Stumbled across this thread- leather conditioner is worthless?
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I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,899
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
Stumbled across this thread- leather conditioner is worthless?
I was on detailingworld forums and found this thread about how apparently automotive leather doesn't need to be conditioned since it's coated and can't be penetrated. IMO, it makes sense and I like the way my leather looks after I just clean it with Lexol. The conditioner makes it greasy. Thoughts on this?
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...=1#post2264624
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...=1#post2264624
Most auto leather is matt when it is new and looked after correctly. Leather with a shiny or glossy look is usually due to build up of dirt together with abrassion (constant sliding in and out). This is often exacerbated by the use of 'conditioners' that contain waxes and/or oils which only sit on the surface and attract more dirt.
Leather does not require 'conditioning' with anything other than water.
Keep your leather clean by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning.
Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.
Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.
This type of leather is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.
Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after. Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty. Dirt on the surface will aslo become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.
'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain.
A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc on pale coloured leathers.
Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in good condition.
Leather does not require 'conditioning' with anything other than water.
Keep your leather clean by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning.
Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.
Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.
This type of leather is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.
Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after. Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty. Dirt on the surface will aslo become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.
'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain.
A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc on pale coloured leathers.
Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in good condition.
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 18
From: Florida / England
There are two strata’s to automotive leather upholstery; the actual hide and the surface finish. The hides used are generally bovine, which must be kept hydrated to maintain tensile strength, luxurious suppleness and prevent the hide from cracking and becoming dry. Natural leather has a water-based pigmentation applied to the hide to provide an even colour. There is no such thing as a cow with blue, red or burgundy skin.
Covered leather has a further layer of polyurethane applied to provide protection from wear when getting in and out of the vehicle
Always remember you are dealing with the finished coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself
Covered leather has a further layer of polyurethane applied to provide protection from wear when getting in and out of the vehicle
Always remember you are dealing with the finished coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 19
From: Pleasant Hill, CA
Not all auto leather is coated, but I did use Leatherique on my TSX leather and it did make it slightly softer and really cleaned them (went from yellow color to light parchment). You will still need to use UV protectants on coated leather though.
some hand built cars like ferrari, lamborghini, and i am sure some others may not use coated leather for their seats, but you would be hard pressed to find a car without it...
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 2
From: Woodlyn, PA
like couple ppl said, honda leather is coated and products that you need for that should be made for coated leather, leathermasters make product for this type of leather but i havent tried it yet.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 28
do we REALLY need UV protectant? the reason i ask is because i have transition lenses for my glasses and anyone who has it or has ever had it knows that they do not get dark inside the car. this is because the windows block UV rays.
unless there's something i dont know about UV rays, i would figure that you don't really need UV protection unless you drive with your windows down a lot or have a convertible.
unless there's something i dont know about UV rays, i would figure that you don't really need UV protection unless you drive with your windows down a lot or have a convertible.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 294
From: Trail BC CanaDUH
do we REALLY need UV protectant? the reason i ask is because i have transition lenses for my glasses and anyone who has it or has ever had it knows that they do not get dark inside the car. this is because the windows block UV rays.
unless there's something i dont know about UV rays, i would figure that you don't really need UV protection unless you drive with your windows down a lot or have a convertible.
unless there's something i dont know about UV rays, i would figure that you don't really need UV protection unless you drive with your windows down a lot or have a convertible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photochromic_lens
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 18
From: Florida / England
All leather has a 'coating', be it a thin urathene pigmentation or a thicker protective coating.
Ultra violet penetration of auto glass; UV radiation is present in the sun’s rays throughout the year in varying amounts. Ordinary auto window glass filters out about 97% of the UV-B radiation, the cause of photosynthesis (fading)
Ultra violet penetration of auto glass; UV radiation is present in the sun’s rays throughout the year in varying amounts. Ordinary auto window glass filters out about 97% of the UV-B radiation, the cause of photosynthesis (fading)
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 18
From: Florida / England
Ultra a Violet Radiation
Ultra violet radiation consist of wavelengths that have a two-fold effect; UV-A (ultra violet heat) and UV-B (ultra violet light)
They are known to contribute to the chemical modification of exposed paint surfaces resulting in loss of gloss, colour change, chalking, flaking and eventually destruction of the clear coat paint film by oxidation UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer (stabilizers) being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) it is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
1. Infrared Radiation
Infrared Radiation (UV-A) represents part of the ultra violet solar spectrum (approximately 55%-60%). The remaining heat source comes from visible and ultra violet light Infrared radiation (UV-A) is a light source that transmits heat that will cause oxidation by drying out materials, like the paint (binder) resin system, the plasticizers in vinyl, moisture evaporation of leather and the elasticity of rubber causing these materials to dry out and become brittle and compromise their structural integrity
2. Ultra violet radiation
UV- B radiation is known to contribute to the chemical modification, photosensitise (fading) of exposed paint surfaces resulting in loss of gloss, colour change, chalking, flaking and along with infrared heat radiation (UV-A) eventually the destruction of the clear coat paint film.
Ultra violet radiation (UV) and environmental contaminant exposure leads to gloss and colour instability (photosynthesis) and surface stains. But before UV light can cause harm, it must first be absorbed. If it is not turned into heat or transferred to a nearby stabilizer molecule called a quencher, it breaks weak chemical bonds. This is the beginning of UV damage. Some materials absorb UV light more readily than other materials.
Materials that readily absorb UV light are quickly damaged...rubber, vinyl, gel coat fibreglass, and many other plastics. Acrylic is slow to absorb UV light and accordingly very resistant to photo degradation.
Ultra violet penetration of auto glass; UV radiation is present in the sun’s rays throughout the year in varying amounts. Ordinary auto window glass filters out about 97% of the UV-B radiation, the cause of photosynthesis (fading)
Ultra violet radiation consist of wavelengths that have a two-fold effect; UV-A (ultra violet heat) and UV-B (ultra violet light)
They are known to contribute to the chemical modification of exposed paint surfaces resulting in loss of gloss, colour change, chalking, flaking and eventually destruction of the clear coat paint film by oxidation UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer (stabilizers) being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) it is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)
1. Infrared Radiation
Infrared Radiation (UV-A) represents part of the ultra violet solar spectrum (approximately 55%-60%). The remaining heat source comes from visible and ultra violet light Infrared radiation (UV-A) is a light source that transmits heat that will cause oxidation by drying out materials, like the paint (binder) resin system, the plasticizers in vinyl, moisture evaporation of leather and the elasticity of rubber causing these materials to dry out and become brittle and compromise their structural integrity
2. Ultra violet radiation
UV- B radiation is known to contribute to the chemical modification, photosensitise (fading) of exposed paint surfaces resulting in loss of gloss, colour change, chalking, flaking and along with infrared heat radiation (UV-A) eventually the destruction of the clear coat paint film.
Ultra violet radiation (UV) and environmental contaminant exposure leads to gloss and colour instability (photosynthesis) and surface stains. But before UV light can cause harm, it must first be absorbed. If it is not turned into heat or transferred to a nearby stabilizer molecule called a quencher, it breaks weak chemical bonds. This is the beginning of UV damage. Some materials absorb UV light more readily than other materials.
Materials that readily absorb UV light are quickly damaged...rubber, vinyl, gel coat fibreglass, and many other plastics. Acrylic is slow to absorb UV light and accordingly very resistant to photo degradation.
Ultra violet penetration of auto glass; UV radiation is present in the sun’s rays throughout the year in varying amounts. Ordinary auto window glass filters out about 97% of the UV-B radiation, the cause of photosynthesis (fading)
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The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 18
From: Florida / England
Automotive leather upholstery is typically finished with a coating, which protects the surface from (UV) radiation, as well making it resistant to soiling and wear. These coatings vary in thickness; Aniline leather has a thin clear coating of approximately 0.2µ, thin enough to preserve the tactile feel and patina, yet thick enough to provide surface protection from abrasion, as opposed to covered leather, which has a pigmented layer of approximately 25 µ, applied to provide both an even colour and protection from wear when getting in and out of the vehicle
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