Leather protection?
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Joined: Sep 2013
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Okay guys - please excuse the noob question - my car is about 2 months old. So:
1. Would I need to clean and condition the leather first prior to protecting it.
2. And if the protection is hydrophobic, etc... how would it work when you want to apply conditioner, etc... Wouldn't the protection prevent the conditioner from the leather.
Thanks again for all the advice.
1. Would I need to clean and condition the leather first prior to protecting it.
2. And if the protection is hydrophobic, etc... how would it work when you want to apply conditioner, etc... Wouldn't the protection prevent the conditioner from the leather.
Thanks again for all the advice.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,172
From: Alexandria, VA
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You should always clean the leather before applying any kind of conditioner to it, otherwise its like waxing over dirt. Think of the leather as a painted surface, as that's basically what it is. Most all the product you will apply to it will lay on top of the hide, it really doesn't soak in. Clean is Job 1, more important than applying goop to it.
Conditioner and Leather Protectant are typically one in the same on premium care products.
Conditioner and Leather Protectant are typically one in the same on premium care products.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,953
From: ATL
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My 4.7 V8VS has the factory alcantara wheel, and when I bought it with 16k miles it was pretty badly matted, and very dark. In 20 minutes I restored it to new with Sonex fabric and alcantara cleaner (
). It is now new again- fluffy and perfect. I can run a finger in one direction, and it goes either lighter or darker. Then back the other way, and back as it was. The fibers are meant to stand up, and over time they get matted, and that's what makes it look worn and feel slick. Alcantara is actually a polyester-type plastic fabric, made to imitate suede, and is far more durable than leather. Cleaning it is easy. So, I'd say if you like the feel of alcantara, go for it on the wheel. Super easy to clean and maintain if you bother to do so.
Also, know this: alcantara is a brand, not a product. It is the premium brand of synthetic suede, made to outlast anything leather. Many swatches may call themselves synthetic suede, but true Alcantara is a brand. So, know what you are buying.
CATTMAN
Also, know this: alcantara is a brand, not a product. It is the premium brand of synthetic suede, made to outlast anything leather. Many swatches may call themselves synthetic suede, but true Alcantara is a brand. So, know what you are buying.
CATTMAN
Last edited by Cattman; Apr 12, 2016 at 06:52 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 149
From: Toronto
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You should always clean the leather before applying any kind of conditioner to it, otherwise its like waxing over dirt. Think of the leather as a painted surface, as that's basically what it is. Most all the product you will apply to it will lay on top of the hide, it really doesn't soak in. Clean is Job 1, more important than applying goop to it.
Conditioner and Leather Protectant are typically one in the same on premium care products.
Conditioner and Leather Protectant are typically one in the same on premium care products.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,293
From: Silicon Valley, California
Rep Power: 152
I've heard good things about Opticoat protection for leather against stains and spills. I don't have it as I don't let folks eat in my car plus espresso and tan (orange in rr) are relatively darker colors.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 149
From: Toronto
Rep Power: 16
The leather is sealed. It won't stain.
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