Bunky said:
The problem I see is that most "experts" seem to only want to discuss one pricey product when discussing protected leather.
They will not tell if you the many other products out there that are not true conditioners (i.e., not loaded with oils such as PB's Leather stuff or 4* Leather Conditioner , etc) are bad. etc. There is too much FUD being used to discuss this and makes me very suspicious. If coated leather is so much like vinyl, why does it take a very very expensive product to maintain it.
The many current conditioners on the market (the "bad" ones) do not seem to be DESTROYING leather apparently otherwise we would hear more about that. It also may involve theoretical aspects versus reality. That is, it is not that big of a deal.
:dance
I don't believe I have ever told people to use expensive products. Oh you meant experts.
As Judy said, cleaning is the most important aspect of preserving your leather. No conditioner is going to destroy the leather, but it isn't a panacea either. What Judy says is that over time a conditioner can accelerate the degradation of the leather coating. Whether that is true or not, I don't know.
Yes, you are correct that current leather coatings are pretty durable and long lasting. Eagle Ottawa says to just use a damp towel. I recommend using a mixture of 3% Joy and water for a cleaner. A Scotch Brite Delicate Duty (the white one) pad for scrubbing will clean into the grain of the leather while doing little damage to the coating. Is that satisfactory for inexpensive cleaning?
For what it is worth, I don't recommend leather conditioners. The humidity on the east coast keeps the leather pretty well hydrated. I am not sure if conditioners would help in a drier environment, but if it works for you then use it.
As for other leather repair products, I have recommended good quality and moderately expensive products. People love to pimp LeatherMaster and Leatherique. If I used these products, then I wouldn't make any money. I have never met a mobile tech that uses Leatherique products besides Rejuvinator and Prestine. Even then it was only a couple that used these two products. Leatherique has done a good job of marketing their product to their market.
On LeatherMaster, I have been underwhelmed. I went to Stainsafe training five years ago and felt like Indy in the South Park episode.
I went by Leather Master when they where in Greensboro ten years ago and it was ok. LM is another company that has done a good job of marketing. I tried their repair products years ago and was unimpressed. Supposedly they have redone their repair line, but I am still skeptical. Their cleaners and conditioners are decent, but I don't think their anything special. My biggest problem is they are expensive. Their coatings are like two dollars an ounce. Give me a break. Most of you guys just use the cleaners and conditioners though. If you like them, then by all means continue.
