Leather cleaning and Rotary ?

T

twopu

New member
I was cleaning an Audi the other day and the 10:1 and 6:1 Woolite solution was not cutting it. Can I use an APC, if so what ratio? Are other products out there that I can use?



She had some deep scratches that my PC, cutting pad, SSR2.5, speed 6, and heavy pressure could not get out after 3 attempts. I haven't had much practice with my rotary so I was very nervous, but I figure if I started out slow with a polishing pad and 80 that it would be ok. Well the scratches came out. I didn't feel comfortable using it on the whole car so I just used it on the compound scratches she put in.



I want to start using this more, but I can't seem to find a thread that broke it down. I also miss placed my manual so I don't know what the numbers correspond to in rpm's. I'm having a hard time controling the rotary. Do you guys use the handles or just grap it by the head?

Thanks
 
Check out the UBERLONG sticky in Machine Polishing Board. It's at the top and called "Using the Rotary" or something like that. All your deepest, darkest queries will be satisfied (at least regarding rotaries). :buffing:
 
On my '05 A4 USP I use TOL Carpet Cleaner mixed up appropriately in a spray bottle and for aggitation I brought one of the carepet brushes for the PC. Carpets show no signs of last winter and the smell is gr8t.



My Dewalt Rotary has RPMS's listed on the dial, if yours has numbers instead then knowing the model might help. You could try the manufactuers website and see if they have a manual for download.



I've never gotten anywhere using a PC on my Brilliant Black A4 and so have stuck to using what I know (rotary machines). I like holding it by the head but some like using the handle. It's a users preference.



A polishing pad @ 1000 - 1500 rpms is good if your only going after minor swirls or very light scratches.



You may need to move to a light-cutting pad if after a few passes your not getting anywhere.
 
twopu said:
I was cleaning an Audi the other day and the 10:1 and 6:1 Woolite solution was not cutting it. Can I use an APC, if so what ratio? Are other products out there that I can use?
Click to expand...



I use woolite/water (1:8) with Mr. Clean magic eraser and it works great. The eraser really gets the dirt and grime off the leather and out of the creases, much better then a leather brush.



Here is side by side after using woolite/water and eraser:





leather.jpg
 
blkyukon said:
I use woolite/water (1:8) with Mr. Clean magic eraser and it works great. The eraser really gets the dirt and grime off the leather and out of the creases, much better then a leather brush.
Click to expand...



I've heard a few other people say the like to use the Mr. C eraser for various jobs and I've seen it before in my local auto parts store. Does anyone know how it works and if it may have any harmful long or short term side affects?
 
will APC work good instead of woolite?
Click to expand...

I don't see why not. :nixweiss





Mikeyc said:
I've heard a few other people say the like to use the Mr. C eraser for various jobs and I've seen it before in my local auto parts store. Does anyone know how it works and if it may have any harmful long or short term side affects?
Click to expand...



I've been using them on the plastic, vinyl and leather for over a year with no ill effects. I make sure that the eraser and the surface are nice wet before using it and don't scrub too hard. I also don't use them on anything that is painted (like the dash of GM's) or soft plastic like laminated wood trim.
 
I'd be very cautious using APC on leather. If you dilute it down heavily it may not cause any ill effects but if you use it at a "heavy" strength you could damage the leather.

Lexus actually puts a tag on their leather upholstery recommending a diluted "wool-safe" detergent mixed with water.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top