Protecting both leather and leatherette

[bivatodd]

Just took delivery of a new 2009 CR-V where the seats are leather on top and leatherette on the sides. I'm looking for the right product to treat both. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Stangfan]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

You can use leather cleaner/conditioner on leather and vinyl. You cannot use vinyl cleaner/conditioner on leather. Why not just use the leather products on the entire seat. I do that with my Mustangs and it seems to work well.

[Murr1525]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

You can use a leather product on real and fake leather, but a vinyl product onlu on fake leather.

Some something like the Gold Class Cleaner/Conditioner would be good to start off with and maintain the leather. Then either apply it all over, or use your interior protectant, like Natural/Supreme Shine, for the sides.

[RGP]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

If you're seriously into leather, try looking here.

Leather is a fibrous material and has to be conditioned or "lubricated" to avoid cracking as it dries out with age, as well as needing a regular cleaning. Lots of how to's here under all categories. You'll be amazed about their saddle soap information. Probably the worst single thing you can apply...

http://www.lexol.com/auto.html

[cardriver]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

If you're seriously into leather, try looking here.

Leather is a fibrous material and has to be conditioned or "lubricated" to avoid cracking as it dries out with age, as well as needing a regular cleaning. Lots of how to's here under all categories. You'll be amazed about their saddle soap information. Probably the worst single thing you can apply...

http://www.lexol.com/auto.html

Thanks for the link. I'll take a look at their resources and see if I can pick up any useful tips .
I currently use Lexol cleaner/conditioner spray and it does a fair job. Like most leather conditioners, things end up a little on the glossy side, but a final wipedown usually fixes that. I will have to take a look at my client's car to see how his leather is holding up...it's been probably 4 months since I treated his interior.

[Blueline]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

If you're seriously into leather, try looking here.

http://www.lexol.com/auto.html

That is all we use on our leather. Some of our tack (horse saddles, etc.) are quite old and still look new, and get more of a workout then a car seat. Horses are dirty, roll in the mud, and sweat profusely, so automobile leather is a piece of cake.
Saddle soap is garbage. IMHO

[RGP]

Re: Protecting both leather and leatherette

Thanks for the link. I'll take a look at their resources and see if I can pick up any useful tips .
I currently use Lexol cleaner/conditioner spray and it does a fair job. Like most leather conditioners, things end up a little on the glossy side, but a final wipedown usually fixes that.

I highly suspect that your interior leather is from what the industry calls a "Split" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather

These are literally split from the full grain or top grain leather. They are usually sanded or embossed because the average consumer expects leather to be uniform in finish and texture. I would assume that during these processes that they've added something to induce the gloss you're referring to. On full grain, or top grain cowhide, Lexol really penetrates and leaves a subtle sheen at best, and actually more accurately a nearly matte finish.

One product which claims to be a cleaner/conditioner/beautifier is pretty much an oxymoron.