Reconditioning leather seats

[Mr Darcy]

Hi all
I'm brand new to the forum.

I'm intending to have my E250 detailed, 'spruced up' a bit. I can have included in the service a reconditioning my leather seats. This is supposed to make the leather more supple etc.

Now, I do find the leather on the seats to be quite firm, but I'm not sure that this is a bad thing. I don't do well with soft and squishy seats.

Would appreciate advice and opinions on this.

Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Your leather will be "sealed" so has a coating over the top of it - reconditioning doesn't really work on these (like it used to on older "Connolly leather")

 

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks Blobcat.
Actually, I think the chap mentioned taking the seal off and then reapplying another protection coating. But I may be remembering that incorrectly. In any case, I would rather leave things alone if there's nothing broken, if you see what I mean. No to mention saving the cost of it!

 

[mioba]

Leather needs conditioning each year minimum.

If you intend on keeping the car and are handy get some gliptone leather cleaner and leather conditioner and DIY yourself.

Leather should not be shiny but matt in appearance.

If you pay someone to do this, you will need to do it again within a year anyhow.

 

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks mioba.

I have every intention of keeping the car. I'm hoping to get 250k on it. Currently it's at 84k.

Yes, I've neglected leather care actually. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[mioba]

If you do DIY do post back. You will be amazed at the results and the smell....

 

[Paul Garrett]

Just remember if you do this yourself you will have lots of pride but do not let anyone predjudice your choice? ....oh and Mr Darcy....most welcome to our jolly forum too! ....go on say it!....."stupid boy!!"

 

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks again for the encouragement. I'll give it a go and take some photos

Thanks for the welcome Paul. I must confess though, I don't recall that being a Mr Darcy quote; at least not the Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice. Is there another Mr Darcy?

 

[rf065]

Leather needs conditioning each year minimum.

How do you condition leather that is sealed with vinyl paint?

 

[Paul Garrett]

Thanks again for the encouragement. I'll give it a go and take some photos

Thanks for the welcome Paul. I must confess though, I don't recall that being a Mr Darcy quote; at least not the Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice. Is there another Mr Darcy?

The classic programme with Colin Firth as the dashing .....ooohhh Mr Darcy!! ( my wife fancies him like mad! Ha!)

 

[Mr Darcy]

The classic programme with Colin Firth as the dashing .....ooohhh Mr Darcy!! ( my wife fancies him like mad! Ha!)

Yes, that's precisely the one I have in mind! Don't think I can pull a Colin Firth accent though!

 

[Paul Garrett]

Yes, that's precisely the one I have in mind! Don't think I can pull a Colin Firth accent though!

I call him Mr Filth!! ,Smarmy good looking git!! Ha!

 

[Mr Darcy]

How do you condition leather that is sealed with vinyl paint?

Is this a rhetorical question? Because Blobcat is also of the opinion that this type of leather can't really be reconditioned. Well, suffice it to say that at this stage I won't be doing anything to the seats until I'm sure it's the right thing ..... except clean them of course!

 

[rf065]

Is this a rhetorical question? Because Blobcat is also of the opinion that this type of leather can't really be reconditioned. Well, suffice it to say that at this stage I won't be doing anything to the seats until I'm sure it's the right thing ..... except clean them of course!

Since approx 1997, 99% of leather fitted in cars is not manufactured like it was many years ago, traditional tanning processes result in chemicals and pollutants that cannot be disposed of safely and will harm the water supply. Hence the move to colouring leather with vinyl paint instead. Much safer for the environment and costs the manfacturers less too.

 

[Mr Darcy]

Since approx 1997, 99% of leather fitted in cars is not manufactured like it was many years ago, traditional tanning processes result in chemicals and pollutants that cannot be disposed of safely and will harm the water supply. Hence the move to colouring leather with vinyl paint instead. Much safer for the environment and costs the manfacturers less too.

Ah, I see. So then, just clean the leather and otherwise leave it alone, would you say?

 

[rf065]

Ah, I see. So then, just clean the leather and otherwise leave it alone, would you say?

I think mild soapy water is the preferred method.

 

[Blobcat]

Ah, I see. So then, just clean the leather and otherwise leave it alone, would you say?

Yes

 

[Mr Darcy]

I think mild soapy water is the preferred method.

Sound good!