All about Lexus leather
08-18-07, 10:08 PM
#91
Lexus Champion
Yes they all have it. All you need to do is put a good UV protector on it and clean it every once in awhile with woolite and water. If you try and treat it its kind of like spreading the stuff on a plastic coated table. It is possible to treat it around the stitching but really a waste of time.
08-19-07, 02:11 PM
#92
Moderator
Thread Starter
Let it be known that ALL car manufaturers use a clear poly coating on their leather unless they have an analine or semi-analine option (high end cars for the most part-some LS430s have the latter).
Also realize, they added it for a reason, not the least of which is their warranty. Otherwise, sweat and the corresponding salt, friction from sliding in / out and belts, dirt and UV would attack the leather, and because most all leather is spray dyed (rather than vat dyed) the color would rub away under friction much quicker, which does happen when you accidently remove the clear poly coating via abrasives or harsh cleaners.
That coating, as much distain as it recieves, is generally a good thing that allows the seats to look good, with less care, than otherwise would be the case.
It just requires a different approach to care for it, and to understand it.
Also realize, they added it for a reason, not the least of which is their warranty. Otherwise, sweat and the corresponding salt, friction from sliding in / out and belts, dirt and UV would attack the leather, and because most all leather is spray dyed (rather than vat dyed) the color would rub away under friction much quicker, which does happen when you accidently remove the clear poly coating via abrasives or harsh cleaners.
That coating, as much distain as it recieves, is generally a good thing that allows the seats to look good, with less care, than otherwise would be the case.
It just requires a different approach to care for it, and to understand it.
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bill5 (02-14-17)
08-22-07, 06:18 AM
#93
The Zaino leather cleaner doesn't have a reputation of being harsh. It worked exceedingly well and made an otherwise difficult cleaning job very simple and much faster. Had I tried to do the same with Lexol, I would have needed to do some vigorous and prolonged scrubbing which would have caused mechanical abrasion. The more rapid and easy Zaino cleaner was probably the better choice.
09-03-07, 01:17 AM
#94
2006 GS coated or uncoated seats
On my 2001 GS is was evident that the seats were coated because there was a shine and slickness to the seats. On my new '06 GS the seats have a dull, rough look and feel to them which makes me think they are uncoated but I really wouldn't know.
Can anyone tell me if the 2006 GS seats are coated or un-coated?
Thanks
Can anyone tell me if the 2006 GS seats are coated or un-coated?
Thanks
09-15-07, 09:04 PM
#95
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I have a 2001 LS430 107,000 miles a dark spot showed up on the arm rest , I tried to clean it but the spot just got bigger. Leather is ecru and spot is light gray. Have I just worn through the dye into bare leather. i wasn't rubbing hard is their an easy to fix it??? thanks
09-16-07, 08:03 AM
#96
I have a 2001 LS430 107,000 miles a dark spot showed up on the arm rest , I tried to clean it but the spot just got bigger. Leather is ecru and spot is light gray. Have I just worn through the dye into bare leather. i wasn't rubbing hard is their an easy to fix it??? thanks
You might also re-evalate your leather cleaning process and products. If the coating is gone there it is likely thin in other places.
10-01-07, 04:37 PM
#97
Several months ago, we put Leatherique dual bottle system on cream colored leather seats , you could tell there was dirt in the creases, but the leather was not in terrible condition. However, the back of the rear seat, where the seat is in direct contact with the sun showed very dried leather. The leather was almost starting to flake. In the last 6 months, we have used a total of 3 applications of Leatherique. (the last one was not necessary).
On the top of the rear seat, we "slathered" the conditioner and then placed Saran Wrap (clear plastic kitchen wrap) over the leather to keep the Leatherique in direct contact without drying out. I left a towel covering the back . We left this in place for about 3 weeks.
That was around 5 months ago. It has been out in the sun and unprotected since then.
I went out there after re-reading the this thread.
If I had to describe the softness of the seats today, I would say that the Front seats are soft and supple (like new) and the rear (previously flaky area) is soft.
In addition, the seats smell more like leather.
I dont represent Leatherique, but the stuff works.
Expensive?......How expensive is replacing the leather covers.
I think its worth it. Its not the typical stuff you find in a Pep Boys.
Honesty, If you buy a used Lexus that has never been treated to proper leather care. Go with Leatherique.
IF you have a new Lexus, frequent applications of the typically recommended stuff you find in stores will probably prevent degradation.
Just sharing my experience.
On the top of the rear seat, we "slathered" the conditioner and then placed Saran Wrap (clear plastic kitchen wrap) over the leather to keep the Leatherique in direct contact without drying out. I left a towel covering the back . We left this in place for about 3 weeks.
That was around 5 months ago. It has been out in the sun and unprotected since then.
I went out there after re-reading the this thread.
If I had to describe the softness of the seats today, I would say that the Front seats are soft and supple (like new) and the rear (previously flaky area) is soft.
In addition, the seats smell more like leather.
I dont represent Leatherique, but the stuff works.
Expensive?......How expensive is replacing the leather covers.
I think its worth it. Its not the typical stuff you find in a Pep Boys.
Honesty, If you buy a used Lexus that has never been treated to proper leather care. Go with Leatherique.
IF you have a new Lexus, frequent applications of the typically recommended stuff you find in stores will probably prevent degradation.
Just sharing my experience.
12-12-07, 12:24 AM
#98
Has any one else seen your blue jeans color gets stained on your tan interior. well i have and it sucks.. my friend has the same problem with his 5 series but he leases and he doesnt really car ....but i plan on keeping my is350 for a while... any suggestion guys??? shall i only wear slacks?? no jeans?
12-12-07, 06:05 AM
#99
FWIW, I've been told by my better half that if you wash your jeans in a heavy brine (salt) solution it sets the color and they should not transfer color anymore.
For removing the stains, I'd try a premium leather cleaner with a soft bristle brush. I don't think the stains can be completely removed. You might also try the Magic Eraser with soft gentle strokes as this is quite abrasive and your leather contains a thin paint like coating. Once you remove the coating and expose the leather underneath you are sol.
Best bet is to get to like khakis.
For removing the stains, I'd try a premium leather cleaner with a soft bristle brush. I don't think the stains can be completely removed. You might also try the Magic Eraser with soft gentle strokes as this is quite abrasive and your leather contains a thin paint like coating. Once you remove the coating and expose the leather underneath you are sol.
Best bet is to get to like khakis.
12-12-07, 09:37 AM
#100
FWIW, I've been told by my better half that if you wash your jeans in a heavy brine (salt) solution it sets the color and they should not transfer color anymore.
even jeans that have the dye in them like bleach jeans ...forexample like diesel jeans and 7 jeans???
even jeans that have the dye in them like bleach jeans ...forexample like diesel jeans and 7 jeans???
12-12-07, 07:34 PM
#102
Lexus Champion
12-12-07, 08:36 PM
#103
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What's a good UV protector? Lexol or one of the brands mentioned have some? Or will the Lexus stuff work?
12-12-07, 08:39 PM
#104
Lexus Champion