zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Correct... which is why I specifically mentioned coated leather. Non-coated leather requires a completely different level of care as it will need to be nourished and moisturized since it truly is a piece of skin. For this reason, there are products like Leatherique Rejuvenating Oil and Pristine Clean that work great on uncoated leather. (works great on coated leather, too )


You've hit the nail on the head... why use a heavy cleaner if you don't have to. Personally, I usually clean my own leather with water (steam) because it is never dirty enough to need any chemical assistance. We preach about the "golden rule of paint correction", but it applies to nearly all aspects of detailing... always use the least aggressive method first.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Yep, nicely put!

I would also add that if the owners maintain the car both interior and exterior properly on a regular basis. The car should be in good shape inside and outside that should not require any aggressive method at all. Hence, I want to add another golden rule to your detailing industry or anywhere else: "Prevention is better than cure"

Jbreezie

You guys will go down as the great philopshers of auto detailing! Haha

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Haha, I take it as a compliment.

Right on the your topic of detailing philosophy, after getting more involved in detailing recently, I see it very much an modern day of art form that blends with science particularly chemistry and physics. Therefore, knowing physics and chemistry plus having appreciation of this art, it makes you a better detailer.

At the end I'm still a detailer in training just like you lol. Still have a lot to learn from the master Zach and other pros

pugua

Thanks for the detailed write-up!

I was wondering if you (or any one else here) would recommend using Cquartz on the NuLuxe material on the 3IS cars. Or would you rather recommend 303 Aerospace or some maybe something else?

Thanks for any tips!

Jbreezie

I'm sure Cquartz leather can be used on nuluxe. I'm planning to do it. 303 is a different product which doesn't last as long as Cquartz.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

From my understanding, NuLuxe is very similar to leather. The difference is it being synthetic material that doesn't 'breathe' as well as natural leather. It is more durable than leather though.

Anyways, IMO, I agree with Glock47, you can use either products. If you don't mind applying 303 every 1-2 month, it really rocks in term of UV protection and has been tested and proven by many including me. If you want to do it once and for all, go with Cquartz leather coating which will last 1-2 years.

The major benefit that Cquartz leather offers better than 303 is the dye transfer, stain resistance. That is why it is very easy to clean after the coating because nothing can really stick to it so a damp microfiber is all you need.

Watch this extreme testing of the Cquartz Leather Coating and you will see what I'm talking about.

pugua

Thanks, Glock47 and FSportIS!

I'll give the 303 Aerospace a try - the protection looks amazing!

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Bump this for people looking to learn how to protect their car interior!

popping

Had my leather and panels coated by Lustr a couple weeks ago. Can't really tell the difference to be honest. I may do the fabric coat on my carpet.

Besides 303, what you use for the plastic panels? I have some Perl. Either you or Zach chime in?

NickTee

Any tips for the wood steering wheel, since the top part is most exposed to the elements?
Also, I know Gummi Pflege and even 303 is popular for weatherstripping, but I talked to a detailing shop and they said they only use mink oil. Anyone have experience using that on the weatherstripping?

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Right, the Carpro Cquartz doesn't change much in term of appearance but the protection it gives is second to none. If you dare to do, test ink transfer on some areas in the seat and just like the video shows, alcohol can easily wipe the ink off. That will not be the case without the protection. However, the easiest test is drop some water on it and you will see it beading up lol and won't soak in.

I used all weather rubber mat and therefore did not do any fabric coat. The rubber mat lasts many years without any problem and I think that is a better solution than coating the fabric.

I'm always big fan of 303 and it works like a champ for plastic panels. I like its look and UV protection the best. I have tried Perl too but i find it does attract dust plus it is kind of oily/greasy so I don't like it much. Some others like Perl but not me. I will stick with 303 which has been proven to work good in my case.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

I have used 303 couple times with the weatherstripping but in 3.5 years, I don't notice any difference yet. Both weatherstripping with and without protection still work good hence I stop applying anything to it. I don't think it is exposed to sun that much so it seems optional to do.