Detailing Guide
"Keep It Clean"
Leather Care |
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Caring For Today’s
Leather Pigmented leather is the most common leather application found in today’s vehicles. The leather will have surface defects such as scars but a thick coating of colored pigmentation covers this. The coating may be embossed with a grain pattern for visual effect. Like semi-aniline leather, pigmented leather cannot absorb liquids because of the protective properties of the finish. Also like semi-aniline, pigmented leather is referred to as finished leather because of the surface finish. It is used in vehicles of all price ranges, especially utility vehicles and convertibles that require more durability against the elements. The water drop test should yield the same results as semi-aniline; the water should not absorb into the hide. Suede Suede is not commonly found in vehicles. However, a synthetic imitation known as Alcantara® is commonly found in sport luxury vehicles on the steering wheel, armrests and seat inserts both for visual purposes and grip (on the seats and steering wheel). Suede is unfinished like full aniline leather and is highly absorbent. Because Alcantara® is synthetic; it does not require the same maintenance as suede. Please refer to the website for Alcantara ® for more information on proper maintenance (www.alcantara.com).
Maintaining the Finish Aniline Leather Maintenance Only in rare cases will you find full aniline, or unfinished leather, which is characterized by its extremely soft and rich texture. Because aniline leather does not have a finish on the surface, it is exposed to the elements and you can feel the natural grain of the leather. Although aniline is the least commonly used type of leather in automotive leather applications, many products available on the market are formulated specifically to address aniline leather needs and are the most sought after products. Products such as leather soaps, conditioners with neatsfoot oil, and hide food still prevail as top sellers in a market that is dominated by semi-aniline and pigmented leather. The exact reason why this is the case is unclear. It’s possible that there is an association with quality made with these types of products, despite the fact that the automotive industry has been using pigmented and semi-aniline leather for many years. These leathers have been more popular due to lower maintenance, better value, and lower cost, making leather attainable for a wide customer base. Since aniline leather has no coating, it can become dry and requires more maintenance care. Leather care products formulated for aniline specifically address this issue by offering natural oils that replenish lost leather oils due to heat, normal aging, and wear and tear. On occasion, the aniline leather must also be cleaned with a gentle, pH-balanced soap to remove grime, body oils and sweat salt. Avoid using products formulated for finished leathers that contain chemicals that address the needs of the protective finish on pigmented and semi-aniline leather because they can harm the more delicate, non-coated leather hide. Semi-Aniline and Pigmented Leather Maintenance Since the leather hide is coated in a synthetic finish, when treating the leather, you are actually only treating the finish coating, which feels smooth, yet unnatural to the touch compared to aniline. You will need to use a product that is chemically formulated to treat the synthetic coating and not the hide itself. Products specifically formulated to treat the finished coating are commonly referred to as “one-steps.” They are formulated with special cleaners that are specific to treating the finish coating, which is similar to the clear coat on the exterior paintwork. They also remove oxidation and add agents that maintain the flexibility of the finish so that the leather remains supple, not dry and brittle. One-steps both clean and condition in one, hence their name. Since one-step products are usually associated with convenience rather than quality, these types of leather care products are usually considered lower in quality than products that come as a separate cleaner and conditioner. Unfortunately, this is a false assumption based on the premise that like aniline leather, you need a separate cleaner and conditioner.
einszett Leather Care 'Lederpflege'
is specifically formulated for treating both semi-aniline and pigmented
leather. einszett worked with local European automotive manufacturers
and their leather suppliers to produce a product that effectively cleans
the surface, removes oxidation, and maintains the suppleness of the
finish without it looking unnaturally glossy or greasy. In addition,
einszett Leather Care does not leave a powdery residue around the stitching,
does not clog the pores of perforated leather, does not contain harsh
chemicals that can strip the pigmented dye, and has a pleasant fragrance.
The overall objective is to maintain the appearance of the leather as
it was from the factory. While cleaning the finish with a soap-based product on a regular basis is ideal for maintaining the cleanliness of the surface, it still does not address the oxidation or the malleability needs of the finish. This is why the chemicals in einszett Leather Care Lederpflege, or similar products, are important to use at least twice a year. While it will remain clean, only using soap will yield a surface that will eventually become dry and brittle. Imagine only washing your car’s paintwork and never polishing it; over the years, the clear coat will eventually lose its luster, become brittle and crack. The same effect can occur on the leather finish. It is also important to mention why products that address aniline leather leave a greasy residue. Simple, they do not absorb into the leather – they remain at the surface on top of the finish coating. This is why the only surfaces the product has an effect on is your legs and pants. It is completely ineffective in treating semi-aniline or pigmented leather surfaces. Also, keep in mind that many leather goods, both automotive and non-automotive related, are either semi-aniline or pigmented leather. This includes jackets, luggage, handbags, belts, shoes and wallets. Remember, to find out if the leather you own has a finish or not, simply place a drop of water on the surface. If it is absorbed and darkens the leather, it is aniline and does not have a finish. If it rolls off, it has a finish.
Conclusion The key to efficient and successful vehicle surface maintenance is to first determine what surface you are treating and second, applying this knowledge to find and use the correct treatment product. I hope this article answers both of these questions for you when it comes to understanding how to best care for your leather. Keep in mind that it is more important to use the right product on the right leather type than using the leather care product based on consumer popularity or how good the product smells when applying. Ultimately, how good your leather feels and how long it lasts is most important.
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