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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > What do you use for leather?



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      03-27-2011, 11:11 PM   #1
urbanite23
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What do you use for leather?

I have black leather and it is in great shape. However, I would use the wipes and it would often look dull after a few days. What do you use to maintain your leather? I want it to have a constant shine if possible.

Does the meguairs leather wipes do more harm than good? What are your thoughts on meguair products because thats usually all I get. Thanks
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      03-27-2011, 11:17 PM   #2
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From what I have learned on here is that your leather shouldn't be shiney. I think it being shiney shows sign of wear. Lexol has some OTC wipes if i recall. I use their conditioner and cleaner. Other then that a wpe doen with a cloth works just fine. I'm sure the pros will chime in soon.
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      03-28-2011, 01:59 AM   #3
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Yes, BMW leather should be matte finish and smooth, not "slick" and shiny. I use leatherique pristine clean. I got it from detailedimage.com and followed their instructions for use and it made my leather new again, just like when I got the car.

I won't ever use another product unless a 'better' one comes out but not sure how one can be better then the leatherique. Unless it's easier to use.

The BMW leather conditioner from the dealer is okay too, it has that BMW new car smell in it where as leatherique doesn't really leave an odor.
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      03-28-2011, 06:37 AM   #4
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CliffNotes® Version - automotive finished leather upholstery is a multi-strata urethane coating; consisting of the actual hide, water-based colour pigmentation and the surface finish. An acrylic and polyurethane resin binder system is used to improve flexibility, fastness and adhesion to the leather, then two or three water-based pigmented base coat applications, and then a clear water-based top coat is applied, which usually includes additives to give it a soft feel and a limited amount of ‘slide’ to assist in entering and exiting the vehicle as the final stage of the finishing process.

(a) Clean - as dirt / grit and subsequent friction cause the finish to wear. Use a water-based foam cleaner (Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner) on ventilated seats
(b) Hydrated - use water-based products that do not contain oils and/or waxes, check the label if they do then don't use them. Clean surfaces with a damp towel.

(c) Protected - is essential as it will protect the surface finish (Leather Master™ - Protection Cream) as a sacrificial layer and makes dirt easier to clean off and an ultra violet protective product (UVR) will preserve the finish.
Leather Master™ - Protection Cream (a Scotchgard™ type product specifically formulated for lather) the polymers penetrate the surface of finished leather and cross-link to form a durable protective film that is breathable and keeps the leather supple.

Being water-based it restores moisture to finished leather and provides a protective barrier against every kind of soiling, water, oil, alcohol-based stains and perspiration marks.

This is NOT a conditioner per se but is used to improve and maintain the tactile feel and lustre to ensure the leather remains soft and supple; apply Leather Master™ Soft Touch (ex Soft Vital) and allow to dry for approx 20 minutes, finally using a clean dry micro fibre towel buff to a matte sheen.

The hides used for automobile upholstery are treated with fat liquor and then sealed at the tannery. The only 'conditioning' required for finished leather upholstery is hydration; oil-based products cannot permeate the finish (urethane pigmentation or covering) that is used in 95% plus of modern automobiles

Always remember you are dealing with the finished coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself
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      03-28-2011, 09:44 AM   #5
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      03-28-2011, 12:26 PM   #6
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thoughts on lexol leather cleaner? should I use a conditioner when I'm done? it provides a nice foamy cleaning and feels like it has some oils in it when I'm done...

thoughts?
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      03-28-2011, 01:23 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jlspeed29 View Post
thoughts on lexol leather cleaner? should I use a conditioner when I'm done? it provides a nice foamy cleaning and feels like it has some oils in it when I'm done...

thoughts?
I've been using both the Lexol cleaner and conditioner for years and have no complaints. Does a good job and as others mentioned doesn't leave a slippery or shiny finish after it's applied.
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      03-28-2011, 02:08 PM   #8
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I've had very good results with both Zymol Treat and Connolly Hide Care leathr conditioners.

Tom
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      03-28-2011, 08:24 PM   #9
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Wolfgang leather cleaner and Wolfgang leather conditioner work great and smell good too. They both have a very natural leather smell.
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      03-28-2011, 09:53 PM   #10
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Leather Masters for deeper cleaning

Sonax leather foam for lighter cleaning.
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      03-29-2011, 01:05 AM   #11
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Leatherique and love it.
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