samedi 14 juin 2014

Interesting info on caring for Dakota leather

I wanted to know the best way for caring and protecting Dakota leather. I've been using Gtechniq L1 (2 coats) and it just feels harsh and very dry. I got this as a reply and thought most of you guys will have Dakota so thought I would pass the info on for those interested. Cheers



Keep your leather clean by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning.

Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.



Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.



The type of leather you have is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather

with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with

aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.



Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after.

Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty.

Dirt on the surface will also become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.



'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this

finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain. 'Conditioners' will not do any

protecting on leather even if they say they do as there will not be enough active

ingredient in them to do anything.



A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc

on pale coloured leathers.



Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of

moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and

protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in

good condition.



Leather needs a little regular care and attention and this can be done with a maintenance product rather than a deep clean which you would then only need to do once or twice a year depending on usage and colour.

You will find that detergent style cleaners will remove the protection applied so you would need to reprotect each time you clean.

A maintenance product like Auto Ultra Maintain helps to retain the protection rather than remove it so a reapplication of protector is only required after a deep clean.

Whilst individual products may be effective if they have not been tested together you may find they are counter productive



The routine for correct care should be



Protect from new Auto Ultra Protect

Maintain with a regular clean or maintenance product Auto Ultra Maintain

Deep clean with a foam cleaner once or twice a year Auto Ultra Foam



Simple steps of cleaning & protecting will prolong the life of the finish on the leather




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