Leather Restoration

[Bazzer25]

Hi all, very interesting subject and one of those jobs that I have on my list to do but I have a red leather
interior and am very concerned that if I re colour the leather it will be impossible to save the cream stitching. I did ring woollies and they seemed to give the impression that I wouldn't really notice it Has anyone restored there red leather with good results?

[muphy]

Cannot speak for Red Leather as you can see that mine is not and I do not have contrasting stitching.

I would advocate getting as much advice as you can so certainly call other suppliers like Gliptone who I have found very helpful and perhaps consult any local trimmers if you can find any and perhaps someone else on the forum will have more experience.

And finally........... "Test on an inconspicuous location first"

Mark

[alanbell]

muphy,
very well done, I thought the original colour was beige not cream, the car may never be concours but at this rate it should be condition 1 very soon.
alan

[muphy]

So I got the Gliptone stuff today and started working on the leather. I'd thought quite a bit about colour and result that I want and decided that "Honest" is the best outcome. The process is pretty slow and goes like:

1. Wipe the leather down with a sparse amount of Cellulose Thinners to take the old colour off taking care to use clean parts of the cloth as you go. Take care not to scrub or wipe too much and keep thinners away from the stitching which will dissolve exposed too much.
2. Wipe down the piece with a clean damp cloth
3. Using the leather cleaner, follow the instructions, the use of a soft nail brush does make a difference. Leave the piece for 5 minutes.
4. Wipe off the cleaner with a new damp cloth and leave piece to dry.
5. Work in the leather restorer until it is absorbed & enjoy handiwork.

Here are some pictures, they were taken with a flash tonight so I hope that you can see...

Uncleaned door panel:


Cleaned door panel:


Rear seat cushion:


Center console:



Console piece (not so good):


More work to be done.

Mark