through the stitch holes."
-George

Thats what i got in return from them, so if it is water based it should work fine even according to your tips right?

[gary26]

You won't regret using Leatherique. It's alot of work but worth it. Give us a review I think many people have never tried it. I was really impressed and pleased with the product.

[TOGWT]

"Yes, the Rejuvenator works wonderfully on the coated leather as it has a water based finish and the Rejuvenator can easily absorb through it, and also migrate laterally under the finish through the stitch holes."
-George

Thats what i got in return from them, so if it is water based it should work fine even according to your tips right?

If it is indeed a 'water-based' product it will work fine (first time I've heard this)

[scrape]

in another thread someone else also mentioned that it was water based and the name containing oil is actually very misleading. this is straight from the horses mouth, so im assuming its true. Will order eventually and do a review. Full interior/exterior detail coming in spring, but for now just maintence washing etc. used menz acrylic jacket as a one step right after christmas, and so far its holding up well. my hood has collinite since i tried out my ip and fg, so i guess ill get to compare how they hold up. will report back in the spring!