Leather Solutions Int'l vs. Leather Master vs Hidey's Beauty Treatment

>>> From days worth of research these seem to be the best leather care products.

Here is a worth reading from this link:
http://www.detailingspot.com/?page_id=308

>>> I like that leather master is water based, not sure about leather solutions since they dont really give much information on their site about them. Hidey's Beauty Treatment which ironically is from a different company called leather solutions seems great because its an all in one product.

Modern tannery uses mainly water-based products for their finishes so water-based product is preferred. Besides leather is acidic in nature with pH value 3 to 5 and with a heavy finish may be around 6. A mildly acidic side of the pH scale is preferred as otherwise will affect the pH sensitive of the amphoteric leather protein fiber and the leather goes stiff and leads to cracks, besides any alkaline solution tends to swell the finishes and result in tackiness and weakens the strength of the finishes. pH balance with a low pH value acidifier such as Acidifier-2.0 (pH value 2.0) solves these common problem. Always check the pH value of cleaning and conditioning solution prior to application.
Leather safe solution is between 3 and 5 otherwise they have to be pH balance either direction.

>>> I’m looking for the best products to protect my Flexsteel Crosstown semi aniline sectional.

Check this Leather Problem Solving Guide for Semi-Aniline leathers to solve any common problems.
Attachment 5440

>>> The back and sides are vinyl so im also in the market to see what I should use on that.

Check this Leather problem solving Guide for Simulated leathers.
Attachment 5441

>>> I’m hoping if I tackle this before the sectional comes in I will be able to make the leather last.

The first defense is to protect your leather from sticky soiling, that soiling is easily removed without wearing out the finishes with unnecessary physical effort. The second defense is to impart a rub-resistant protector so that friction rubs is reduced, when friction noise is reduce it will corresponds with less friction rubs thus the finishes, especially the topcoat is prolonged. The enjoyment is also realized with a buttery-feel to the leather that gives a soft natural feel of touch. We are talking of the first phase of the maintenance cycle called “preventive maintenance”. Products you need for this phase is Protector-B (scentless) or the leather scented version of Protector-B+.

>>> The sectional is 129" x 103 " so I'm hoping to get something that comes with enough product to do the whole sectional.

A leather care kit for both your combination leather types will be well served with this Kit-Sa3.
Protector-B as refill or extra is from this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/protector-b/

Attachment 5442
from this link:
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/kit-sa3...ther-care-kit/
Leather Doctor® Kit-Sa3, semi-aniline or micro-pigmented leather, care kit is an innovative leather-safe (pH 3 - 5) system formulated for keeping leather at their highest level of appearance besides maintaining their structural chemistry integrity and enhancing their suppleness. Finishes develops micro crazing as it ages and heat dries out the fatliquor (fat and oil) from these weak point and stitching holes. The diminishing of the fatliquor empties or dries out the leather that results in creases and wrinkles. Stiffness to the leather is another sign of fatliquor diminishing that collapse the inter-fibrillary spaces making the fiber becomes stick together and when flexed during used will lead to cracks. Periodic use of Hydrator-3.3 to hydrate the stick together fibers prior to fatliquor replenishing with Fatliquor-5.0 will keep the leather supple and strong. Thus, reduce the premature ageing of the leather against stiffness and cracking. The surface wear of the leather is greatly reduced when friction noise is kept low. The noise reduction is accomplished with rub-resistant Protector-B that imparts a natural buttery-feel. Periodic cleaning and rinsing with Clean-3.8 follows by Rinse-3.0 to the body contact area helps reduce greasy soiling build-up. Removing of unwanted stains such as ink or the common new blue jeans is accomplished with Prep-7.7. Note that the mentioned product suffix number denotes its pH value in this leather-safe holistic care system.

Instruction:

Preventive Care:
A non-stick, rub-resistant protection is recommended to be in place before putting the leather to daily use. Protector-B imparts a soft natural buttery-feel that enhances the leather luxuriously to the sense of touch. The non-stick surface shields the leather from sticky soiling thus prolonging the high level of appearance. Rub-resistant ability reduces friction noises that translate into less friction wear. This leather-scented version Protector-B+ diffuses a classic leather scent that boost the sensuous leather more appealing to the leather lover. This preventive care is kept in place at each level of routine, periodic or restorative cleaning cycle. A simply spray and wipe prolongs the need for cleaning heavy soiling. 1 - Mist sprays Protector-B spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry. Leather scented version is available as Protector-B+.

Routine Care:
Routine care includes procedures such as general dust cleaning, attending to spots and stains as required especially the pH balancing of sweat stains from shifting alkaline. Thus prevents leather from tackiness. A routine non-stick rub resistant protection after neutralizing rinse helps keep leather in a more attractive and healthy state while preventing premature wears. 1 - Spray Rinse-3.0, horsehair Brush-1 agitates and towel extract until it shows clean.
2 - Mist sprays Protector-B spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.

Periodic Care:
Periodic care is recommended before soiling causes damages to the finishing. This keeps leather consistently clean and healthy at all times. Body contact areas would require more frequent attention than the unused areas. While the leather headrest and hand rest gets the most of body oil and sweat contacts.
1st phase – Periodic Care:
1 - Spray Clean-3.8 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1; ensuring a uniform application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2 - Towel extract until it shows clean.
3 - Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky-clean.
4 - Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.
2nd phase – Hydrating:
Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure. Moreover, it is used to check for surface tension from blotchiness prior to fat and oil replenishing.
1 - Spray Hydrator-3.3 to check for an even appearance.
3rd phase – Fatliquoring:
Fatliquor evaporates as VOC (volatile organic compound) when temperatures rises especially from exposed surfaces. Periodic fatliquor replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus strengthen these exposed leather from cracking.
1 - Spray Fatliquor-5.0 in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2 - Repeat application in between drying until saturated.
3 - The leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4 - Surface strays are wiped with Hydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.
4th phase – Preventive Care:
1 - Mist sprays Protector-B spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.

Restorative Care:
This is the ultimate restorative or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including aged conditioners. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. Using Prep-7.7 performs restorative cleaning. It works by chemical reaction to emulsify soiling through its penetrating, lubricating and suspending power. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to worked into heavily soiled areas sufficiently to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weaken finishes especially on heavily used areas.
1st phase - Restorative Cleaning:
1 - Apply Prep-7.7 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1, ensuring a uniform application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2 - Allow a dwell time of 10 to 30 minutes or before it dries prior to towel extraction until it shows clean.
3 - Sticky residue is removed by Clean-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extracts until it shows clean.
4 - Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extracts to a squeaky-clean.
5 - Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.
2nd phase – Hydrating:
Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure. Its surfactantcy or surface active agent helps check for surface tension of blotchiness prior to fatliquor replenishing.
1 - Spray Hydrator-3.3 to saturate with an even appearance to soften up the leather.
2 - Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes and towel extract wick up soiling until it shows clean.
3rd phase – Fatliquoring:
Fat and oil replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus strengthen these exposed leather from cracking.
1 - Spray Fatliquor-5.0 in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2 - Repeat application in between drying until saturated.
3 - The leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4 - Surface strays are wiped with Hydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.
4th phase – Preventive Care:
1 - Mist sprays Protector-B spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.

Roger Koh
Leather Care System Formulator / Practitioner / Consultant / Instructor / Coach