Softening of the leather has to do with rejuvenating the below surface fibrous structure, and as long as the leather is wettable or hydratable it will be soften. One reason for leather stiffness is the lost of fatliquor (fat, oil and water) through evaporation. Other reasons are the leaching of the fatliquor through the breaking of the hydrogen bonding and leather fibers becoming stick together when the leather is wet and dry again, this is also known as the “Van der waal forces or London forces” phenomenon.
Advance technique of wetting out the leather is by using paper towel to hold the Hydrator-3.3 and seal with cling wrapper to control evaporation. Hydrator penetrate the micro-crazing, stitching holes and move sideward to wet out the leather structure and relax it. When the leather is evenly wet out, Fatliquor-5.0 is equally applied to follow the wetting out of the leather and as the moisture evaporates, more is applied until the leather is saturated.
If the wetting out of the leather is possible with hydrating and fatliquor replenished, it will soften the leather when dry. Comparing with the older version, oil is first applied follows with cleaning up the oil. In comparison, the molecule of water is smaller than the oil; moreover, the surface-active agent in the hydrator makes penetration faster than water alone. Heat dependant is not a requirement for the hydrating and fatliquor replenishing system.
Steering wheels shiny is a combination and accumulation of age old conditioner if any with body contact oil, grease and sweat from naked hands. These foreign contamination including aged conditioners or protectors need to be stripped down to the original topcoat. This is done with applying Prep-7.7, agitate with horsehair brushes, letting it dwell for 30 minutes or more and clean up with Cleaner-3.8 follows with Rinse-3.0. When it is satisfactorily cleaned Protector-D+ is applied for a rub-resistant draggy-feel grip.
Here is the Auto Pigmented Leather Problem Solving Guide for reference
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Leather-Safe Problem Solving Guide (P.a) – Auto Pigmented Leathers
Products mentioned is found in this Kit Ap3
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Leather Doctor® Auto Pigmented Leather Care – Standard + Ink/Dye = Kit Ap3
Leather Doctor® auto pigmented leather care Kit Ap3 with the classical leather scent is design to cater for exposed leather structure created by perforated design and construction stitching rows, and when micro-crazing develops as the leather ages. Periodic hydrating and fatliquor replenishing is an essential integral of maintaining the leather’s integrity and pliability to prevent premature ageing. Appearances care by restorative, periodic and routine cleaning keeps leather looking good at all times. Restorative care is the ultimate process to removes unwanted accumulated soiling; periodic care is cleaning before soiling causes damages to the finishing; and routine care with a non-stick rub resistant protection helps keep leather in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear.
■ Protection
■ Routine Care
■ Periodic Care
■ Restorative Care
Email
[email protected] for price and shipping option.
■ Auto pigmented Leather – Protection:
When leather is exposed to the atmosphere while new, it is recommended to check for general dusting prior to protecting it. This 3 in 1 protection imparts the new leather with: a non-stick surface that reduces the effect of sticky soiling just like the well known Teflon pan effect; a natural buttery-feel rub-resistant surface reduces noise and friction wear as one slide in and out of the seat; and the optional unforgettable leather scent associate with leather that charms. This cycle of preventive maintenance help keeps leather level of appearance for a longer period of time by incorporating into the routine, periodic and restorative care system.
Instructions
Non-stick Rub Resistant Protection:
1] Apply Protection-B+ to the seats and Protection-D+ to steering wheel and gear shift knob after shaking well, spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.
■ Auto pigmented Leather - Routine Care:
Routine care includes procedures such as general dust cleaning; attending to spots and stains as required, especially the neutralizing of perspiration stains from shifting alkaline. Thus prevents leather from tackiness. A routine non-stick rub resistant protection after neutralizing rinse helps keep leather interior in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear.
Instructions
1st phase – Routine Care:
1] Spray Rinse-3.0, Brush-1 agitates and towel extract until it shows clean.
2] Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat or proceed to non-stick rub resistant protection.
2nd phase - Non-stick Rub-Resistant Protection:
This rub resistant protection helps reduce friction wear; that also imparts a non-stick natural buttery/draggy-feel against sticky soiling; with an unforgettable classic leather scent.
1] Apply Protection-B+ to the seats and Protection-D+ to steering wheel and gear shift knob after shaking well, spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.
■ Auto pigmented Leather - Periodic Care:
Periodic care is recommended before soiling causes damages to the finishing. This keeps leather consistently clean and healthy at all times. Driver’s seat would require more frequent attention than the other less frequent used seats. While the leather steering wheel and the gear shift knob get the most of body oil and sweat contacts.
Instructions
1st phase – Periodic Care:
1] Spray Cleaner-3.8 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1; ensuring a uniform application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2] Towel extraction until it shows clean.
3] Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky clean.
5] Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.
2nd phase - Hydrating:
Although pigmented leathers surfaces are usually non-absorbent until micro-crazing develops, it’s the stitching rows and perforated holes that are usually vulnerable. These weak areas when wet and dry again, have the tendency for the fibrils to become stick together, resulting in stiffness and when stressed, may lead to premature cracks. Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure; besides charging it positive for a more effective hydrogen bonding with the negative fatliquor.
1] Spray Hydrator-3.3, control and spread with foam brush to hydrate especially the stitching rows and perforated sections.
2] Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes depending on severity of dryness with optional plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time to plumps the leather effectively.
3rd phase - Fatliquor Replenishing:
Periodic fatliquor replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability. Fatliquor evaporates as VOC (volatile organic compound) when temperatures rises especially from exposed micro-crazing, perforation and stitching rows. If leather protein fibrous structure can be hydrated, it can be fatliquor replenished to the desired suppleness with increased strength; thus preventing leather from cracking commonly beginning from these weak areas.
1] Spray Fatliquor-5.0, in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2] Repeat application in between drying until it’s saturated.
3] The fully saturated leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4] Strays on the leather surface are further driven into these absorbent stitching rows or perforated section until crystal clear with a squeaky feel.
4th phase - Non-stick Rub Resistant Protection:
This rub resistant protection helps reduce friction wear; that also imparts a non-stick natural buttery/draggy-feel against sticky soiling; with an unforgettable classic leather scent.
1] Apply Protection-B+ to the seats and Protection-D+ to steering wheel and gear shift knob after shaking well, spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.
■ Auto pigmented Leather - Restorative Care:
This is the ultimate restorative or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including the unwanted conditioners to its original OEM finishes. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. This restorative cleaning is achieved by the chemical reaction of the Prep-7.7 to effectively break down those tough soiling with its penetrating, lubricating and suspending power. Its thick as honey viscosity allows it to coats the surface allowing effective dwell time, thus providing the opportunity for the prep to fully emulsify or suspend stubborn soiling. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to worked into heavily soiled areas, sufficient to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weaken finishes especially on heavily used areas.
Instructions
If alkaline or all purpose cleaners were used before, it’s recommended to wet finger test for tackiness by using distilled/tap water. If it is, neutralize the side effect of alkaline overexposure with Acidifier-2.0 found in Kit AP3.ts to return the leather to a healthy squeaky feel prior to Prep-7.7 application. It is recommended that dry soil removal takes place prior to prep application.
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 Cleaner-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extraction until it shows clean.
4] Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky clean.
5] Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.
2nd phase - Hydrating:
Although pigmented leathers surfaces are usually non-absorbent until micro-crazing develops, it’s the stitching rows and perforated holes that are usually vulnerable. These weak areas when wet and dry again, have the tendency for the fibrils to become stick together, resulting in stiffness and when stressed, may lead to premature cracks. Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure; besides charging it positive for a more effective hydrogen bonding with the negative fatliquor.
1] Spray Hydrator-3.3, control and spread with foam brush to hydrate especially the stitching rows and perforated sections.
2] Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes depending on severity of dryness with optional plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time to plumps the leather effectively.
3rd phase - Fatliquor Replenishing:
Restorative fatliquor replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability. Fatliquor diminishes as VOC (volatile organic compound) when temperatures rises especially through exposed micro-crazing, perforation and stitching rows. It also diminishes through leaching when leather becomes wet and dry again especially when exposed to non leather-safe solution. So if leather protein fibrous structure can be hydrated, it can be fatliquor replenished to the desired suppleness with increased strength; thus preventing leathers from cracking commonly beginning from these weak areas.
1] Spray Fatliquor-5.0, in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2] Repeat application in between drying until it’s saturated.
3] The fully saturated leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4] Strays on the leather surface are further driven into these absorbent stitching rows or perforated section until crystal clear with a squeaky feel.
4th phase - Non-stick Rub Resistant Protection:
This rub resistant protection helps reduce friction wear; that also imparts a non-stick natural buttery/draggy-feel against sticky soiling; with an unforgettable classic leather scent.
1] Apply Protection-B+ to the seats and Protection-D+ to steering wheel and gear shift knob after shaking well, spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.
Contents:
Leather Doctor® Prep-7.7 in 60ml.
This is a pH 7.7 aqueous high viscosity leather preparatory cleaner for pigmented leather types. It is developed to strip foreign soil accumulation to the original finish. It works by dwell-time from 10 minutes to 24 hours depending on soiling severity, allowing its’ superior penetrating, lubricating and suspending power to do the work. Successive towel extraction of suspended soiling with fresh application is followed through until the soiling is exhausted. It has proven to work safely on: grease based ink stains like ballpoint ink; water based ink stains like stamp pad ink; dye transfer stains like blue jeans, leather, ink print and newsprint with a longer dwell/extraction/application cycle up to 72 hours. It is highly recommended that the remaining sticky residue is thereafter removed in conjunction with Cleaner-3.8 and Rinse-3.0 as a holistic leather-safe system to a squeaky feel.
Leather Doctor® Cleaner-3.8 in 250ml.
This is a pH 3.8 all purpose leather-safe anionic cleaner that is particularly effective in emulsifying oily soils and in suspending its particulates. It works by penetrating, lubricating and suspending soiling safely and effectively through gentle chemical reaction; working in perfect harmony with all leather constituents that include the tanning agent, preservative, dyestuff and especially the fatliquor. It's safe for all leather trims including; aniline, vachetta, nubuck and suede. This product is always followed through with Rinse-3.0 as a system to a healthy squeaky feel.
Leather Doctor® Rinse-3.0 in 250ml.
This is a pH 3.0 aqueous anionic leather-safe rinse to neutralize harmful alkaline and perspiration residues; for stabilizing and strengthening leather to its neutral pH value of 3 to 5/6 chemistry integrity. It's safe for all leather trims including; aniline, vachetta, nubuck and suede.
Leather Doctor® Hydrator-3.3 in 250ml
This is a pH 3.3 aqueous leather-safe hydrator for hydrating dried, stiffed or shrunk leathers, often seen as creases and wrinkles; to separate the crushed, stick together fibrils and relax them prior to softening and strengthening with Fatliquor-5.0. It’s to reduce the interfacial tension in the inter-fibrillary leather structure for effective distribution of the fatliquor. It’s to charge the leather protein fibers below its iso-electric point positive, for effective hydrogen-bond with the ionic negative charged fatliquor. It’s safe for other leather trims that may include aniline, vachetta, nubuck, suede, hair-on-hide and woolskin.
Leather Doctor® Fatliquor-5.0 in 250ml
This is a pH 5.0 negative charged micro emulsion fatliquor. It’s for replenishing original fatliquor that has diminished thru sun-bleaching, ageing, heat and alkaline exposure and cleaning. It penetrates and lubricates the leather fibers so that after drying, they are capable of sliding over one another smoothly. Besides softening the leather with stretchability, compressibility and flexibility; fatliquor enhances its rip tensile strength greatly; thus reduces split or tear to the stitching and perforated holes. It relaxes coarse breaks, creases and wrinkles to provide drapes, suppleness and prevents cracking. It helps to keep leather at its optimum physical performance and prevent premature ageing. It’s safe for all other leather trims including; aniline, vachetta, nubuck, suede, hair-on-hide and woolskin.
Leather Doctor® Protection-B+ in 120ml.
This is a non-film forming, non-stick rub resistant protector that enhances a soft natural buttery-feel with the classical leather scent. It’s for imparting a non-stick breathable barrier essentially to shield the detrimental effects of sticky soiling including the nasty ballpoint ink. It is effective to release those tenacious dye-transfers stains especially on light colored leathers easily, without resorting to unnecessary color refinishing. Its natural buttery-feel protection increases the leather resistance to wet and dry rubs, thus reduces stretch, scuff and abrasion. And it reduces friction squeaks that wear the finishes when leather is rubbed against during movement or the characteristically sliding in and out of the seat.
Leather Doctor® Protection-D+ in 120ml
This is a non-film forming, non-stick, rub resistant protector that enhances a draggy-feel with the classic leather scent. It’s especially for the steering wheel and the gear shift knob for a non-slip grip. It imparts a non-stick breathable barrier essentially to shield the detrimental effects of sticky soiling including the nasty ballpoint ink. And it does help to release those tenacious dye-transfer stains especially on light colored leathers easily without resorting to unnecessary color refinishing. Its natural draggy-feel protection increases the leather resistance to wet and dry rubs, thus reduces stretch, scuff and abrasion. It is also used as a scuff repairer, filling and concealing surface scuffs to improve appearance. The drag produces an unforgettable familiar sound sweet to the ears when leather is rubbed.
Horsehair Detailing Leather Brush-1
This horsehair detailing brush is ergonomically designed to be an extension of our hand with sturdy grooved grip, designed to produce an effective result easily and efficiently for many years to come. It’s recommended for all smooth leather, to deliver a scratch-free agitation cleaning. The length is 7 inches with a three row 1½ inches bristles cleaning head.
PolyBrush®
This is the 3” made in USA washable foam brush that last. It’s used for spreading the Prep-7.7, rinse clean and thereafter used for the leather Scent-B and Scent-D application to prevent overspray.
Washable Rags
This rag works like cloth, lint free and highly absorbent for extracting suspended soiling or for wiping the leather Scent-B and Scent-D during routine easy cleaning-protection application.
Refills are available...for more information email
[email protected]
Roger Koh
[email protected]