A couple questions ...

I

imported_RZJZA80

New member
So I've read and researched for the last few days, and I have a few questions:



1.) For brand new, less than 100 miles on the car type of leather, 2013 model car, am I correct in understanding that all it takes to keep it nice and soft, prevent cracking, etc. are damp MF wipe-downs with occasional cleaning solution when needed? Nothing to put on there to keep the moisture in to prevent cracking?



2.) For chrome, both wheels and trim, etc. how effective is a sealant or wax on chrome to keep it nice and what's recommended? I'm leaning towards KAIO with a wax or something else on top. I want to prevent both swirls and also protect it the best I can. Any recommendations/experiences? I'm also considering OC on all the chrome trim, would it adhere just fine?
 
Leather - yes, you are correct. It needs nothing but frequent light cleaning. MF is fine, but isn't required. You can use a cotton towel as well. Every other time (every couple weeks) you wash your car, just give the interior a wipe down with a damp towel.



Conditioning IMHO is when you'd like to alter the feel of the finish.
 
RZJZA80 said:
So I've read and researched for the last few days, and I have a few questions:



1.) For brand new, less than 100 miles on the car type of leather, 2013 model car, am I correct in understanding that all it takes to keep it nice and soft, prevent cracking, etc. are damp MF wipe-downs with occasional cleaning solution when needed? Nothing to put on there to keep the moisture in to prevent cracking?
Click to expand...



As noted, just keeping it clean does more than anything. But I *DO* like the "protective" stuff that Leather Doctor sells, both the "grabby" stuff and, uhm...other one (sorry, forget the names).



2.) For chrome, both wheels and trim, etc. how effective is a sealant or wax on chrome to keep it nice and what's recommended? I'm leaning towards KAIO with a wax or something else on top. I want to prevent both swirls and also protect it the best I can. Any recommendations/experiences? I'm also considering OC on all the chrome trim, would it adhere just fine?
Click to expand...



The trick to not scratching chrome is to not rub dirt against it (same thing as when washing paint ;) ) and to only touch it with something soft enough to be safe.



I'd coat it with OptiCoat. If you use KAIO, I'd layer KSG (at least four-six layers). IME that does provide a minimal degree of scratch-protection, but it won't work miracles. Protecting chrome isn't all that tough because chrome plating is tough stuff.





Keep it clean; don't let it stay dirty as dirt harbors moisture and that can get into the pores (yeah, chrome plating isn't perfect) and make the underlying metal start corroding (that's how you get the little "dots" of corrosion that can turn into "pitted chrome").



Besides keeping it clean, keep it sealed or coated and you should be fine.
 
For the chrome, I agree, Opti-Coat will keep it sealed. Once the pitting starts it becomes more difficult to maintain. If not a permanent coating, use a synthetic sealant. A wax will not protect as long or as well.



For leather, I disagree about not needing some sort of replenishing oils from time to time. While a damp cloth once a week can make the biggest difference in what the leather looks like 10 years later, the leather does still lose its natural oils over time, leaving it dry and stiff. Even the coated leather that is in most cars nowadays has perforations at the seams that allow the oils to pass in and out of the material so a good rejuvenating oil can be highly beneficial. Ultimately, however, ignoring the leather until it looks dirty and cracked and hoping a rejuvenating oil will fix it is going to leave you disappointed. It cannot undo the damage, only prevent or reduce further damage. Dirt is the primary enemy of leather and if you wait until it "looks" dirty you are far too late. I did an Audi A6 not long ago that was less than a year old. The car was meticulously maintained from a visual standpoint on the interior, but the amount of dirt that was removed from the drivers' seat was shocking.
 
Nth Degree said:
For leather, I disagree about not needing some sort of replenishing oils from time to time. While a damp cloth once a week can make the biggest difference in what the leather looks like 10 years later, the leather does still lose its natural oils over time, leaving it dry and stiff. Even the coated leather that is in most cars nowadays has perforations at the seams that allow the oils to pass in and out of the material so a good rejuvenating oil can be highly beneficial.
Click to expand...



Unless the oil is able to go though the coating, color coat and into the hide, then it's a wasted effort. Water, IMO, gives enough hydration you may ever need. Keep it clean (gently), and you're set.
 
Modern automotive leather upholstery use a completely different tanning processes and finishing system, utilizing advanced polymers and chemicals (urethane doesn’t require conditioning or rejuvenation) and as a consequence they do not need to be treated with aftercare products containing oils or proteins. Oils and soft plastics (polymers, acrylics and urethanes) are not compatible; repeated application on to finished leather can cause the break-down of cross-linking and binding agents. Oil accelerates the deterioration of urethane over time. After extended use the condition of the finished leathers pigmentation (colour) will be removed by the oil causing the urethane protection to become delaminated.





“Proper Finished Leather Cleaning and Care” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/136421-proper-finished-leather-cleaning-care.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top