Leather Treatment

[Steven B.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Thanks Peter , seems like how to protect leather is covered often here but how to bring it back is not . Where can I buy Griots is it in auto parts stores ?

Stan, Google Griots Garage. They have an online catalog and printed also.
Quality andunique products.

Steve

[Peter M.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Thanks Peter , seems like how to protect leather is covered often here but how to bring it back is not . Where can I buy Griots is it in auto parts stores ?

Stan:

I think that you can get some Griot's products at the Tire Rack, but I am not sure. You can always order direct from. www.griotsgarage.com. I think AutoAnything currently has the product on sale with free shipping.

http://www.autoanything.com/car-care/69A4705A0A0.aspx

With regard to the polish, it is important to get a high quality shoe cream. These high quality shoe cream products are often sold at shoe repair shops. At any rate, don't use regular shoe polish, but a good quality shoe cream.

[Larry M.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Pre-Lexol I used to use Connally (the leather folks) Hide Food. Too bad they are no longer in business.

The original formula for Hide-Food has been sold, and Hide-Food is again being produced and is available. About $25 per jar.

http://www.autogeek.net/conhid.html?gclid=COnH57rIrKoCFUFo4AodxzzZKQ

There are many other sites (stores) where you can buy Hide Food if you search....but this is one.

Larry

[Stan G.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Thanks everyone , I didn't mean to hijack this post , but I have not been seeing anybody addressing how to solve the problem with leather seats that have already been damaged . This will be my next project as if I don't need another one . Stan

[Chris B.]

Re: Leather Treatment

I ended up using the Lexol and it helped allot...so much so I also used it on my Ford King Ranch seats. They were so dry I used a whole bottle (multiple applications). It worked wonders.

No worries about "high jacking". This is all good info. As I mentioned earlier, my seats are a 'bit faded and I am now contemplating trying to bring back the finish per some of the guidance in this thread. Anyone have an opinion on impact to survivor or bowtie scoring if I use a polish to bring back the color vs. keeping them faded?

[Peter M.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Anyone have an opinion on impact to survivor or bowtie scoring if I use a polish to bring back the color vs. keeping them faded?

While not Bowtie judging, I have used polish on my original leather seats (92000 miles) for years now with absolutely no negative judging point impact at the Chapter, Regional and National level.

If you use a good quality shoe cream and apply it correctly, there will be no way for an interior judge to determine if your seats have had shoe cream applied or not. NOTE the operative words are...applied correctly.

[Steven B.]

Re: Leather Treatment

The original formula for Hide-Food has been sold, and Hide-Food is again being produced and is available. About $25 per jar.

http://www.autogeek.net/conhid.html?gclid=COnH57rIrKoCFUFo4AodxzzZKQ

There are many other sites (stores) where you can buy Hide Food if you search....but this is one.

Larry

Thanks Larry!!! I really liked this stuff and will order some.

Thanks Again!

Steve

[Chris B.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Pete,

Thanks for all the ino and the pic of the leather cream. I'll try that to bring the color back.

[Curt S.]

Re: Leather Treatment

I worked in the home furnishing industry for a number of years. I checked with a former fabric and leather buyer and he substaniated my former knowledge. All domestic car manufacturers of the 60's , 70's ,and 80's used domestic hides that were corrected or smoothed for uniformity . Then layers of clear polyurethane were applied to seal and protect the hide.On top of the polyurethane the hide received topical pigment or paint with flex agent. When you do all of these steps to the hide , it becomes firmer and stiffer, but easier to repair because you can paint it. It will be very hard to soften it up because it never was soft. The sofest hides whether automotive or for home use have little or no corrections and are full aniline dyed ,all the way through the hide, and buffed for luster. Sorry this took so long to reply , but I needed to check. Thanks Curt

[Chris B.]

Re: Leather Treatment

Excellent info Curt. It's good set a realistic expectation and to know that the seats should feel a little stiff. I am going to order some leather cream to test and see if I can bring the color back. ....will let everyone know how it goes...