imported_sal3291
New member
I have been looking at leather conditioners and really have narrowed it down to Four Star Leather Conditioner gel or Optimum Leather Protectant. Which one would you suggest?
Leather condionter, which one of these 2?
- Thread starter imported_sal3291
- Start date
blackmillenia
New member
I haven't used either one of those products so I cant post on either of them but I really like Duragloss leather conditioner. Plus its a definite plus that its OTC.
imported_sal3291
New member
No no no nomore options lol. DG was def high on my list. I do use a few other DG products lol.
Autogeek
New member
1Z has definitely been getting good feedback lately....
imported_sal3291
New member
I was lookin at 1Z but was lookin more for just a conditioner. Was always told the cleaner/conditioners do not condition as well as a just a conditioner?
judyb
New member
No need to use a conditioner on auto leather as it will not reach the leather to do any conditioning. Always use a water based protector which will help inhibit dirt and oils from attacking the finish on the leather which will do the real damage. The moisture will do the conditioning.
jayjacque
You WILL like my work!
Just a question Judy:
If, as you often say, condtioners do not reach the leather to do any conditioning, then why recommend using a dedicated leather cleaner? If the finish is such that no product gets through to the actual leather, then why worry about what type of cleaner to use? Just spray any handy non-solvent cleaner and rinse off. According to your premise, you should be able to rinse everything off, since no product can get through the finish barrier.
I personally believe some product does get through, and that is why we should be careful about what we put on, either to clean, condition or protect. (Isn't that a primary reason solvent based dyes or paints are not recommended any longer, because unlike water-based paint, they block the pores?)
I also believe there is some level of protection from conditioners, even if it is no more than a light dressing. And I just have not seen any ill effects from using them, unless a heavy coat is left unbuffed on the surface.
If, as you often say, condtioners do not reach the leather to do any conditioning, then why recommend using a dedicated leather cleaner? If the finish is such that no product gets through to the actual leather, then why worry about what type of cleaner to use? Just spray any handy non-solvent cleaner and rinse off. According to your premise, you should be able to rinse everything off, since no product can get through the finish barrier.
I personally believe some product does get through, and that is why we should be careful about what we put on, either to clean, condition or protect. (Isn't that a primary reason solvent based dyes or paints are not recommended any longer, because unlike water-based paint, they block the pores?)
I also believe there is some level of protection from conditioners, even if it is no more than a light dressing. And I just have not seen any ill effects from using them, unless a heavy coat is left unbuffed on the surface.
imported_Dave11
New member
judyb said:
The owner of Leatherique disagrees with that. The subject was brought up on another forum and heres what he had to say:
"Only Coating that we can not pentrate is SEALED via Silicone. Any other we have no problems".
He went on to mention further:
"That is the DESIGN of the formula for Prestine Clean. It removes JUST the dirt and NOT the Rejuvinator Oil.
You NEVER use a cleaner first since that will emulsify the dirt and drive it INTO the leather".
Bunky
Detailing Gnosis
Four Star Leather Conditioner is a water based product for leather. Per 4*, the only oils used are for scent so do not let the words conditioner.
purplenurple
New member
I use the 4* stuff and it seems to do pretty good... I usually put on 303 after it or a day later.
judyb
New member
Dedicated leather cleaners should always be used because they should have been tested on leathers not to damage the finish. If you use other cleaners who is going to help you if you have a problem with them?
Dirt and body oils will damage the finish on leather and therefore need cleaning off. You are never cleaning the leather itself only the surface finish (even on aniline style leathers which these days nearly always have some form of finish on them). You cannot clean dirt out of leather only from off the surface.
Some things do penetrate the finish (dye as in dye transfer) and these need careful removal otherwise the finish will be damaged. Dirt will penetrate the finish if left on there and this is why we clean. Anything left on the surface of the leather will eventually soak through the finish (given time) and this is the reason that conditioners containing waxes and oils should not be used as they cannot penetrate unless left on for a very long time and in the meantime they attract more dirt and oils to the surface which will damage the finish.
The absorbency rate will differ between the vast array of finishes on the market (more so in the furniture industry) but most auto leather is so well finished that products cannot get to the leather itself.
Most conditioners will not do any amount of protecting at all and even those classed as a protector often do not as the following image will show
This is a standard oil test used to identify products that will protect your leather.
Dirt and body oils will damage the finish on leather and therefore need cleaning off. You are never cleaning the leather itself only the surface finish (even on aniline style leathers which these days nearly always have some form of finish on them). You cannot clean dirt out of leather only from off the surface.
Some things do penetrate the finish (dye as in dye transfer) and these need careful removal otherwise the finish will be damaged. Dirt will penetrate the finish if left on there and this is why we clean. Anything left on the surface of the leather will eventually soak through the finish (given time) and this is the reason that conditioners containing waxes and oils should not be used as they cannot penetrate unless left on for a very long time and in the meantime they attract more dirt and oils to the surface which will damage the finish.
The absorbency rate will differ between the vast array of finishes on the market (more so in the furniture industry) but most auto leather is so well finished that products cannot get to the leather itself.
Most conditioners will not do any amount of protecting at all and even those classed as a protector often do not as the following image will show
This is a standard oil test used to identify products that will protect your leather.
jayjacque
You WILL like my work!
Dave1 said:
That makes sense. I remember when it was mostly vinyl we worked on. For prep we were taught to NOT clean with solvent type cleaners, as they drive the dirt into the material. Not sure mild cleaners would have the same effect, but Leatherique sure has their act together. I wouldn't disagree with him.