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1.Nubuk (Nubuck) (N-Nubuk / Alcantara®) - is top grain leather that has been aniline dyed for colour and then polished to create a nap, producing a velvet-like surface. Since Nubuk leathers have no pigment applied these hides will exhibit colour variation from hide to hide and dye lot to dye lot. Some natural markings are visible throughout these hides.
However, Nubuk or a synthetic known as Alcantara® is commonly found in sports luxury vehicles; on the steering wheel, armrests and seat inserts both for aesthetic purposes and grip (on the seats and steering wheel) and the headliner, it is highly absorbent, creating a texture similar to velvet, many people confuse this product with suede leather.
As a general rule when cleaning Nubuk, Alcantara ®, Ecsaine, etc you should only to use products specifically designed for this type of fabric. Avoid using a product designed for cleaning leather. It's also important to do a patch test before cleaning any fabric to make sure the colour or integrity of the fabric won't be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an area that doesn't show to see what the effect will be. Suede
Suede is not commonly found in vehicles, except in custom interiors, suede should be cleaned by using a napping brush to raise the pile and then use solvent-free foam cleaner. To maintain a clean surface use a spray on (Leather Master) Nubuk Protection. Leather Master™ Nubuk Protection(N-Nubuk / Alcantara®)
Repellence, resists soiling and helps protect against both water and oil based stains
Identifying characteristics- very soft to the touch will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original colour after drying. (LM) Products made specifically for Nubuk (Alcantara®) leather
·Cleaning Pad Cleans refreshes and revitalises Nubuk, brushed aniline and suede leather without the need for additional liquids or chemicals. At the same time it will restore the nap (surface appearance) of the leather to its' original look.
·Foam Cleaner is a mild solvent product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains.
·Always pre-test the product on a hidden area.
·Protection helps to protect suede and Nubuk leather against stains from drinks and food; it also makes the leather easier to clean. Alcantara® Cleaning / Care -http://world.alcantara.com/en/experience/manutenzione/pdf/manuale_eng.pdf
Author of 110 in-depth, unbiased “Technical Detailing Papers” and a 560 page "Automotive Detailing, Inside & Out"a knowledge base for the perfectionistTOGWT ™ Ltd copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved.
Thanks, but not sure I understand this response. First it says that Nubuk/Alcantara is top grain leather. Then it says that it is a synthetic.
Which is it?
(N-Nubuk / Alcantara®) - Is top grain leather that has been aniline dyed for colour and then polished to create a nap, producing a velvet-like surface. Since Nubuk leathers have no pigment applied these hides will exhibit colour variation from hide to hide and dye lot to dye lot. Some natural markings are visible throughout these hides.
However, Nubuk or a synthetic known as Alcantara® is commonly found in sports luxury vehicles; on the steering wheel, armrests and seat inserts both for aesthetic purposes and grip (on the seats and steering wheel) and the headliner, it is highly absorbent, creating a texture similar to velvet, many people confuse this product with suede leather.
Your vehicle may have Nubuck (a natural leather) OR Alcantra (a synthetic)
What's a good product to clean the artificial suede used in Porsche's seats?
TIA,
The product I've been using since 1995 for interior cleaning of carpets, suede, alcantara is Autoglym Interior Cleaner/Shampoo. Excellent cleaning ability and it wont leave behind any soapy residue or tacky feel. Just spray some on a microfiber towel and wipe the surface. You can also spray it on the carpets, agitate with a brush, then wipe the carpets clean. You'' love it.