Merino Leather from shiny to matte?

[Weltdriver]

Hey guys. Just got 2020 x5 with Merino and Drivers seat bolsters are looking a shinier than the back of the seat. I’m guessing due to heavier use than the back of the seat.


I have heard read about Leathriq and Colourlock , just wondering if anyone can suggest the best products to use to get it to restore to matte.

Thank you !

[allinon72]

That's going to require a strong leather cleaner first, I like Colourlock Strong Leather Cleaner. If that's not enough you may have to steam the seats first to loosen up all the dirt and whatever Armor-All-like product was applied, then use the strong cleaner. Once you get them back to matte, let them air out and breathe for a week or so, then apply your quality protective layer. I use Colorlock Leather Protector.

From there, keep the seats wiped down and reapply the Leather Protector every few months or as needed.

[allinon72]

That armrest probably isn't recoverable and will have to be replaced. Too much physical damage to get it perfect.

[Weltdriver]

Originally Posted by allinon72

That armrest probably isn't recoverable and will have to be replaced. Too much physical damage to get it perfect.

Curious why you say too much damage for armrest? To me seems like armrest looks same as the seat?

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Weltdriver

Curious why you say too much damage for armrest? To me seems like armrest looks same as the seat?

Just going off the pics, the dark spots look like leather damage. But hard to tell just from a singular pic, just an observation. It may clean up fine or good enough.

[Elderado82]

Cleaning leather really isn’t a big deal. People make it sound complicated, but it just needs gentle care. Leather Honey is my personal favorite product to use. This is going to take some time, so throw on some tunes, grab yourself a drink, and be in the moment.

First, give the seats a quick vacuum so you’re not rubbing grit into the leather.

Next, set up a bucket of clean water. Grab a soft horsehair or boar‑hair brush, dip it in the bucket, squeeze out the extra water, and apply Leather Honey Cleaner directly to the bristles. Work in small sections using light, easy circles. You’re not scrubbing, let the cleaner do the work. After each section, wipe it with a damp microfiber towel. Rinse the brush and towel in the bucket, squeeze them out, and keep moving from section to section. You should see the shine fade and the leather return to that clean, matte Merino look.

Once you’ve cleaned everything, let the leather dry for about 30 minutes. Then apply a small amount of Leather Honey Conditioner to a cloth and coat the leather in a thin, even layer. Allow it to dry for at least two hours. Once dry, gently buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner.

For upkeep, a damp microfiber cloth is usually all you need. Save the cleaner for occasional deeper cleanings and condition every few months to keep the leather soft and looking great.

This should get you back to that matte look you’re going for.

[Weltdriver]

Originally Posted by Elderado82

Cleaning leather really isn’t a big deal. People make it sound complicated, but it just needs gentle care. Leather Honey is my personal favorite product to use. This is going to take some time, so throw on some tunes, grab yourself a drink, and be in the moment.

First, give the seats a quick vacuum so you’re not rubbing grit into the leather.

Next, set up a bucket of clean water. Grab a soft horsehair or boar‑hair brush, dip it in the bucket, squeeze out the extra water, and apply Leather Honey Cleaner directly to the bristles. Work in small sections using light, easy circles. You’re not scrubbing, let the cleaner do the work. After each section, wipe it with a damp microfiber towel. Rinse the brush and towel in the bucket, squeeze them out, and keep moving from section to section. You should see the shine fade and the leather return to that clean, matte Merino look.

Once you’ve cleaned everything, let the leather dry for about 30 minutes. Then apply a small amount of Leather Honey Conditioner to a cloth and coat the leather in a thin, even layer. Allow it to dry for at least two hours. Once dry, gently buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner.

For upkeep, a damp microfiber cloth is usually all you need. Save the cleaner for occasional deeper cleanings and condition every few months to keep the leather soft and looking great.

This should get you back to that matte look you’re going for.

Thanks guys will look into Leather Honey and ColourLock

[Jambo1]

Also look into the Geist leather care products. The guy who started/owns that company came from Colourlock. These two companies, in my opinion, are the best at knowing automotive leather.

For Geist, get their 3Plus kit, together with their Pro cleaner.

[P1]

Wow, what happened to those seats? Did someone spill a bottle of Armor All on your interior?

[Weltdriver]

Originally Posted by P1

Wow, what happened to those seats? Did someone spill a bottle of Armor All on your interior?

It’s a new to me car but I don’t beleive it’s Armor All. I think just lack of maintenance of the leather. Waiting for it to warm up a bit and will utilize either ColourLock or Leather Honey on it!

[Weltdriver]

Originally Posted by Elderado82

Cleaning leather really isn’t a big deal. People make it sound complicated, but it just needs gentle care. Leather Honey is my personal favorite product to use. This is going to take some time, so throw on some tunes, grab yourself a drink, and be in the moment.

First, give the seats a quick vacuum so you’re not rubbing grit into the leather.

Next, set up a bucket of clean water. Grab a soft horsehair or boar‑hair brush, dip it in the bucket, squeeze out the extra water, and apply Leather Honey Cleaner directly to the bristles. Work in small sections using light, easy circles. You’re not scrubbing, let the cleaner do the work. After each section, wipe it with a damp microfiber towel. Rinse the brush and towel in the bucket, squeeze them out, and keep moving from section to section. You should see the shine fade and the leather return to that clean, matte Merino look.

Once you’ve cleaned everything, let the leather dry for about 30 minutes. Then apply a small amount of Leather Honey Conditioner to a cloth and coat the leather in a thin, even layer. Allow it to dry for at least two hours. Once dry, gently buff the leather with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner.

For upkeep, a damp microfiber cloth is usually all you need. Save the cleaner for occasional deeper cleanings and condition every few months to keep the leather soft and looking great.

This should get you back to that matte look you’re going for.

Wanted to give a shout out to everyone here and especially you sir for recommending Leather Honey Cleaner! Took the shine right off! Nice and matte now, even the armrest!
Thanks again!

Attaching before and after below !

[allinon72]

Excellent transformation and beautiful color and stitching! Nice job.

[Elderado82]

This turned out so good! It’s wild how something that looked like it could never come back now looks brand new; maybe even better. The leather looks plush, soft, and natural. Awesome job, and thanks for the kind words!

[TimmyTurbos]

Leather Honey for the win! Nice job OP!

[Phillies8008]

Wow, they look brand new – great job, and glad it worked out for you!