Leather Conditioner Recommendation Please

Timmbo

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Can somebody recommend something fairly top of the line for a leather conditioner? My car always garaged with only 26k miles I decided is going to have the driver front seat refreshed/repaired. What sucks is every seat is in great condition with the exception of the driver seat. The driver side bolster closest to the door is worn and the red dye has faded in that area. Apparently caused from the leather drying out. Gonna pull the seat and take it to B & G Upholstery in Nashville tomorrow. Replacing the side bolster + re dye and recondition will run 125.00. The side bolsters on the seat cushion are worn as well so I will probably replace them too. Will probably run me 200 bucks I imagine before all is said and done.

So whats the best conditioner for keeping these seats from drying out? From talking to others to truly preserve leather I should be conditioning them every wash which I do. I've been using Meguiars leather wipes but I'm thinking there is something else better out there for sure. I don't mind spending good money for a quality product that lasts.

Thanks!
 

Fuerte

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Seer can chime in what is best.


I have used leatherique with great results. Before I had a gti and the seat were dry and cracked and I let it soak all day in the sun they came out near new.

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xocolleenox

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I bought the Leatherique kit from Autogeek. I'd only tried off the shelf stuff before that so I don't have a lot to compare it too but its way better than anything I tried from parts stores.

Leather wipes are probably only getting the surface. Leather and even a faux leather fabric needs to be able to absorb the conditioning treatment for it to really work. Something more liquid like that you can really rub into the fabric is going to work best.

I think some place I read recommended letting the conditioner or cleaner sit in the heat to get the full effect... not sure on that but someone else might know.
 

Fuerte

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I bought the Leatherique kit from Autogeek. I'd only tried off the shelf stuff before that so I don't have a lot to compare it too but its way better than anything I tried from parts stores.

Leather wipes are probably only getting the surface. Leather and even a faux leather fabric needs to be able to absorb the conditioning treatment for it to really work. Something more liquid like that you can really rub into the fabric is going to work best.

I think some place I read recommended letting the conditioner or cleaner sit in the heat to get the full effect... not sure on that but someone else might know.

That is what I did to my old gti seats came out new. My s197 seats I do like 2-3 a year and they come out super soft.

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Timmbo

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Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll pick one and try it. Kinda bummed though. I really really got to looking at my front seats again last night and the passenger side is not that much better than the driver side. The thing I hate about this Ford leather is that only the portion that contacts your back and your butt is true leather and it's faded somewhat. If I do repairs to the driver seat I'm going to have to do the passenger as well or I think it will look half ass. Tousley Ford wants 1700.00 bucks for new red leather for both front seats. Uh...not happening. Leatherseats.com on Ebay wants about 800.00 for a set of red leather. Not bad. I'm probably just going to do it right and recover both seats completely. Can't justify spending a grand with installation right now considering the seats aren't ripped or cracked open. Maybe for Christmas this year I'll redo them. In the meantime I will try one of the suggestions for some good leather conditioner.

Thanks!
 

char259

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I have blk leather, does that stuff restore the shine to them as well. I know at some shows i see seats that look almost wet .
 

xocolleenox

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I have black leather also. In my experience (only used it three times), Leatherique gave the seats a nice satiny look. Not shiny just kind of matte with a nice clean sheen.
 

Seer

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Lexol... it can be bought at autozone and pep boys if needed for convenience. Follow the instructions.
 

lethe

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based on this thread i picked up some lexol cleaner and conditioner. When i get my car back next week i'll try it out. I've never used conditioner since i've owner the car so its probably due.
 

Timmbo

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Well I ended up just saying screw it, jerked the seats outta the car and decided to bite the bullet on having them recovered at the upholstery shop. Dropped them off this morning. Will post some pics when they're done. Here's how they look now. For a seven year old car 26k miles that's rarely driven and stays in a garage I'd say I'm somewhat disappointed in the lack of durability of the leather. Driver side bolster looks like hell. Pictures really don't show how bad they actually are.
 

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Smokievol

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Hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like the leather is aging naturally. Just need to apply conditioner on a regular basis.

Leather will change as it ages.

You may want to go with a leather like material if you do not want any wrinkles.
Like what they put in VW's, looks super after ages of wear.
 

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