Are Coatings Over-Rated

[chefwong]

Here on a forum where people come to YAK about detailing
Or the consumers that don't really know the pros/cons of if you apply on a coating on X substrate, how easy or how hard is it to remove....
or whether Conditioner will be permeable once the coating is applied
Dealerships are selling interior -warranty- packages .

Anyhow, is it just me, or are interior coatings over-rated.
Sadly, the masses don't understand that, especially on premium vehicles with premium leather that is not color coated...once it's on, it's on.

Coatings on Ivory White Leather I'm in agreement...if one is batteling dye transfer.
Any Color Coated Leather, do a coat. It does make cleanup immensely easier.


I just can't don't see any good reason to put a coating on good leather for any reason.
Good leather will take on conditioner unlike cheaper color coated leather.
Once you coat it.....it's sealed.

I don't see a need for coating on the dash, whether it be leather, vinyl, bamboo, denim or whatever the current trend of materials they are making for interiors these days...


Am I the 1% who just doesn't see interior coatings as adding value....just short of slapping it on color coated leather, since color coated leather won't take in conditioner...

A leather sealant, I'm on board with just because in principal, it can be removed a bit easier than a coating on the interior surface.

[Eldorado2k]

“Color coated” leather seats are basically the same as natural colored aka tan colored leather seats. There’s no difference.

[DUBL0WS6]

The majority of leather used in vehicles is vinyl coated. King Ranch leather isn't. There might be some high end stuff that isn't. No need to put a coating over the vinyl. That's like putting floormats over your floormats.

[Coatingsarecrack]

That’s like saying you don’t need to use paint protection… that is what the clearcoat does.
Most newer leathers do have a coating on them to protect the leather.

Leather coatings according to manufacturers protect against abrasion. So my thinking is adding coating and protectants will help OEM Coating last longer.


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[Desertnate]

From my experience with only one brand of interior coating, I'd say interior coatings are overrated. When using them, I've not noticed any difference from using other quality interior protectant products.

I don't own a car with a light gray or white interior, and don't every plan to either, so that might by where the difference lies in the ability to remove dye transfer from clothing. All of our interiors are nice and somber black.

I'm not saying I don't regularly clean and protect my interior surfaces, I'm just saying the coating I used doesn't seem to perform any differently than a regular, quality protectant.

[Paul A.]

I do use interior coatings on some of my "soccer Mom" vehicles. They typically arrive trashed on their first visit to me.

I do it for 2 reasons...
1. They are rarely maintained by the customer and I might see it again after 3-6 months.
2. It's easier for me to clean when they do finally return.

I DON'T use coatings on my personal vehicle interiors (exterior yes).

My car is maintained frequently.

[TTQ B4U]

I use them primarily on lighter interiors. I have an off-white in my car and did the front two seats just to aid with Blue Jean Transfer. Otherwise, I really don't use them. Most modern materials are already very resiliant.

[John U]

The majority of leather used in vehicles is vinyl coated. King Ranch leather isn't.

I read recently that Ford is going to a coated leather in the King Ranch.......... too many warranty problems with the uncoated.

[chefwong]

What prompted the musings was the recent coating the dash thread. In other forums of like car owners/manuf...I see way too many on either self applied interior coating or dealer applied interior warranty packages and here I am occasionally recommending that we have premium materials in our rides, and it will absorb conditioner if given the opportunity.

I get that coatings are durable as snot and things just wipe off.....
I have done it in 2 previous cars - one was a white leather issue and the latter was mainly when the kiddos was a cereal and apple juice hotmess.
But I did apply it knowing the drawbacks....

It is what is it - I guess. Coating is the rage word....
Great for exterior, but everyone should second guess and understand the pros/and cons when applying it on premium leather...

[The Guz]

Not all coatings are created equal and that goes for the interior as well.