Leather

[MikeR]

Hi
Any recommendations on process and products to improve the Nappa leather seat bolsters in my new (used) Volvo please?
I seem to recall Gliptone leather cleaner getting some recommendations on here - would that be all I need? And is there a specific one?
The top pic (1079) is of the driver's seat which looks to be dirtier than the bottom (1078) passenger seat.
Cheers

[D3orbust]

Just pears soap worked in with a nail brush should do it

[Yad3100]

Whilst I have fond recollection of pears soup from my childhood (visitor soap) I would not want my leather smelling like that. Personally I would use saddle soap, it’s designed to clean and soften leather and you can get it at your nearest tack shop or on Amazon.

[rc944]

detailing world website will have your answer from the pros

[davettf2]

unfortunately cannot speak for saddle soap, but the plain Pears Glycerine soap works a treat. Plus its cheap and lasts for ages.

Cheers
Dave

[Metrics]

Interesting to see others using various soaps for cleaning leather. Personally I've only used Gliptone leather cleaner and found it is excellent.

On that drivers bolster you might find those creases will improve but not go away after cleaning. If that bothers you then you can either:

* Have the bolster repaired by a leather specialist. The top coat will be removed and recoated with a colour matched paint. This can be done DIY if you're confident with such things.
* You can get various repair kits that help fill the creases and make the surface look much better. Colorlock and Furniture Clinic do kits for this.

Start with a proper clean (with a gentle brush) and see how you get on.

[MikeR]

Interesting to see others using various soaps for cleaning leather. Personally I've only used Gliptone leather cleaner and found it is excellent.

On that drivers bolster you might find those creases will improve but not go away after cleaning. If that bothers you then you can either:

* Have the bolster repaired by a leather specialist. The top coat will be removed and recoated with a colour matched paint. This can be done DIY if you're confident with such things.
* You can get various repair kits that help fill the creases and make the surface look much better. Colorlock and Furniture Clinic do kits for this.

Start with a proper clean (with a gentle brush) and see how you get on.

Hi.
I cleaned it with Pears soap and a nail brush, but in the process pretty much took the "white" colour off. It's a darker grey and smooth underneath. So I think I probably need to "recoat with a colour matched paint". Any suggestions on where to get a kit maybe? There's a classic car restorer in the village, I'm not sure if they do the interiors - think I'll check in with them too. I'll try to post a pic when I get a chance.

[JohnW]

John at bespoke leathering will be able to send you a leather colour dye kit, it’s all water based too:

https://bespokeleathering.com/product-c ... pair-dyes/

They all have a code so colour matched.

John was a sponsor of the old e36coupe forum I moderated before he grew and Car SOS used his services.

[brett]

Have a look at the colorlock website there cleaners are great and easy to use

[DogWagen]

@MikeR - seeing that you are in Cambridgeshire, have a chat with Awesome Autotrim - they are near Somersham. I know they don't do re-colouring but I'd be surprised if they didn't know someone close by that does. Similarly, Barr-Tech specialist cars is worth chatting to - given the volume of exotica Nino and Tino look after, they are bound to know someone with a good reputation.

Hope that helps,

Mike

[Metrics]

Interesting to see others using various soaps for cleaning leather. Personally I've only used Gliptone leather cleaner and found it is excellent.

On that drivers bolster you might find those creases will improve but not go away after cleaning. If that bothers you then you can either:

* Have the bolster repaired by a leather specialist. The top coat will be removed and recoated with a colour matched paint. This can be done DIY if you're confident with such things.
* You can get various repair kits that help fill the creases and make the surface look much better. Colorlock and Furniture Clinic do kits for this.

Start with a proper clean (with a gentle brush) and see how you get on.

Hi.
I cleaned it with Pears soap and a nail brush, but in the process pretty much took the "white" colour off. It's a darker grey and smooth underneath. So I think I probably need to "recoat with a colour matched paint". Any suggestions on where to get a kit maybe? There's a classic car restorer in the village, I'm not sure if they do the interiors - think I'll check in with them too. I'll try to post a pic when I get a chance.

The brush may have been too stiff. Is it dakota or finer leather?
There are a number of kits available, I'm a fan of Furniture Clinic kits.

[MikeR]

Thanks all. Leather is Nappa.

Will do a ring round some of these suggestions after the BH weekend.

Cheers

[hashluck]

Anyone looking for a professional restoration I can highly recommend Colin

http://www.leather-restoration.co.uk/

[Aggie]

Just sent Colin some pictures of mine. Hoping to see him soon. My steering wheel is on the verge of making me cry.

[hap]

How bad is the steering Aggi any pics