Treating leather

[LTDemps]

I want to treat the leather in my S5. It probably needs some love, and I adore that leather smell! Just wanted to know if anyone has any advice on the best product to use, and where I could get it from?

Cheers

[Batfinnk]

Have a search through the car care section.

[chunky79]

Gliptone is great stuff, well worth a try.

[LTDemps]

Gliptone ordered! The only negatives the product seems to attract is the smell. Is it a genuine leather smell??

[LTDemps]

Will it work on the silver leather interior?

[chunky79]

Works on all leather, smells beautiful mate.

[Gizmo68]

Works on all leather, smells beautiful mate.

Not quite true.

Most leather nowadays is clear coated (lacquered) which means any conditioner will sit onto of the clear coat rather than penetrating it and getting into the leather, as it is now sitting on top of the clear coat it will also attract dirt quicker.

Conditioners were essential to keep leather supple, things have moved on since then.

[chunky79]

Didn't know that, learnt something new today. What would be best for the op then??

[Gizmo68]

Personally I use Dr.Leather wipes, they are much easier to use, smell nice and return the leather back to the natural satin finish.

They can also be bought in smaller 40 wipe tubs:

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/D ... ack_1.html

[chunky79]

Good info. For the older leather though Gliptone has to be the best?

[doodlebug]

Gliptone all the way for everything. Don't forget it's cleaner and conditioner.

[LTDemps]

Mine is a 2008 S5....so am I looking at old or new leather? I'm kinda hoping old as I have just ordered some Gliptone. And is attracting dirt quicker it's only flaw??

[doodlebug]

I've used Gliptone for years I can't say it attracts dust any quicker than any other leather. I also use it on my sofa!

It'll be just the job.

[Gizmo68]

When I asked Dr.Leather over on Detailing World the answer was basically any modern car (so yours included) was clear coated, classics and possible anything that has been re-trimmed may still require conditioners (ask the re-trimmer how the leather is prepared)


From the Dr.Leather website:
“As modern leathers use a completely different finishing system consequently they do not need to be treated with aftercare products containing oils. In our opinion the majority of renovation creams marketed today will remain on the leather surface, and simply attract dirt and dust.”

Personally I would say any product that is going to attract dirt quicker is a pretty major flaw, don’t forget it is the dirt that will do the damage to your seats by getting ingrained and scratching them.

FWIW Dr.Leather are not the only leather specialists who believe that conditioners now actually do more harm than good.

One way of checking if the product is being absorbed into the leather would be to see if the leather remained / went shiny or returned to a satin finish, anything shiny is sitting on top of the leather (clear coat) shiny leather (in cars at least) is 99% of the time simply the dirt shining.

ATEOTD it’s your car and your choice, I chose to no longer condition my leather, you may choose differently (just make sure you have read up the pros and cons and you are happy with your informed choice)

[chunky79]

Not sure if my 2004 is classed as modern leather, if it is then i think that is balls. Gliptone doesn't sit on top of my seats and it really helps them.