Sam H.

I have an '88 S4 with linen leather interior. I'm thinking of refinishing the leather front seats, since my cleaning and reconditioning efforts have not yielded great results. I have some dye product from Leatherique and some from SEM. Each is a very different color, although they both include the correct color code "923" and color description "linen". I'd rather use the Leatherique product, but the color isn't a good match. When I've used the SEM product on leather panels, it seems to rub off when using leather conditioner.

Any thoughts from the board? Should I remove the seats entirely to do this correctly? Anyone know of a description for doing that? Are there any sources for leather dye that are superior to Leatherique and SEM? Thanks.

Gary Quayle

You might want to check the archives. I have used the Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Pristine Clean and they work great, but someone else mentioned problems with the Leatherique dyes.

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T_MaX

Just a bit of history, I have watched/helped a friend do this on several MB cars using SEM, Color Plus, Leatherique and a few others purchased at the local paint stores that I can no longer remember the name of.

The last one was done in a tanish/saddle color and was sprayed using product from Color Plus. The Dye went on well, covered evenly and matched the sample we sent in (wet and dry).

The one that is in the works right now is dark blue leather and the product used is leatherique. When the dye showed up to do the job it looked like more of a light Royal Blue. Pressed for time (weather) we decided to shoot the front seats anyway. It covered very well and by using low PSI and adjusting the spray down to almost a fine mist, it went on with out a run. However it still looked light in color untill it dryed. Once dry it turned into the dark color it was suposed to be.

It will be much easer to clean, prep and dye the items if you remove them from the car. I would also remove all plastic parts like seat switches, ***** and trim before cleaning.

If you make a mistake, like if you get some bad runs or its just not what you wanted you can quickly and lightly hose off the dye with water. Just remember, you will need to let the leather dry before you try again if you get it too wet.

I have never (or seen) SEM's product used on leather, only on plastic. So I can't comment on SEM used on leather.

Below is the HVLP gun my buddy uses. You can get the same thing much cheaper if you look around. We have both used alteritve methods of appling the dye, they all work well and most would be more than happy with the results. A airbrush, reg. paint gun or HVLP gun just makes it easer with less waste.

P.S. Prep is everything! Follow the directions! Don't try to cheat!

<img src="http://www.autorefinishbinks.com/images/cub_gun_03.jpg" alt=" - " />

Eric Dvorak

Seeing that this thread has been started, I guess I can do a follow up. It's been a year now and about 8 or 10K miles, the dye job has held up well, there are a couple areas that have gotten scratched by something sharp and it's through to the leather and the typical wear spot on the left back bolster of the drivers seat that has also worn through, I'm sure these areas can be resprayed while still in the car. No signs of it wearing off even when sitting on them after being rain soaked. Over all I would give the product a 9 out of 10 and can say that I'm very pleased with it. I used an HVLP gun as seen above (and next to the seats in the link Gary gave) and it worked excellent, as many have said before it's 90% prep.

Good Luck

Sam H.

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. I think I'll use the Leatherique product, after some thorough prep work. How difficult is it to remove the two front seats? Is there a procedure description for that anywhere?