Any special treatment for this type of leather?

Discussion in 'Interior Car Care' started by brianja, Nov 21, 2008.

  1. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

    What would you use for protection on this type of leather (the tan)? It's very soft, almost like a handbag, and turns very dark when wet.

    I typically use either Leather Master or Zaino Leather-in-a-Bottle for other cars, but I am concerned about whether this should be treated differently.

    Thanks!

    [​IMG]
     
  2. bryansbestwax

    bryansbestwax DB Forum Supporter

  3. Zookie

    Zookie Jedi Nuba

    what car is that?
     
  4. Buddy

    Buddy Getting to know Detailing

    You're very smart for asking the question. I would be concerned too...I wish I could help you more...:shrug:
     
  5. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

    Thanks, I have the Leathermaster Rapid Cleaner (it's in a foaming dispenser), which seems similar to that.

    What's your thought on protection / treatment?

    It's a Fisker Tramonto

    Yeah.. this leather makes me nervous. It being on such a rare / expensive car makes me want to be even more careful around it. I couldn't deal with having it damaged.
     
  6. Hum-Benz

    Hum-Benz Wax on..Wax off

    Mercedes must make that, right? It has the same controls and so forth (nav, htr etc..)
     
  7. supercharged

    supercharged DB Forum Supporter

    this is called NAPA leather, it is uncoated. DO NOT USE REGULAR LEATHER CLEANERS/CONDITIONERS ON IT! There is a product made my Leather Master for it, not sure which one it is. Contact Phil (detailersdomain), and he can help you out with this.
     
  8. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

    Sort-of.

    This started as an SL55. Fisker then replaces all the interior finishes, replaces all the body panels with carbon fiber (wide body), and upgrades the brakes, suspension, exhaust and engine with Kleeman parts.

    It's an SL underneath, but the entire car is actually different.

    There is an old thread in the OT section here from when it arrived with exterior shots.

    LINK
     
  9. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

    That's what I was afraid of. Thank you.

    Hopefully Phil will see this at some point... I'm not in a huge hurry.
     
  10. D&D Auto Detailing

    D&D Auto Detailing DB Forum Supporter

  11. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

  12. Epoch

    Epoch Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    As has been posted if it goes dark when it gets damp do not use conventional cleaners on it as it's uncoated leather.

    Anything for a nubuck type should be OK but you need to speak to an expert.
     
  13. supercharged

    supercharged DB Forum Supporter

    you are welcome! Let us know how it will work out!
     
  14. Nica

    Nica Banned

    That right there is the true thing, what I like to call the old school leather :druling: I agree with what has been recommended but be careful with it don't get it too wet..mm...I wonder how a steamer would take care of this type of leather :confused:

    Any who, great looking interior, keep us posted on what you decide to use :peace:
     
  15. brianja

    brianja Jedi Nuba

    Thanks guys.

    Thankfully the car doesn't really NEED any cleaning or conditioning at the moment, I just want to be prepared should it need it down the line.

    I will report back when I do use something on it though (hopefully it won't be for a while). Maybe when I pick up some product I will do a small test in an inconspicuous area and report on what I find.

    Thanks again.
     
  16. 911Fanatic

    911Fanatic DB Pro Supporter

  17. togwt

    togwt Nuba Guru

    Nappa
    Soft, full grain leather made from an un-split sheepskin, lambskin, or kidskin, usually tanned with alum and chromium salts and dyed throughout.

    Choosing a Leather Care Product
    The keys to leather care are keeping leather;
    (a) Hydrated - use water-based products and clean surfaces with a damp towel
    (b) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear.
    (c) Protected -leather Protection will provide better long-term benefits than a conditioner


    Leather Soft Cleaner – (Non-Coated, Protected) Leather Soft Cleaner is a mild, water-based cleaner that will not affect the Leather’s original properties or finish. It is designed to remove most soiling as well as water-based stains. Leather Soft Cleaner is solvent free and works without removing the finish or harming the Leather.

    Recommended Leather products- Leather Master™ http//:www.detailersdomain.com
     
  18. judyb

    judyb Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    That doe snot look like Nubuck. You need to use a good quality Leather Protector to help inhibit dirt and oils form damaging the leather finish. You can use something like LTT Auto Ultra Protect which is the strongest one on the mearket. This will also make it easier to clean and guard against UV damage.

    Hope this helps
     
  19. togwt

    togwt Nuba Guru

    [LTT Auto Ultra Protect which is the strongest one on the mearket. ]

    Would you elaborate on ths product (the strongest one on the mearket )?
     
  20. judyb

    judyb Any Rag Vehicle Washer

    LTT Ultra Protect has been tested by both factory and workshops throughout the world to be the most effective leather protector there is on the current market. It is a fluorocarbon protector that works on the same principle as the 'scotchgard' effect which will inhibit dye transfer and also protects the leather from damage done by dirt and body oils. It also has a UV protector to protect from harmful UV rays.

    The product is water based and very simple to apply. It contains no waxes, oils or silicones and leaves a dry residue on the surface which will not build up over time. Dye transfer, oils and dirt will sit on the surface and can then be cleaned away. it can be used on all types of leather finish including pure aniline leathers (but not on Nubuck or Suede)

    It works on the same principle as the LM products but is much more effective.

    When choosing a product for protection it is crucial that testing is done to ensure that those that claim to protect actually do protect the leather. Unfortunately many suppliers are simply calling their 'conditioners' Protectors in the changing market and whilst some may have a small amount of protector added this does not really guard against soiling in the same was as a pure protector will. Adding protection agents to creams and other products will not give a full strength protection which is required on many of the more xclusive leathers.

    On finished leathers it is crucial to protect the surface finish from dirt as together with abrasion this is what will cause cracking and damage to occur.
    Protection is easy to apply and should be done on a regualr basis depending on leather type, colour, usage etc. the key then is to keep it clean and rehydrated.

    Testing processes for leather protectors are fairly straightforward and can be done by anyone to test their ability to protect.
     

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