Renovating Leather Interior
Discussion
I've just bought a 1990 Turbo about a month ago quite cheap but the interior was really poor. After getting several quotes for reupholstering the seats and centre console I found that my budjet would stretch to the whole interior. I decided to investigate on redying and renovating the interior. I found a product called 'Liquid Leather' by Gliptone in Halifax UK. They can send you anything from a repair kit to a complete recovering kit including a hobby spray gun all for less than £50. First you completely clean the leather making sure that you get into all those cracks with their cleaner. Then you mix their water based dye which is match to your interior then build up using very light coats. I first made the mistake of trying to cover up all the bare leather with one coat but being water based it's not a good idea. Finally after 24-48 hours later you apply their 'Liquid Leather' conditioner, about 2 coats with a clean cloth. This softens then leather give give a natural look and puts the leather smell back into the interior. I was very sceptable about using this type of product but decided if it didn't work, I would then consider getting the interior recovered. Now I don't have to, the results are brilliant! If anyone wants to see a before and after pic of the driver's seat, just send me an e-mail. This product works for small scuffs and scratches as well. Their web site is www.liquidleather.com To ring ask for Mark on +44(0)1706 819365 and mention that you got this contact from Dave Walters with the Lotus. Hope this helps Esprit owners with similar problems.
I've just bought a 1990 Turbo about a month ago quite cheap but the interior was really poor. After getting several quotes for reupholstering the seats and centre console I found that my budjet would stretch to the whole interior. I decided to investigate on redying and renovating the interior. I found a product called 'Liquid Leather' by Gliptone in Halifax UK. They can send you anything from a repair kit to a complete recovering kit including a hobby spray gun all for less than £50. First you completely clean the leather making sure that you get into all those cracks with their cleaner. Then you mix their water based dye which is match to your interior then build up using very light coats. I first made the mistake of trying to cover up all the bare leather with one coat but being water based it's not a good idea. Finally after 24-48 hours later you apply their 'Liquid Leather' conditioner, about 2 coats with a clean cloth. This softens then leather give give a natural look and puts the leather smell back into the interior. I was very sceptable about using this type of product but decided if it didn't work, I would then consider getting the interior recovered. Now I don't have to, the results are brilliant! If anyone wants to see a before and after pic of the driver's seat, just send me an e-mail. This product works for small scuffs and scratches as well. Their web site is www.liquidleather.com To ring ask for Mark on +44(0)1706 819365 and mention that you got this contact from Dave Walters with the Lotus. Hope this helps Esprit owners with similar problems.
Dave,
Congratulations on your 'new' Esprit! I'm happy that you got good results w/ liquid leather. I am not familiar with their products, but from your endorsement, it sounds like 'worthy' stuff.
The best leather cleaner/conditioner/dye available here in the States is a product called 'Leatherique'. This product is manufactured by a small company who will also mix-up a custom dye for one's interior. As far as leather conditioning, it is absolutely the best product I have ever found, and I've used most of them. It will take hard, dried leather and return it to a smooth, supple, like new leather in just a couple applications. Most serious car guys on this side of the pond swaer by it. Find them at [url]www.leatherique.com[/url]. Happy Motoring...Jim '85TE
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