Originally Posted by
Roger Koh
>>> I just bought a new 2014 Acura MDX, which has leather interior seats (I cannot seem to confirm what type--best guess is pigmented or semi-aniline, but I can't find this in writing anywhere).
Post some good pictures both close-up and overall view and I shall help you positively identify it.
>>> what care/protection/products, if any, should be applied now to the brand new vehicle to help protect the seats?
When one take a look at the seat when used after a while, one can see that the most friction wear areas – especially the drivers seat booster – we see abrasion wear through the topcoat, pass the colorcoat and into the leather grain and further into the leather structure that suede. Friction rub is the most common problem that needs to be prevented to prolong the usage and aesthetic of the leather. This is done with a non-stick, rub-resistant, non-film forming, and buttery-feel protector with a classic leather scent or scentless. Product use is Leather Doctor® Protector-B+.
>>> Any particular products/brands? (I've read such conflicting things...from oily conditioners to water-based fluorocarbon protectants to nothing).
Basically there are 2 categories of conditioners, “surface conditioners” or protector and “structure conditioners”.
Surface conditioners takes care of the leather finishes, protects the topcoat from friction rubs, that protects and seals the colorcoat for cleaning durability and integrity, that also impart aesthetic with choice of luster reflection from gloss, satin, matte to dull. These surface conditioners are applied during “routine care” which is recommended from weekly to monthly especially on heavy wear areas.
Protector-B+ protects the leather from surface wear, besides imparting a non-stick surface that keeps the appearance longer.