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Hello,
I'm looking for advice on leather care for my steering wheel. It's not in bad shape considering the age.
I think it probably needs at a minimum a cleaning followed by a protector. Would hydrating and
conditioning also be something to consider? Below are some photos.
-bruce
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>>> I think it probably needs at a minimum a cleaning followed by a protector.
Here is a restorative cleaning recommendation . . .
Restorative Care:
Restorative care is the ultimate corrective or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including aged conditioners to its original OEM finishes. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. Leather restorative cleaning of accumulated soiling is performed by LeatherPrep-4.4. Avoid pushing into the perforated holes unnecessary. It works by chemical reaction to emulsify soiling through its penetrating, lubricating and suspending power. Its viscosity facilitates coating the surface for effective dwell time. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to work into heavily soiled areas sufficiently to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weakened finishes, especially on heavily used areas. For extreme cases, the LeatherPrep-4.4 can stay continuous for up to 72 hours to do its work safely.
1st step - Restorative Cleaning:
Instruction . . .
1- Apply LeatherPrep-4.4 onto the surface with a foam brush avoiding pushing into the holes and agitate with horsehair Brush-1, ensuring a uniform application over the entire surface 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 LeatherCleaner-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extraction until it shows clean.
4- Remaining residues are spray rinse with LeatherRinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky-clean.
5- Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat LeatherPrep-4.4 application with a longer dwell time as necessary or proceed to hydrating. Although pigmented leather surfaces are usually non-absorbent until micro crazing develops it is 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 stuck 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 ionic positive for more effective hydrogen bonding with the negative ionic fatliquor.
2nd step – Hydrating:
Instruction. . .
1- Spray LeatherHydrator-3.3 control and spread with a foam brush to hydrate especially the stitching rows and perforated sections.
2- Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes depending on the severity of dryness with optional plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time to plump the leather more effectively. Fatliquor evaporates as VOC (volatile organic compound) when the temperature rises especially from exposed micro crazing, perforation and stitching rows. Periodic fat and oil replenishing maintain the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus strengthening these exposed leather from cracking.
3rd step – Fatliquoring:
Instruction . . .
1- Spray LeatherFatliquor-5.0 control and spread with a foam brush to hydrate especially the stitching rows and perforated sections.
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 LeatherHydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.
4th step – Protecting:
Instruction . . .
1- Apply LeatherProtector-B to the seats and LeatherProtector-D to the steering wheel including the gear shift knob after shaking well spread with a lint-free towel and is ready for use when dry.
For further readings . . .
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/leather...-care-kit-af3/
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Roger Koh
Leather, Skin, Hair, Eye & Acne Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coach
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email: [email protected]
Thank you Roger, this is an excellent write-up and easy to follow. I think I'll do the steering wheel ahead of
the drivers seat as it is a great initial leather restoration project to start with and to get familiar with the process.