Leather seats fading

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Leather seats fading

Postby Patryk » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:04 pm

Hey,

Anyone have something special that they apply to their seats to deal with fading leather? I was thinking of using black leather products for shoes or something similar.

I already assume there could be some amusing answers/images in response. So, fire at will :-)


Pat
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Postby Blaster229 » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:19 pm

Well, leather dye that would dab on with an applicator would make it a raw, black look again. Wouldn't be too shiny and not sure if it won't stain your heiny :lol:
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Postby Patryk » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:27 pm

Blaster229 wrote:leather dye that would dab on with an applicator :lol:


That's exactly what I was thinking of using. The little bottle with a sponge on the end. A Kiwi product, I believe.
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Postby Yellowjacket » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:14 pm

Yuo may want to let it dry then rub it with a cloth. Depending on the leather, that liquid finish may or may not stick and can come off. I have tried it on a leather bag before and had mixed results.
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Postby Unity » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:20 pm

Is this an aftermarket leather seat that's fading? You might want to check with the manufacturer. If it's the OEM vinyl, that's a different question.

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Postby JimVonBaden » Sat Aug 02, 2008 1:44 am

I used shoe dye on my old leather Corbin seat on my R1100RS and R1100GS, then covered that will Mink Oil. It keeps the dye from bleeding into your pants, but I would wear black pants the first few days anyhow.

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Postby Ben_Ricci » Sat Aug 02, 2008 6:07 am

I wouldn't use Kiwi type products if you want the finish to stay on the seats. :lol:

Is the leather actually fading or is the dye/finish wearing off? Most high quality leather reconditioners/conditioners would restore and darken the leather without using dye. On the other hand, if the finish is fading there are dyes available to re-dye leather. Using them is a rather involved process, but the seats will look like new. I just saw seats in an 80's vintage 911 a guy restored and they looked perfect despite being over 20 years old and severely faded. I didn't get the name of the product he used because I didn't have a need for it. :oops:

All this is to say there are really good products out there that will restore the seats and not stain your pants or have temporary results. Most of the shoe polish type stuff will wear off.
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