Leather care
10-22-2018, 12:17 PM
#16
Porsche leather may or may not have a urethane coating as far as I read.. can’t find 100%
The “second hide” leather used in some furniture etc has the urethane coating as well as some automotive leather.
Some cars use a vinyl coating on the leather to help against dirt, stains, and uv damage. From what I’ve read the vinyl top coat is still somewhat pourous(not anywhere as close to true untreated natural leather though). Leatherique specifically says that their products work to clean, condition and soften MB Tex vinyl (Mercedez version).....
For anyone who’s actually used it and used it right it works amazing(every time I’ve used it) and has protective properties in it to help keep clean and prevent uv damage. The pristine clean can even be used on plastics and rubber and works great on those.
That being said, due to the coating basic cleaning methods can and do work, unless the leather is in need of more or you like the way leatherique works better. I’ll have to check out the bowdens products.
Who knows what to really use or not use. So many differing opinions out there.
As as far as the trash bags go..... thanks for helping the criminals out there in their dumping! Hahaha.
Good to know though. Haven’t every looked for a serial number.
The “second hide” leather used in some furniture etc has the urethane coating as well as some automotive leather.
Some cars use a vinyl coating on the leather to help against dirt, stains, and uv damage. From what I’ve read the vinyl top coat is still somewhat pourous(not anywhere as close to true untreated natural leather though). Leatherique specifically says that their products work to clean, condition and soften MB Tex vinyl (Mercedez version).....
For anyone who’s actually used it and used it right it works amazing(every time I’ve used it) and has protective properties in it to help keep clean and prevent uv damage. The pristine clean can even be used on plastics and rubber and works great on those.
That being said, due to the coating basic cleaning methods can and do work, unless the leather is in need of more or you like the way leatherique works better. I’ll have to check out the bowdens products.
Who knows what to really use or not use. So many differing opinions out there.
As as far as the trash bags go..... thanks for helping the criminals out there in their dumping! Hahaha.
Good to know though. Haven’t every looked for a serial number.
Last edited by Kayaknfly; 10-22-2018 at 01:08 PM.
10-22-2018, 02:15 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
10-22-2018, 07:01 PM
#18
Rennlist Member
One of which is the "NATURAL LEATHER" option from Porsche. Such as my friend's white 997 Turbo with the Terracotta Natural Leather interior. It actually smells like leather in his car.
You CANNOT condition leather with a urethane coating. IT WILL NOT SOAK IN ! It will just sit on top, be greasy, attract grit, and damage the UV protection that the urethane provides.
You can reduce the greasiness of it by removing it all after application,.. but what's the point of that?
If you have the natural leather interior,.. condition with a product like leatherique. If you have full leather or partial leather (as in a non turbo car without that option),.. you just clean it with soap and water or a vinly cleaner.
Last edited by Duckstu; 10-23-2018 at 07:57 AM.
10-22-2018, 08:40 PM
#19
Agree 100%. Just wipe with a damp cloth and a diluted cleaner. The other topic is wax. A million formulas for wax. Latest nonsense is the coatings. I stick with plain carnuba wax. Owned my car since 2010, been waxed once. Kept in an air conditioned garage with a Porsche cover.
10-23-2018, 07:32 PM
#20
Agree that the vast majority of auto leathers in the past 20 years are coated and that leather conditioners are unnecessary (my comments are related to coated leather). A thorough cleaning will really help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, etc. in leather as many times it is the accumulated dirt/grease that amplifies the wrinkle existence. In addition, it is dirt/grime that will most rapidly deteriorate your leather, so keep the seats clean. A damp cloth wipe down with every car wash is good...a deep cleaning every 6 months is even better. I like to a steaming tool to really clean things out.
After things are clean, you can choose to condition if you absolutely want. It can leave a temporary scent you like and will temporarily add some "softness" to the leather as your post-application buff probably hasn't removed all of it. Also, any conditioner that sits in the creases/cracks will reduce their appearance temporarily. HOWEVER, the oils in conditioners will attract dirt and, as stated above, this is the #1 enemy of your leather. Another option post-clean is to use a "protectant" product. I like Optimum Leather Protectant / Leather Protectant Plus. It is not a conditioner but provides the aesthetic benefits of a conditioner while also leaving behind a sacrificial layer that repels dirt/stains/UV damage for a period of time.
In the end, using a leather cleaner and conditioner isn't likely to do harm, but you are generally just wasting product if you use it on coated leather.
After things are clean, you can choose to condition if you absolutely want. It can leave a temporary scent you like and will temporarily add some "softness" to the leather as your post-application buff probably hasn't removed all of it. Also, any conditioner that sits in the creases/cracks will reduce their appearance temporarily. HOWEVER, the oils in conditioners will attract dirt and, as stated above, this is the #1 enemy of your leather. Another option post-clean is to use a "protectant" product. I like Optimum Leather Protectant / Leather Protectant Plus. It is not a conditioner but provides the aesthetic benefits of a conditioner while also leaving behind a sacrificial layer that repels dirt/stains/UV damage for a period of time.
In the end, using a leather cleaner and conditioner isn't likely to do harm, but you are generally just wasting product if you use it on coated leather.
10-24-2018, 07:48 AM
#21
Chemical guys has a product that Walmart sells $10. It smells fabulous! Closest smell to new leather. It’s amazing! Give it a try I bet once you use it, you will post here. The best thing is when you pull up in that Porsche, you are number one! What a great feeling to standout amongst you peers. Also, McDonald’s just inside, eat them fries don’t worry about them oils. They won’t “penetrate” that urethane protected leather!
10-24-2018, 09:02 AM
#22
Drifting
I tried Leatherique on my 993 seats. I must not have done it right because they were sticky ever since. I would be very cautious using any product. The only thing that I've found safe is 303. It does nothing for the feel of the leather, but adds UV protection.
10-24-2018, 11:17 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
Mine come out looking like they just left the factory
10-24-2018, 01:56 PM
#24
Instructor
I used Leatherique on my black 993 seats and they came out incredible looking. As mentioned above pre-clean, then use conditioner solution, then cleaner solution, then wipe-up. I dyed the bolsters and scuff marks. After letting the car sit in the sun for the day and then wiped everything down. Let it sit longer than the directions say. No sticking or tackiness. I also did the steering wheel with the steering wheel kit. Again it took longer to dry than the directions said but it came out great. (actually a bit more sheen than I wanted but much better than before).
Last edited by gary1101; 10-24-2018 at 01:57 PM. Reason: spelling
10-26-2018, 10:12 PM
#25
That said it’s such a huge messy hassle, I’ve only done the full process a couple of times. You need to be really careful not to let the gunk drip down onto the carpeting. Maybe even remove the seats altogether.