Caring for Aniline leather

I hope the tint blocks IR and not just UV. Not all tints block IR (heat)

Not sure about products. Analine isma dye process Modern Car leather is plastic coated so I use PERL by Carpro diluted 1 to 3. Most car leather products are a scsm because it doesn't penetrate the plastic layer.

I'm notmsure if that plastic layer is on Analine car leather.

 

Can you tell us what kind of make of car you have that was optioned with Aniline Leather?
Have a look at the " LTT of Harrogate " website, they are one of the UKs leading leather experts. Take the website test to see what leather you have in your car.
Aniline leather is absorbent so its not ideal for car interiors, but LTT do various leather guard sprays for most of the leather types in use today.

 

call them and ask if the leather is vinyl or plastic coated

 

Hi Joe ,
As you are fully aware the leather in your McLaren is of the highest quality, aniline leather comes from the finest hides but its the dyeing process and finish that separates it from the rest, thats why companies like Rolls Royce use it.
Aniline leather does not have any sort of protective finish applied to it, this is how it achieves its softness and pure natural look, now this is a pure Napa / soft leather, ( some people think they have Napa leather in their car, they dont! ).
Having this leather comes at a cost though Joe as you know, it will scratch very easily, and as it doesnt have a true protective layer it absorbs moisture very easily, so it takes extra care and attention.
Firstly you have done the right thing with the UV protection, as it will dry out and start to crack over time from strong sunlight.
You must clean the leather more often as it absorbs the oils /sweat from your skin.
Remember to vacuum the seats every week or so, vacuuming removes the small particles that gets trapped in the natural grain of the leather, use a fine soft brush to get into the creases and hard to reach areas.
Clean and moisturize - use a specific Aniline leather cleaner and moisturiser - always test first in an area thats not seen to be on the safe side.
Protection - some of the Aniline products moisturise and protect at the same time, if not, it is best to apply a good Aniline protector.
When doing any work on your seats you must use nitrile gloves, this way you will not scratch the leather with your fingernails.
Have you a good leather specialist in your area Joe?
I am lucky that i have LTT of Harrogate on my door step, they are very informative and always happy to help, you could email Judy for any advice.

 

WOW, the customer service is so much better than Ferrari

With that being said, I used to think the better the prodcut the more durable it is. I wouldn't want anything this fragile in a car but I am sure I would love to stare and touch yours and really enjoy that

 

We have to realise that aniline leather is chosen for the finest of leather products, be it car interiors, furniture, bags, gloves etc.
Its appeal is that over time it takes on its own unique appearance and feel.
It is very durable and not fragile at all, it just needs looking after differently from other leather products.
Same rule applies to most things, look after it correctly and it should last a lifetime.
Joe - using distilled water only, not tap water, simply wipe down the leather with soft lint cloths, try and use multiple cloths in this process and " wipe away ", using the same cloth will simply move the dirt around, dont forget your nitrile gloves!
If the leather does get dirty, use a gentle baby liquid soap, agitate the soap in a small bath and use the foam or bubbles to clean the leather ( just like babys first bath! ), do not apply the soap direct as it may soak in and stain.
Again test first Joe.
Have you contacted McLaren for any advice on products?

 

is the leather surface dyed like done in the early days?
mclaren dealer should have
leather care in the parts dept.

 

Joe - i have emailed Judy at LTT of Harrogate and also contacted Bridge of Weir Leather in Scotland. Lets see what they come back with.
Yeah its dyed like done in the early days Edward.
You would have thought McLaren would have given Joe a leather care kit as standard too.

 

Hi Joe - please see reply from Judy and Catherine at Bridge of Weir Leather.

Hello John
Yes we ship to the USA
Usually £18.50 but depends on the order.
Bridge of Weir often supply bespoke leathers in high end cars.


Kind regards

Judy Bass
Technical Director

Regarding your query on cleaning the interior, we suggest simply tepid, mild soapy water, being very careful not to saturate the leather especially in perforated areas where the cross-section is exposed.



Catherine Martin

Marketing Associate

M:

www.scottishleathergroup.com
Unfortunately Joe, Catherine did not come back with any products that protect the leather, i have emailed her again with regards to any possible products.
As you can see, it is most important not to saturate the leather when cleaning.