Leather Restoration..

[DatacomGuy]

Long time lurker, been reading tons of threads.



My original post was going to read:

Bought a used 08 Saturn Outlook, and the front two leather seats have some wear and marks on them. I need to try and restore the best I can. Seats are tan. I don't think the previous owner ever really cared for them. Luckily, its just the front two. The balance of the seating (and there is a lot of surface in this truck) is 100% good.



Problem #1: Denim "stains" (as I call them) on the seats. Denim-colored spots on the seats from jeans. Seems common, i've had in other cars with tan leather in the past.



Problem #2: Sharpie or marker marks. There are two or three, and my typical solutions aren't cleaning.



Problem #3: Some spots are showing signs of wear. I'll have to get pics to show you guys, not full cracking or peeling, but there are some wear lines where the surface pigment/color is starting to chip off? Not sure how else to describe. Maybe superficial cracks is better explanation.



Any thoughts? I usually just use Meguiars Gold spray. I also have Lexol PH cleaner, but haven't used it yet..

After reading and reading and then reading some more, I've read all sorts of tips.



I'm thinking:



#1 Resolution: Woolite, 10:1 solution to clean? Will this get these denim stains out?



#2 Resolution: Woolite again, but is it strong enough to get rid of marker? is anything? Am I stuck with these marks? Also, there is a marker mark on the leather on the door panel.



#3 Resolution: Treat with Leatherique to try to restore..



What are your thoughts guys? What would you do or change to this plan?

 

[Dan]

Try the woolite, let it dwell for a while. If that doesn't work, test out Megs APC+. They claim it is leather safe but I've had some issues on compromised leather. Leatherique may soften the leather a bit, but its not going to fix worn out areas. The only real fix for that is to re-dye or better yet, new seat covers. New covers are actually reasonable if you get them aftermarket.

 

[DatacomGuy]

Try the woolite, let it dwell for a while. If that doesn't work, test out Megs APC+. They claim it is leather safe but I've had some issues on compromised leather. Leatherique may soften the leather a bit, but its not going to fix worn out areas. The only real fix for that is to re-dye or better yet, new seat covers. New covers are actually reasonable if you get them aftermarket.

Katskinz and the like? Any others you recommend?

 

[Dan]

Katskinz and the like? Any others you recommend?

I've heard Katskinz several times, no personal experience. Probably the best bet it to post up on a car specific forum to see if anyone has had any issues.

 

[David Fermani]

#1 Resolution: Woolite, 10:1 solution to clean? Will this get these denim stains out?

Very doubtful.

#2 Resolution: Woolite again, but is it strong enough to get rid of marker? is anything? Am I stuck with these marks? Also, there is a marker mark on the leather on the door panel.

Again,very doubtful.

#3 Resolution: Treat with Leatherique to try to restore..



What are your thoughts guys? What would you do or change to this plan?

I also doubt Leatherique will "restrore" your leather. Especially if the the coating is failing.



For #1 & #2 I strongly suggest you try using the Leather Doctor kit. Here's a review I did on it:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-de...leather-ink-dye-stain-removal-kit-review.html

 

[DatacomGuy]

Bummer.

 

[David Fermani]

Not if you use the right products....:xyxthumbs



Plus, just because the leather is wearing/worn, it doesn't mean it can't be restored. :think2



I'd do a deep cleaning of the surface and reassess the situation.