What Is The Best Treatment For Cracked Leather Seats?

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Old 08-07-2008, 05:59 PM
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HELP! product ate away color on leather

i used this leather care product called Lexol that my dealer recommended on my tan leather. everything was fine until today when i used a armor all cleaning whipe and i whipped over my center arm rest and started seeing the color of my leather come off! now theres a spot of discoloration on my center arm rest where it ate away some color! worst case sentario here is ill buy a new center arm rest..

my question is if anyone knows if this is an easy fix or not. is there anything out there i can put over my leather that will give the discolored spot color again? thanks in advance. ill post a picture of it later
Old 08-07-2008, 06:04 PM
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that's really wheird

In my old car I used Armor All Cleaning wipes and it made the gauge plastic fog over / blur; I called armor all and they told me what to get to fix it, and they reimbursed me for the products I had to buy to fix it. Maybe if you call them and talk to them about it they'll pay for a replacement or help you get it fixed..
Old 08-07-2008, 06:09 PM
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anyone know of a product that will cover it up? i'm thinking of something that i can apply over the leather.. and it will even out the coloring. anything like that?

can anyone also give me the part number to a new center console arm rest too cant seem to find it...
Old 08-07-2008, 06:51 PM
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armor all

I just had the same thing happen with a armor all product. I ordered a touch up kit from the internet, it should be here in afew days. I think it is just a creme with the dye to match the leather I know they have parchment and taupe. I think he custom blends them based on a swatch(sp). Here is his email seatsrestore@gmail.com he sounded like he knew what he was doing and assured me it would match, the kit is $24.95. He also sells them on E-BAy.
Old 08-07-2008, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ecliptics
anyone know of a product that will cover it up? i'm thinking of something that i can apply over the leather.. and it will even out the coloring. anything like that?

can anyone also give me the part number to a new center console arm rest too cant seem to find it...
Funny you ask about the center console armrest. I just replaced my worn arm rest. Part number will differ on the interior color, I have the parchment interior and the part number is 83404-sep-a01zd , $153.30 from acuraoemparts.com. literally took five minutes to remove/replace arm rest with four screws.
Old 08-07-2008, 09:37 PM
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take it to an upholstry shop, they should be able to re-dye it. Also call up armorall and complain
Old 08-07-2008, 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by jeremyf
I just had the same thing happen with a armor all product. I ordered a touch up kit from the internet, it should be here in afew days. I think it is just a creme with the dye to match the leather I know they have parchment and taupe. I think he custom blends them based on a swatch(sp). Here is his email seatsrestore@gmail.com he sounded like he knew what he was doing and assured me it would match, the kit is $24.95. He also sells them on E-BAy.
interesting. 25dollar fix sure beats a whole new arm rest for 150 though. tell me how it works out!

Originally Posted by consultauto
Funny you ask about the center console armrest. I just replaced my worn arm rest. Part number will differ on the interior color, I have the parchment interior and the part number is 83404-sep-a01zd , $153.30 from acuraoemparts.com. literally took five minutes to remove/replace arm rest with four screws.
thanks a lot, if the ebay thing the guy above was talking about doesnt work ill prob jus buy a new arm rest.. my gf thinks im crazy cause its a small spot by it drives me CRAZY you guys know what i mean..
Old 08-08-2008, 03:33 PM
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Be careful using those armor all wipes, some of them aren't designed for leather, but the leather cleaning and conditioner from armor all works wonders. Either way I would have never expected that to happen even if its not designed for leather.

Good luck.
Old 08-16-2008, 11:26 PM
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Put the armor all products in the trash and try some protectant 303. Works real good on dash, tires even Hot Tub covers.
http://www.303products.com/tech/inde...Product_ID=428
Old 08-18-2008, 01:51 AM
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I've heard great things about 303...

I Lexol Clean/Condition my seats about 3 times a year.. just did it last week

After you cleaned it, did you use a conditioner? Did you use a damp clothe to "rinse" the leather and get all the excess clearner/conditioner off the leather?
Old 08-18-2008, 02:46 AM
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just to be sure, the armor all products ate away at the leather right?

i JUST applied some lexol cleaner/conditioner to my entire interior about 2 hrs ago

Old 08-18-2008, 08:35 AM
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I've been using Armor All Leather Care (I think it's called) on my seats every few weeks or so because I've noticed it cracking more quickly than it does in most cars. So far so good, no marks or blemishes. The Armor All wipe that wasn't meant for leather might have reacted with the Lexol or something... I'd definitely call Armor All and get that part on order. A dye might work but I'm real skeptical when it comes to covering up blemishes like that on fabrics....you'd probably be best off just ordering a new armrest and having Armor All reimburse you.
Old 08-30-2008, 10:12 PM
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07 TL-S drivers seat leather wear

I have the ebony/silver interior in my 07 TL-S. The surface of the silver leather on the drivers seat backrest appears to have worn off in several locations; that's about the best way I can describe it. The seat bottom cushion silver leather is perfect with no discoloration or wear evident. All of the black seat leather is perfect. Since the car has only 8k, I took it to the dealer and they are replacing the backrest upholstery under warranty. (he did say he's had other Acura customers with the same problem) I had an 05 TL with parchment interior before this and after many miles this was never a problem with the leather. Has anyone else had this problem?
Old 08-30-2008, 10:22 PM
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Plenty of members on here have had issues with the TL with the leather not looking in good shape after some time. You are lucky some dealerships won't warrenty the leather on the seats they consider it "normal" wear and tear.
Old 08-31-2008, 01:52 AM
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I have the same problem as well. The driver's seat is showing wear towards the door. But, it's common, and I've come to accept it.
Old 08-31-2008, 11:58 AM
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well, the dealer should replace it under warranty no problem. The most wear is from certain materials that people wear, mostly from certain coats. The most wear happens from getting in and out. Most people wear out the door seal also when they get in and out right next to where the wear is on the leather
Old 09-01-2008, 11:05 AM
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I too have the same problem and I have complained. This was at my first oil change and they told me to leave it for a while and then they would change it. (since it wasnt too bad.

I swear that acuras quality is slipping.. I have owned a lot of cars and never seen so many lilttle problems as I have on my TL-S
Old 09-05-2008, 02:06 PM
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seat cover replaced

Thanks for the comments everyone. My dealer replaced the drivers seat back leather cover and I got the car back today. They did a decent job, looks tight. I spoke to the tech who worked on the car (I find with them being hands-on they are better sources of info) and he said he's replaced a few leather covers but this was his first TLS. It was amazing how the silver "surface" had just worn off while the adjacent black leather was perfect, after just 8k miles. The dealer said it was a "good will" repair but if it fails again they'll be getting another visit. A friend has an 03 TL with 95k and the leather still looks new. I suppose I should get some nice $19.95 fuzzy seat covers to protect the fine leather seats in my $38k car now.
Old 09-05-2008, 10:25 PM
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that aint no good will repair, thats a straight up warranty repair....good will repairs are done out of warranty....
Old 09-07-2008, 07:50 PM
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my '03 v6 Accord has problems too with the leather along the stitches, and Honda would replace the whole seat under warranty, no questions asked.

By the way, I should be another happy owner of a new TL Type-S '08 by next week if everything goes as planned.
Old 09-07-2008, 09:45 PM
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this is covered under warranty. remember the middle is leather and the sides are paleather( cheap sh_t)
Old 10-14-2009, 01:34 PM
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Front seat leather

My front driver seat is showing signs of wear, does anyone know where I can buy some interior touch up paint?

Leather descriptions: 05 acura tl moon lake grey
Old 10-14-2009, 04:10 PM
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Just get the leather paint matched with acrylic (water based) just be careful with the finish you choose. If you want toe refinish them then you'll have to seal & smooth them first. Seats are tricky because they go through a lot of wear.. You might even want to call a few local upholstery shops and get some quotes.
Old 10-14-2009, 04:22 PM
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To color match the seat is going to be next to impossible. Eastwood has interior paint but as for a match, no way.
OE:
Bottom cover complete:
81531-SEP-A11ZB ACURA TL L. FR. SEAT CUSHION TRIM COVER (LEA) ( MOON LAKE GRAY ) 2005 TL 642.43 481.82
Then you'll someone to do the install.
Old 10-15-2009, 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbonut
To color match the seat is going to be next to impossible. Eastwood has interior paint but as for a match, no way.
OE:
Bottom cover complete:
81531-SEP-A11ZB ACURA TL L. FR. SEAT CUSHION TRIM COVER (LEA) ( MOON LAKE GRAY ) 2005 TL 642.43 481.82
Then you'll someone to do the install.
No it's not.. go to home depot. Ask them to give you the pigment numbers for the color match. Otherwise, you can get a kit which will give you a base color and you can add to make it lighter or darker. Even if you don't get it 100% correct, it's better than paying $500 for it. If you don't trust yourself refinishing the seat (not that difficult), then call some upholstery shops around and get a quote to patch & dye, it shouldn't be expensive.
Old 10-15-2009, 11:17 AM
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pee on it.
Old 10-15-2009, 05:39 PM
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Can you take a photo of the seat? I used Leatherique on my 04 Grey interior and it brought it back to life! Maybe it may be able to help you out.
Old 10-15-2009, 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Majofo
No it's not.. go to home depot. Ask them to give you the pigment numbers for the color match. Otherwise, you can get a kit which will give you a base color and you can add to make it lighter or darker. Even if you don't get it 100% correct, it's better than paying $500 for it. If you don't trust yourself refinishing the seat (not that difficult), then call some upholstery shops around and get a quote to patch & dye, it shouldn't be expensive.
Certainly would like to see the finished seat when done with Home Depot paint, especially on a surface that's going to take abuse, or even the patch & dye. Better to have the shop order the fabric. vinyl/leather and have them sew it into the side panels. Daughter's Hemi Grand driver's side bolster, which is nothing but vinyl, tore at the seam. They ordered the black in a grain and color for that year, 2005, then took the seat apart and replaced that panel. Can't tell the difference. Do it right, or don't do it at all!
Old 10-15-2009, 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Turbonut
Certainly would like to see the finished seat when done with Home Depot paint, especially on a surface that's going to take abuse, or even the patch & dye. Better to have the shop order the fabric. vinyl/leather and have them sew it into the side panels. Daughter's Hemi Grand driver's side bolster, which is nothing but vinyl, tore at the seam. They ordered the black in a grain and color for that year, 2005, then took the seat apart and replaced that panel. Can't tell the difference. Do it right, or don't do it at all!
lol.. I don't condone the use of HD interior acrylics, although I did use it to redo my center console arm rest. You can get the % mix from their color match analyzer and use the numbers to find a more appropriate acrylic to redye the seats with. Replacing the bolster is expensive. No one will tell the difference between a repaired seat & a reupholstered seat if it's done well.The repair is basically the same original treatment. A patch & dye is just an alternative to spending an excessive amount of money for OE replacement. If a shop can reupholster at a fraction of the OE costs I say go for it.. but I definitely wouldn't pay $500 for a small patch of leather. JMO.
Old 10-15-2009, 09:23 PM
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Majofo's console repair was pretty damn good! I considered touching up my console and driver's seat after reviewing his thread with very detailed pictures. A little shiny, but still very good.
Old 10-15-2009, 09:32 PM
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Leatherique has both re-conditioner and dye kits for our leather. Google it and see what you find.
Old 10-16-2009, 05:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbonut
Daughter's Hemi Grand driver's side bolster, which is nothing but vinyl, tore at the seam. They ordered the black in a grain and color for that year, 2005, then took the seat apart and replaced that panel. Can't tell the difference.
Originally Posted by Majofo
Replacing the bolster is expensive.
Just thought I’d mention that the price was $150, order the material, remove the seat, sew in the new piece and replace the seat. Well worth the money IMHO.
Old 10-16-2009, 08:54 AM
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$150 is definitely well worth the money.
Old 10-18-2009, 08:14 PM
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Unhappy Leather wear...

As some of you know I purchased my 06 TL about a month ago with 10k miles on it. I have been driving it a lot and currently have a 12k on the clock. The drivers seat already looks like an elephant has been sitting in it for 5 years. Is the quality of the leather really that bad? With the mileage the car has I would have expected the seats to look new for another 50-60k miles!

This is also the first car I have ever owned that doesn't have black leather (it has quartz) I'm thinking that may have something to do with it.

I'm an average built guy about 200lbs so me being the problem probably isn't the case.

When I traded in my Nissan Pathfinder with 140k miles the leather was in great shape and looked new. I'm afraid at this rate in 2 or 3 years my TL will look like it was inside the Titanic. Frustrating.

Have any of you guys experienced this, if so how do you treat it so it doesn't get worse?
Old 10-18-2009, 08:50 PM
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Mine is somewhat worn as well with 71k on the clock.

I think it's a common and unfortunate issue with Acuras. My 01 CL-S had the same problem
Old 10-18-2009, 08:53 PM
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Imo, the longevity of the 3G TL's leather seats are NOT the best, but there are also a lot of factors into what causes wear and tear (how you sit, what you wear, etc) I won't get into too much...but to solve your problem, I know that where I live there are local auto upholstery places that can replace specific parts of your leather seats for a reasonable price.

I asked for a very generic quote on certain parts of the chair and it was under $200 for the parts and labor. I think to get the whole seat replaced was under $500, which i can is a great deal to get your car looking like new again.

You should check around and ask your mechanics for some nearby places that are good.

Btw, 12k miles is very little for a '06 TL especially for the seats to look in very bad shape. I have a few times your amount in mileage on my TL and my seats are in good condition. You should inquire with the person you bought it from how they drove it and why there are so little miles on it cause the amount of driving done and the condition of the leather don't add up unless all that happened after you purchased your car.

and a little fyi, the newer acuras seem to have great leather :-/ very different from ours.

Last edited by mik3vl; 10-18-2009 at 08:56 PM.
Old 10-18-2009, 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by mik3vl
Imo, the longevity of the 3G TL's leather seats are NOT the best, but there are also a lot of factors into what causes wear and tear (how you sit, what you wear, etc) I won't get into too much...but to solve your problem, I know that where I live there are local auto upholstery places that can replace specific parts of your leather seats for a reasonable price.

I asked for a very generic quote on certain parts of the chair and it was under $200 for the parts and labor. I think to get the whole seat replaced was under $500, which i can is a great deal to get your car looking like new again.

You should check around and ask your mechanics for some nearby places that are good.

Btw, 12k miles is very little for a '06 TL especially for the seats to look in very bad shape. I have a few times your amount in mileage on my TL and my seats are in good condition. You should inquire with the person you bought it from how they drove it and why there are so little miles on it cause the amount of driving done and the condition of the leather don't add up unless all that happened after you purchased your car.

and a little fyi, the newer acuras seem to have great leather :-/ very different from ours.
My problem is pretty much isolated to just the drivers seat. Don't get me wrong the seat doesn't look terrible but my gripe is that when I bought the car the seat was mint, it looked hardly used at all. I've driven the car only 2k miles and already creases are prominent and the left bolster is is already starting to wear especially by the stitching.

I was thinking (sshhhh....) worst case scenario if it gets terrible terrible looking to have an "unfortunate accident" where the leather gets ripped and it should be covered under warranty... I'll have to do more research on that though.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:27 PM
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I would say the gray leather would hide the wear the best? I can't imagine what it would look like on black.....
But yea this is unfortunate on a car that costs $35000 brand new.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:36 PM
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Leatherique rejuvenator oil and cleaner is a really good leather care product that you can get from detailedimage.com, they are also a vendor on this site. This is a two part product consisting of the oil and the separate cleaner. I used these products back in May and they did a really good job of bringing some shine back to the leather and also restoring some of the supple feel. Kinda pricey but well worth it and much better than anything you can get at the auto supply store imo
Old 10-19-2009, 10:19 AM
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I have black leather in my 05 TL and I think I'm having a similar issue. For some reason the driver's seat has a shiny look while the other seats look like they are still new (I don't have many passengers), it also shows a lot more wear than the other seats. The Acura dealer even wanted to ding me on the trade in value because of the seats.

I think its just the quality of Acura seats as a whole. My G35 also had black leather, but no problems whatsoever with wear; the leather also felt better to the touch.

It does suck though, $35k for a car; you would expect the seats to be made better.


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