Leather: Untreated vs Lexol vs Leatherique (LONG-TERM TEST)

been in NE for a week and already bored out of your mind, eh?

 

I was just thinking, "Boy, someone has too much time on HIS hands."

D

 

Well, okay. Maybe you're bored, maybe you have too much time on your hands.

Either way, I'm interested in the results.

I'd be particularly interested in knowing what happens to leather as old as that in my 308. So please continue with the test regularly for thirty years.

 

ROFLOL

 

Bored would mean camping out in front of a TV. I think this is much more inventive. Please do post the results

 

whats SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER? DIdnt know it existed.

 

Hi,
Just resurrecting this thread to see if the reults are in on the performance of these products.

 

As a detailer, I'll confidently put my money on Leatherique 100% of the time. It has never let me down.

With that said.....

...I'm not sure this is gonna be anywhere near an accurate simulation of the natural effects on leather as subjected to regular human usage. I mean, well, unless you plan on REALLY "pushing it and kneading it on a regular basis," all while sitting in the sunlight.

 

Aniline leather is RARELY found on automobiles. It is leather that has been dyed through the entire hide and has no top-coat. This is the softest, most natural leather. You can tell analine leather because if it gets wet the water will absorb right into. Also once analine leather gets dirty it is near impossible to clean because the stain absorbs into the leather. Simply, analine leather is 'real' leather.

Coated or Pigmented leather is leather that has a coating to protect it. The hide of the leather is not dyed during the tanning process so it usually has a natural gray color. The coating that is sprayed over the top of the leather is what gives the leather its color. When coated/pigmented leather cracks you can see the natural gray color. This is the type of leather that most automobiles have, from Honda to Bentley, from (some) Ferrari's to (most) Fords. The quality and feel of the leather is most dictated by the quality of the coating used. This is the most wear resistent and least expensive type of hide, making it ideal for heavy traffic areas.

Semi-Aniline leather is a kinda of a hybrid of both coated and pigmented leather. The hide itself is dyed during the tanning process, then a top coat is added. This top coat is often much thinner then the coat used on coated/pigmented leather so it the finished product retains a much more natural feel. The top coat can be clear or have color depending on the desired finish (since the leather already is colored). It is my understanding that this is the most expensive type of hide. It might not have the excellent wear resistance of a coated leather, nor the quite the supple feel of true analine leather but it is an excellent comprimse.

Sorry for any grammar/spelling errors, I'm thumbing away from my Iphone.

 

Interesting, certainly looking forward to seeing the results.

 

Most automotive leather is heavily process to the point that it is only a dim relative of ever being a cow. Low cost and surface consistency (high usable yeild) are big factors in these high volume decisions. Lower grade hides with surface flaws can be used since the surface will be corrected. Correction can include removal of some of the natural top surface and always includes a application of desired grain. The grain could be a minimal texture to replicate calf skin, a heavy texture to make buffalo or anything in between including non-natural special effects. The cheapest iterations of coloration are basically a painted on finish. These just fill over all the surface and become noticable for their vinylness. The backside will have no color relationship to the top coat as these never saw any drum dying.

Aniline dyed with some top coat protection is typical to corporate aircraft. For anyone interested read the propoganda on the leather types from people like Spinneybeck, Edelman or Texstyle for more details.

Jeff

 

I will check out those areas Jeff, thanks for the heads-up

 

So....

It's been six months; what did you find?

 

I've used all of the above for over 20 years. Leatherique is the only game in town. Use lexol if you have an old horse saddle. Lay some leatherique on 50 year old hides and be prepared to be impressed.

 

Correction:
Used lexol for years until the read deal was found. Leatherique since it became available, I really can't rememeber when I found that stuff.

 

Cool, I have some on order. I've always liked Lexol for my daily driver, particularly the cleaner. The
Leather in my 328 is in very nice shape, definitely want to keep it that way.

 

Cool. Thanks for sharing the preliminary results. Seems to be as expected so far.