So i've had very good luck with OPC @ 3:1 and Optimum Protectant plus to protect with customers cars (which usually have some pretty grungy seats) but I just got the ol lady a 2012 outback with black leather, and I'm really trying to decide what to start with (I've never had "brand new" leather before) as far as protection. I've got a couple leather masters kits on the way (strong and protection cream) but I've also heard that from new a good alternative is Einszett Lederphlege. Any opinions on how to start out right? Just make sure they're clean to start and go right to LM?
Caring for new leather
- Thread starter Phishy4
- Start date
imported_DetailDan
New member
Stick with leather masters.
autoaesthetica
New member
Keeping the leather clean is priority, then protect and condition a couple times a year(or a few).
After a vac, wipe the leather with a semi damp, water dampened towel maybe once a week. Keeping all the abrasive grit off of the leather will seriously improve your chances of keeping it perfect.
After a vac, wipe the leather with a semi damp, water dampened towel maybe once a week. Keeping all the abrasive grit off of the leather will seriously improve your chances of keeping it perfect.
Dan
Well-known member
Keep it clean. The leathermasters stuff is nice but I use 20:1 woolite for regular cleaning on leather in good shape. Then I wipe it down with a wet cloth.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Dan said:
As suggested keeping leather clean is of paramount importance to its durability. Conditioning finished leather is really not necessary
Some leather care info here - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/136421-proper-finished-leather-cleaning-care.html
lostdaytomorrow
New member
LM is a good choice, IMO. There's no agreed upon fact based data that shows us if conditioning automotive coated leather is harmful or helpful or neither.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
lostdaytomorrow said:
While I'd agree with the above; here is one definitive truth –you are dealing with the leathers finish, which is most cases is urethane not the hide itself
Phishy4 said:
Phishing, I'm about to start using OPC 3:1 on my leather seats. Considering you've been successful with the product for that, how careful have you found yourself having to be making sure you get any OPC residue off the leather after done cleaning? Do you have to do anything like a wipe down with a white cloth? Is anything necessary other than making sure you don't leave the seat wet when done cleaning with OPC?
Stick with what works for you. For new leather replace OPC for OOC for a more gentle cleaning. Use the OPP as necessary. You don't need any kind of hide cleaning and conditioning product because, as TOGWT pointed out, you aren't dealing with an actual leather but rather the finish.
imported_DetailDan
New member
Using a low moisture foaming cleaner, along with a water based protectant is key.
levander said:
I've always just used OPC @ 3:1 (or diluted even further) with a mf towel, and then gone over it again it again with a dry towel to make sure I got all the remaining OPC off, then I just follow up with OPP which I feel comfortable enough doing because OPP itself has light cleaners in it as well which I feel like probably take care of whatever's left on there. Like I said, I've had excellent results and like the finish OPP leaves, but these are cars that (usually) haven't had much/any maintenance done on the leather and are pretty grungy, so its usually a matter of deep cleaning and leaving some protection behind. If the car winds up coming back for a lighter detail later, usually the seats are still looking really good so I only have to use OPP. i like OPP well enough and could definitely just start using it on the new seats to clean lightly and keep some protection on there, but after all the positive reviews I've heard of LM protection cream, I'm going that route while the seats are still new. I'll definitely keep using the OPC/OPP for regular details though.
Phishy4 said:
Yeah, I've got a passenger seat that's leather which I've managed to clean like maybe 95%. But, down in the crevices towards the back of the seat, there's just some grunge I can't completely get out. It's probably from something I was drinking that fell on the seat and slid back there, but I don't really know.
What was your "deep cleaning" method? I probably need to try that...
levander said:
Basically just OPC @ 3:1 with a microfiber applicator sponge thing and worked it really well, wiped up the excess with a fresh mf, repeated if necessary but usually most of the real dirty stuff comes up with one pass. Then I usually just go back with a mf and OPP.
BTW - got my LM strong kit and did the subaru last night. The seats are basically new so I just did a good wipe down with a damp mf, let it dry then applied the LM protection cream. That stuff is crazy, can't even tell its on there! I've yet to try the Strong, but I'm sold on the protection cream for sure.