Repair leather cracks and remove dye transfer???

[XLNTShine]

Guys,

While giving a quick once over with some Power Clean last night I noticed the side of my driver seat in the tahoe was starting to split and crack. This vehicle is used as I bought it in December. I have also noticed that after I cleaned the dirt off the side of the seat there is blue dye transfer that I suspect came from blue jeans. I have seen it before on light colors but have never tried to remove it. Any advise about either??

William

[jlb85]

Dye transfer gets tougher the longer you let it stay there. Leather Masters has a specialized ink remover that works good and is quite strong. Their Strong Cleaner works well to help after the ink remover.

As far as splitting, once the seats are to that point it is impossible to return them to good condition, unless it is splitting along a seam.

[C. Charles Hahn]

As far as splitting, once the seats are to that point it is impossible to return them to good condition, unless it is splitting along a seam.

I beg to differ. Ever seen Leatherique's crack filler and dyes? I haven't worked with them personally but I've seen seats that were restored with similar methods and you'd never know any damage existed.

It's a time consuming and (can be) expensive process though.

[Flash Gordon]

Your not going to get those splits out unless you replace that section. Its a very common problem. Here in Mphs, I can get it done for $100 ~ $125

[jlb85]

I beg to differ. Ever seen Leatherique's crack filler and dyes? I haven't worked with them personally but I've seen seats that were restored with similar methods and you'd never know any damage existed.

It's a time consuming and (can be) expensive process though.

Oh absolutely! But refinishing leather is different than cleaning/protecting IMO since it does take significant prep and special products. My local P&B store carries SEM brand I believe, and they recommend it obviously. Jakerooni used to do some crazy interior makeovers with leather refinishing, but I haven't seem him on the forums in awhile. Lots of good info and product out there for leather refinishing, although most jobs will be noticeable to the typical member's eyes. I guess it is the same in polishing

But I though the OP has cracking beyond typical leather creasing for some reason, and was interested in a Leatherique-type product / process. So I agree with you 100%.

And although Leatherique does some good to cracks in leather I wouldn't say it does that great at filling, and nothing permanent either. Or course good leather care regardless of the product will always result in good leather