Hello,
I've been reading your forum and am intrigued by the results I've seen using your products, very impressive.
My car (2010 Audi, not sure of leather type) seats are becoming shiny, a bit slippery and not as soft as new, and my steering wheel is very slippery and shiny.
I have tried using lexol cleaner and conditioner which helped, but it's nowhere near like new in both texture and finish.
Are there any experts local to Philadelphia you can recommend that can get my leather like new?
Thanks,
Jason
Jason,
Is the steering sticky in anyway?
Alkaline solution swells the leather and turns it sticky.
Acidic solution contracts the leather and finishes and makes it stronger and healthier.
When a person clean dishes with strong alkaline solution their skins swells as well the same logic, leather is protein fiber.
Acidifier as an add on is only $11 for a 250ml spray bottle.
Send me some pictures from your picture folder and I will help the best to solve the problem for you.
It will be best to strip all non-comparable products used previously, or deteriorating products that itself becomes a problem to the leather and not the leather itself.
To restore the luster level after restorative cleaning, there is an option to apply a matte topcoat that helps protect the finish from friction rubs wear.
Product found in this kit
Leather Doctorฎ Auto Pigmented Leather Care + Ink/Dye + Degreaser + Topcoat = Kit Ap5.dr
Roger,
The leather is not sticky to the touch, but after having my hands on the wheel for a few minutes and the contact between my hand and the wheel warms up, it becomes sticky.
It is dark out now but I attached pictures with just the interior lights on, and then with my camera phone flash + interior lights.
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Jason,
There are 2 scenario to the sticky phenomenon.
Less concern is the residue of cleaners and conditioners ageing that gives the leather the sticky feeling the stickiness goes together when these foreign contaminations is stripped off clean.
Thereafter a non-stick Protection-D+ (anti-slip for steering) is applied problem solved.
You did not mention how long did you remember that it was not sticky then, so through time the deteriorating conditioner or the alkaline residue continues to work on the leather that causes the weakening of the original topcoat.
If this is so, a test after a complete stripped down and test it again will determine whether the topcoat needs to be refinished.
When the topcoat is crosslink with a crosslinker it will self correct the inherent stickiness.
Thereafter the non-stick Protector-D+ is applied.
Determine the problem; the solution is straightforward to match the existing condition.
What do you think?
Roger
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Roger,
The stickiness started approximately 6 months ago...when I first applied the lexol.
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Roger,
I have begun my restoration, starting with my steering wheel.
This is what I've done so far, I'm afraid I forgot about the Topcoat.
1. Acidifier + 10 minutes dwell + wipe with provided cloth
2. Prep 7.7 + horsehair agitation + 10 minutes dwell + wipe with provided cloth
3. Cleaner 3.8 + horsehair agitation + 10 minutes dwell + wipe with provided cloth
Left alone for 48 hours (did not drive)
4. Hydrator 3.3 + 20 minutes dwell with reapplication + sponge
5. Fatliquor 5.0 + 6 hours dwell (will revisit tomorrow morning)
When do I use the topcoat?
Thanks,
Jason
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Roger,
I came out to my car after overnight fatliquor dwelling and the wheel seems over saturated, slightly greasy to the touch but very soft. What should I do next?
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So far I have just completed steps 1 and 2, will test and proceed today.
This photo is immediately after step 1, the finish is much improved, much more matte and less greasy.
I will send more photos of the next steps.
Thanks,
Jason
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So far I have just completed steps 1 and 2, will test and proceed today.
This photo is immediately after step 1, the finish is much improved, much more matte and less greasy.
I will send more photos of the next steps.
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Roger,
I will be doing the topcoat soon, about the sanding, how aggressive should I be?
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Roger,
I might have done some damage here, you can see some pictures of the steering wheel during (steering wheel controls) and after sanding (top of wheel).
I did notice I reached some pigment but very very little, is the discoloration I'm seeing just the removed topcoat? Will it go away when I apply the new topcoat? I will hold off on any progress until I hear from you.
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Roger,
I am progressing slowly, see the attached pictures for better sanding. Is this sufficient?
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Looks good,
Remove all residue with a wipe of Hydrator-3.3.
To avoid streaks on application.
1] Use hair dryer to ensure coating is dry prior to next coating.
2] Use as light a pressure for subsequent application
Roger
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Is it okay to dry overnight instead of a hair dryer?
Shall I apply top coat with a lint free towel or the provided sponge?
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Do a practice to see which is more comfortable for use.
Make sure you do not drag subsequent coating to avoid streaking.
Overnight is Ok!
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Roger,
Before I apply the topcoat, is it necessary to clean the leather again?
I have been driving my car since I started when I have received my kit, but have worn winter gloves to avoid soiling the leather any further until I am finished restoring.
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