Leatherique question... what am I doing wrong? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tkd_M119 · #1 09-04-2002, 03:35 AM

I've tried 2 generous applications, both overnighters in very hot weather and still my seats look the same. I have black leather and my car is a 92. The leather is in good shape, just a bit dull looking. I was expecting the leatherique treatments to bring back some luster. The leather is a bit softer but the dullness is just the same as before treatment. I'm using the Prisitine clean to wipe up the excess Rejuvinator oil. What gives? Everyone swears by this stuff but I don't see what all the hype is about. Am I doing something wrong? Am I expecting to much? Also certain carboard hard areas (top sections of the rear seats) remain cardboard hard. Any insight would be appreciated!

Tom

sublettd · #2 09-04-2002, 10:50 AM

Tom,

You won't get that luster immediately after using Leatherique or the Prestine cleaner, but it will come as the leather is polished from use. Hang in there.

tkd_M119 · #3 09-05-2002, 03:40 AM

Thanks for the insight. Unfortunately I rarely have passengers. Can you recommend any kind of product to "buff back" some luster?

Tom

sublettd · #4 09-05-2002, 11:58 AM

Tom,

None other than the occasional buffing with a cotton cloth. Perhaps some others who have used Leatherique can chime in.

Regards,

lowprof. · #5 09-05-2002, 08:21 PM

dyeing is pretty easy diy, I used leatherique's dye to do a color change from red to black, entire interior,and it looks brand new.

hope that helps.

peeeeeaaaccccee,

don

dieseldude · #6 09-07-2002, 02:42 PM

The only thing I could offer Tom is that Leatherique (in my experience too) isn't intended to add much, if any shine. That is one of the reasons I like it. I really dislike leather treaments that make the hides shiny, oily or tacky.

It's main purpose is to clean (in which case, I suppose if you had very dirty leather some 'sheen' would be restored), and to moisturize/condition. But look in the cockpit of any MB (even brand new ones), and you'll see the leather just looks natural and soft, with hardly any shine at all. Did you do a follow-up buffing with a damp cloth like the directions on their site explain? I can't remember now if that's before or after the Prestine Clean treatment, but that did add more shine to my seats than the other steps.

With two full treaments of Rejuv. oil and follow up with Prest. clean, your leather is likely in about as good of shape as it can be. As far as the cardboard-hard parts, Leatherique's site maintains that "several treaments of rejuv oil may be necessary and patience will be rewarded with good results" Now, I'm not sure what they mean by several, but examples on their site show some pretty sorry-looking leather restored very nicely. Maybe another treament or two is in order?

Hope this helps,

- Ryan

#7 09-17-2002, 10:38 PM

I have just ordered Leatherique to use for the first time so I am not an experienced user. However, in reading thru their website, one of their products, "prepping agent", is specifically designed to aggressively loosen the fibers of the leather and break the finish of previous treatments. The company line is that this may be necessary with some finishes in order to give the rejuvinator oil access to the fibers of the hide....just a thought. You might give their site a read under the prepping agent heading and see what you think.

Mark

beevly · #8 09-18-2002, 09:44 AM

I wonder if the rejuvenator oil is actually being absorbed, particularly in those cardboard spots. Their website discusses this - you may need to sand lightly. You also may need to remove any previous treatments that could be blocking absorption.

Ditto on the lack of shine with new MB leather - my '02 E320 leather has a dull matte finish, but I really don't know what older MB leather is supposed to look like.

beevly · #9 09-18-2002, 09:45 AM

What do you think of the smell of leatherique?

tkd_M119 · #10 09-23-2002, 02:21 AM

I don't really notice any lingering smell so to speak. I don't find the product's smell offensive, if that's what you are asking.

I leterally have not had the time to do the towel buffing or try the light sanding. - I work in entertainment advertising and things right now are INSANE!

beevly · #11 09-23-2002, 09:41 AM

Actually, I haven't tried leatherique myself, but was hoping it had something of a leather smell to it.

I used Zymol conditioner once - not an offensive odor, but not the leather smell I was looking for.

#12 09-24-2002, 07:01 AM

try using a plastic bag or garbage bag (one that does NOT have any letters written on it, otherwise it might go on the leather) and wrap it around the seat, this way it forces it into the seat and does not evaporate. leave fora litle while expceially in the heat.

tkd_M119 · #13 09-24-2002, 11:07 PM

Mark,

Just took a look at the leatherique website. Prepping agent looks as if it is to remove old dye. I just emailed them asking if it would be appropriate to use prepping agent for my situation.

Tom

lino · #14 08-16-2004, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkd_M119

I've tried 2 generous applications, both overnighters in very hot weather and still my seats look the same. I have black leather and my car is a 92. The leather is in good shape, just a bit dull looking. I was expecting the leatherique treatments to bring back some luster. The leather is a bit softer but the dullness is just the same as before treatment. I'm using the Prisitine clean to wipe up the excess Rejuvinator oil. What gives? Everyone swears by this stuff but I don't see what all the hype is about. Am I doing something wrong? Am I expecting to much? Also certain carboard hard areas (top sections of the rear seats) remain cardboard hard. Any insight would be appreciated!

Tom

I bought into the Leatherique name like you and to be polite

the results were not good. I would never buy the products again. I used half of each of the large bottles of Prestine Clean and Rejuvinator Oil and I feel like I wasted my money. I consulted many people who used the products for tips and suggestions to make sure I was doing things right. My leather was in great shape to begin with, but I know that I have had much much better luck with over the shelf products in the past. I also bought the dye and prepping agent and crack filler and tried dying the interior of one of my unique cars and ruined the entire project. I tried hand brushing the dye and airbrushing and now I am out an interior. I haven't driven that car in 3 years and still searching for new leather for that car. I saw so many kits and frankly, not one that I came accross has the fit and finish of factory. The worst thing is that the dye that's on the stitching. It's horrible. That was the biggest disaster I have ever done regarding anything automotive. Bottom line, my personal experience with Leatherique is bad and I would not reccomend them.

placo1 · #15 08-16-2004, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkd_M119

I've tried 2 generous applications, both overnighters in very hot weather and still my seats look the same. I have black leather and my car is a 92. The leather is in good shape, just a bit dull looking. I was expecting the leatherique treatments to bring back some luster. The leather is a bit softer but the dullness is just the same as before treatment. I'm using the Prisitine clean to wipe up the excess Rejuvinator oil. What gives? Everyone swears by this stuff but I don't see what all the hype is about. Am I doing something wrong? Am I expecting to much? Also certain carboard hard areas (top sections of the rear seats) remain cardboard hard. Any insight would be appreciated!

Tom

After using the Rejuvenator Oil and cleaning with Prestine Clean wipe the leather with a wetted Microfiber. Rinse frequently to remove all residue from the Leatherique. You should have a very matte finish when your all done. If you prefer some gloss you can follow up with Meguiars Gold Class Leather Treatment or for a satin look try Griots leather care.