Leather Question

How often do you guys put leather protection on your seat?

 

Do you have stock leather, or aftermarket?

Stock Toyota leather is not true leather. It's essentially got a plastic coating, so leather conditioners and the like won't actually penetrate into it. If the protectant you're talking about is something that stays on the surface to protect it then it might have some benefits. If it's a leather conditioner that is supposed to be absorbed into the leather, however, it will not do anything for stock "leather" seats.

 

Does that apply to the 1794 edition leather also?

 

As far as I know it is all Toyota leather. Full disclosure, I could be wrong on the 1794.

 

I believe the 1794 and platinum are Lexus leather, and the lower trims aren't. I use chemical guys leather detailer about once a month, and the conditioner about every 3 months, depending on how dirty they get from the dogs.

 

Own a Lexus also. No real difference between it and the leather in my Pro when cleaning or "moisturizing".

Any processed / dyed leather gets treated. I remember reading someone said to use detailing spray on it because it basically has a clear coat on it.

 

@jhuey8947 could probably give you the best advice.

 

@Ckatz53 you are our interior detailing master. Any tips on the leather?

 

I'm fairly certain my split grain "cowhide" Limited seats are true leather. My leather conditioner works quite well actually. Granted they're not untreated shoe leather which in that case you'd use mink oil for the best results.

 

https://canadiangearhead.com/the-best-leather-conditioner-for-your-car/

Found the article. Take it for what you will.

 

I use Surf City Garage Voodoo Enthusiast Grade on my Limited "leather" seats. Pricey but good stuff..especially made for car seat leather treatment.

 

My leather seats do have natural flaws that only real cowhide can have. I used to work with leather a lot. Years ago. Lots of leather work. Hand engraved and special tools to make kuul belts, purses, holsters, chaps, wallets. Still have all my stuff in storage. Haven't done it for quite some time. I'd get all my leather from Tandy. Quite familiar with split and full grain hides. Used to tan our own cowhides and deer/elk pelts. Made rattlesnake skin belts and hat bands. Depends on the leather how you treat it. Suede is the hardest to clean and treat without f'ing it up. Leather car seats? Easy

 

Short answer: at least once a year, or whenever I feel like the product has worn down. But I'll explain below if you care to read my long winded experience with leather.

My understanding/research is most all new leather is manufactured with a protective layering that keeps the leather soft and supple underneath. This essentially nullifies any true conditioning of leather seats as the layer does its job and stops leather conditioners from penetrating the surface. Conditioners will soften the layer overall and make it appear "conditioned," but that feeling wears off rather quickly (compared to if you conditioned an old baseball glove) as it doesn't exactly penetrate the material. That's not to say conditioners do not help aesthetically, they just don't last as long as if it was on true old leather. Now if you're putting it on a 20 year old daily driving vehicle, more than likely either A) the leather is old school and never came with the layering technology or B) the protective layering did its job and has likely worn over time. This doesn't stop me from applying a conditioner to new vehicles on my detail work, as it adds a nice sheen and soft touch. Perception is reality, but I still explain to folks how their leather seats work if they're curious.

 

As far as I know all of the "leather" in Toyotas is the SofTex imitation leather. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's worse than old fashioned leather, but a lot of dudes I know that have it get extremely upset when you tell them that their Toyota pickup truck didn't come with seats that rival a $3000 leather chair.

 

Real leather will stretch, have imperfections, will crease over time, and crack if not treated. Fake leather doesn't have those properties.

 

Split leather is used for most "leather " truck seats. Naturally full grain premium cowhides used for high end furniture and Lambo's will cost a small fortune. Handfitting, cutting, trimming, and handstitching doesn't come cheap.

 

Except that it does. The vinyl seats in the old Ford work trucks we used to have used to do the exact same thing.

Anyway, no need to start a back and forth. Modern leatherette is very nice quality and superior to old fashioned real leather in almost every way.

 

I had the pleasure of sitting in a Bugatti at a car expo once and that stuff definitely felt different from a pickup truck, you're right on that one.

 

That old vinyl leatherette crap and new will split and crack after awhile. Quite familiar with it. I know what leather is....

 

Like I said, no need for a back and forth. I've had this conversation many times with triggered dudes in person. Our trucks have leatherette, it is what it is.

 

The side bolsters, seat backs, and head restraints are not real leather, but the seat and seat front is real leather.....takes the most abuse. It is what it is...oh...not triggered....

 

That's great, you're a step ahead of most. Swing by and we'll have some beers and shoot the shit.

 

Got relatives in Anaheim Hills, Irvine, and Fullerton. I lived in Orange County when it was mostly orange groves and Irvine was still a ranch. I like beer too

 

Blaaaaaaack....!

 

The only color of Tundra that true men of taste and class own! Also the fastest by far.

 

Of course. The truth hurts when it comes to not so super whites......It's The Way.....ha!

 

It is high quality Full Gain leather that is used in the Platinum and 1794 Tundras. I was told that is was "Lexus" leather buy a sales person back in 2014 and never verified it, my mistake. So I called 1-800-Toyota today and got the correct answer which is its Full Gain Leather.

FYI..The Limited uses Split Leather which is coated and embossed. I also got that answer from 1-800-Toyota

 

Not sure if you all have tried "Leatherique". I have been using it for many years on my 911 and other cars, along with some leather chairs and couches in my house. I love their products.

No affiliation. http://www.leatherique.com/products.html

 

I have a Platinum and I believe it is Lexus leather. Honestly, I don't put protection on it, but its in amazing shape; definitely different leather than the limited by the sounds of it.