Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

[Joe C.]

What can I use to keep my leather seats/arm rest soft and supple? I have a few ideas in mind, such as lanolin, hand lotion, saddle soap, carnauba, glycerin.

I want to steer clear of ineffective/short-lived snake oil products, like Armor All. I don't need a "cleaner", either.

Thanks in advance.

[Harry H.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Joe, I have a King Ranch Ford f150 that has a fussy saddle leather interior. Our California sun sucks the life out of the it. Tried everything to treat the leather and NOTHING works like King Ranch conditioner and makes it smell like new leather as well. One bottle lasts me for a few months = cheap. http://www.krsaddleshop.com/product....cd2=1276957162

Harry

[Paul J.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Joe:

This was just discussed,

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=78743&highlight=leather+care&uid=1017

The overall favorite was Lexol. Although I have'nt used this product, I've only heard good things about it. I've always used saddle soap, with good results. However, this is an old remedy and I've read there is concern about the oils and ph with new leather.

The only thing that I can tell you for sure is not to use any products containing waxes or silicon, like Armor All. The wax and silicon plug the pores in the leather.

Paul

[David Z.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

http://www.leatherique.com/

I have used these products with great success on a wide variety of leather interiors, so much so that I also now give my leather sofas in the house a good go over with it annually... softens hardened stuff nicely with repeat applications too...


Regards, Dave.

[Dan M.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

I would recommend a good dose of mink oil on the leather once and a while. It seems to keep leather jackets, vests. and chaps I use when I ride looking like new for over 30 years. The leather sucks up the oil and looks like new.

[George J.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Neatsfoot oil is a great old solution.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Iv'e used mink oil and Neatsfoot oil in the past along with several other recommeded leather conditioners. Just be certain that what ever product you use to do a test dose on an area that is not within eye shot. I have had problems with various products staining the area darker than the original.

Whatever your preference, just try it out in an area that "the sun don't shine on" before you apply it to the enter area.

Good luck and let us know what you choose!

Valeria

[Peter M.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Griot's leather rejuvenator works great and makes your interior smell like new leather to boot. Great stuff

(click photo to enlarge)

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/interior+detailing/leather+rejuvenator%2C+8+ounces.do?search=basic&keyword=leather+rejuvenator&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

[Joe C.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Thanks for the responses.

I applied the Lexol Leather Conditioner on Sunday.

What got my attention was the Ferrari deal (from a related thread), and the fact that the essential oils are emulsified into smaller than naturally occurring droplets for better absorption ("modified").

Used it on my living room sofa and chair as well.

[Dick W.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Joe, I do not think that you can find a much better product than Lexol. I have used it for many years on coats, boots, saddles, harness, seats, etc. I always use the cleaner before I use the conditioner

[Don Y.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Joe,
Our detail shop at the Mercedes-Benz store has used Connolly Hide Food for years as a leather conditioner. It is a cream that needs to be worked into the surface of the leather and is only a conditioner. It's produced by the folks responsible for the leather in the Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. Excellent product!

[Bob D.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Heck I'll throw my 2 cents worth in here and agree with Don. Connally's Hide Conditioner is the best I have found. I had a 1946 Rover when I was stationed in England. The leather seats were as stiff as cardboard and one treatment with Connally's and they were glove soft. I have also used it on my '94 Volvo and '03 Corvette. Connally is the brand of leather used in Rolls Royce and Bentley interiors.

[Richard C.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

LEXOL leather conditioner 1-800-241-6996 GOOD STUFF anny GOOD shoe store will havit.

[Jim W.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

A couple of years ago I switched from Lexol to Pinnacle Leather Conditioner. I found that it works much better and has a better scent too. A little pricey but you get what you pay for.

[Michael F.]

Re: Old Fashioned Leather Protectant

Joe,
Our detail shop at the Mercedes-Benz store has used Connolly Hide Food for years as a leather conditioner. It is a cream that needs to be worked into the surface of the leather and is only a conditioner. It's produced by the folks responsible for the leather in the Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. Excellent product!

Nothing beats Hyde food. It has one of the highest Lanolin contents.Ferrari,Bentley,Rolls,Jag etc. Can't be wrong.Connolly makes their leather too.
Does not work on later American cars with vinylized dyes or coatings. It's the best on Euro leathers and select American. I have used it on truly thousands of cars. You rub it in with bare hands like a Swedish massage. Deep and hard.Leave plenty of residue.
To open pores of the leather put out in the heat of the sun and let the leather soak it up. Bring in and let the interior cool. Wipe off residue and bring to a nice shine with a terri towel. During temps below 70 the stuff is a bear to use. Won't penetrate well.
Nothing really works long term on that King ranch leather. We have multiple Fords with this leather. Not sure what ford was thinking.