Re-dyeing leather scuffs with Leatherique ?

[RFP]

Good day !

The seats in my new-to-me '87 are amazingly close to perfect... only a couple of very minor scuffs (and those not on the bolsters or seating areas). Obviously, I want to do away with those.

A couple of years ago, Forum member CATTMANN posted a thread of his rework on the interior of his own '87... in my estimation, he did a superb job! I've tried to contact him, but he hasn't been an active Pelican for quite some time.

So, I'm wondering if any active Forum member has experience touching up seat scuffs (or fading) with the Leatherique products and process. If so, I would love to hear of your experience... tips, advice, whatever.

By the way, Leatherique's web site lists two "blacks"... as I recall one was just plain "black" but the other was "Euro black"... I wonder which would be "Porsche black."

Thanks,

Rob

[TheSt|G]

I used their dye on on my M3 years ago. It looked great initially, but quickly wore back to how it looked before. Frankly, I wasn't too impressed.

Their conditioner and cleaner is amazing stuff though.

[einsteiger]

I read on a blog from a local Porsche shop about refinishing seats: "The process is done using sureflex which is the factory leather paint that Porsche uses. Yes, you read that correctly, leather is painted rather than dyed. Sureflex can be applied with a rag, brush, or sprayed, all giving great results. A lot of prep work goes into cleaning the seats, degreasing, sanding, etc before you can apply the Sureflex" This would obviously be more than just a touch-up process, but it seems a lot more permanent.

[88911coupe]

Does anyone know which black from Leatherique is correct for a late 80's Carrera? I'm having same issue as the OP, not sure which "black" is correct. I'm assuming its the Euro black but I'd like to know for sure from someone who's used it.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by einsteiger

I read on a blog from a local Porsche shop about refinishing seats: "The process is done using sureflex which is the factory leather paint that Porsche uses. Yes, you read that correctly, leather is painted rather than dyed. Sureflex can be applied with a rag, brush, or sprayed, all giving great results. A lot of prep work goes into cleaning the seats, degreasing, sanding, etc before you can apply the Sureflex" This would obviously be more than just a touch-up process, but it seems a lot more permanent.

Believe it is spelled Surflex? The product is from Colorplus in PA. Sureflex may be a product I am not familiar with. Can you find the link you mentioned.

I am not sure it is different than the Leatherique dye but I have been real happy with it. I am sure Leatherique is in the same league as Colorplus. Some will say Colorplus is in the same league as Leatherique, if you know what I am saying.

For my 81 seats the color is Porsche 917 Black. Colorplus will know what is correct for your year as will Leatherique. Colorplus is VERY customer oriented. A phone call away. They (she) will call back if you leave your number. "She" knows her stuff.

I have a pint of Surflex. I will be glad to part with enough to dye so RFP can give it a whirl on the small areas. Half of a small medicine bottle would be plenty.





https://colorplus.com/

[Bphawk1]

Bob I could use half medicine pill bottle of the black dye as I half a couple of seat scuffs that I have been trying to dye. The stuff I used did not work as well as I thought. I only did a very small area. Would you be interested in selling me a small little quantity I.e half of a small pill bottle.? I have spoke to you in the past via phone as I live in the Concord, Ohio 44077 area. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Ben

[Ducman]

I can't speak to spot touch up but I once did a steering wheel with leatherique. I did the whole thing and prepped exactly as recommended. I seem to recall even sanding the leather?? Anyway it came out better than I could have imagined. And seven years later it still looked great and I don't ever recall a hint of black dye on my hands.

Based on this experience I would say results in this area are similar to paint, the quality of the final result comes down to how thoroughly you prep.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Bphawk1

Bob I could use half medicine pill bottle of the black dye as I half a couple of seat scuffs that I have been trying to dye. The stuff I used did not work as well as I thought. I only did a very small area. Would you be interested in selling me a small little quantity I.e half of a small pill bottle.? I have spoke to you in the past via phone as I live in the Concord, Ohio 44077 area. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Ben

Sold for postage. PM me address.

Our motto: "We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you"

(Actually, from Chilcoot Charlies saloon in Anchorage)

[Hoppe]

What is the solution for scuffed and scratched vinyl? My doors and rear side panels are showing a little wear. The previous owner kept the seat down so the back panel is scratched up a little as well. It is tolerable but far from perfect.

[Bob Kontak]

Vinyl? Same stuff as mentioned above. Scratches will show through if not worked somehow.

[autobonrun]

You can gently rework the scuffs with fine sandpaper and leatherique prepping agent then dye. I would not use the crack filler and don't over sand. Light strokes.

My Seat Dyeing Procedure

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by autobonrun

You can gently rework the scuffs with fine sandpaper and leatherique prepping agent then dye. I would not use the crack filler and don't over sand. Light strokes.

This is good info. Vinyl has a pebble grain that you cannot re-create. Cracks in leather would be easier to fix and hide.

The dye is not shiny. You can see gouges, if looking for them, but scuffs will be far from noticeable.

[pc100porsche]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Sold for postage. PM me address.

Our motto: "We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you"

(Actually, from Chilcoot Charlies saloon in Anchorage)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thanks Bob ... That's my laugh for the day !

[Koizumi]

The trick with any dye etc is the prep prior to application. Sand, clean, buff, repeat, over and over until you are just stuck in a bizarre repetitive existence, then slap yourself out of the stupor, and apply the paint dye etc. Leather refurbishing is akin to painting a car body. It's all about the prep. Leatherique works great. If you do the prep correctly .

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

T then slap yourself out of the stupor

Yepper. LOL.

Colorplus, Leatherique, I don't think it matters. All good stuff. Prep, clean, apply. Frankly, then be amazed. It is really had to eff it up.

[Drymartiniwi]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Yepper. LOL.

Colorplus, Leatherique, I don't think it matters. All good stuff. Prep, clean, apply. Frankly, then be amazed. It is really had to eff it up.

I just touched up my seats with A product called Magic Mender and they look like new. I had some scuffs and 2 scrapes about 3" long. Filled the scrapes,and prepped the areas to be touched up. Very easy to do. Select color from their color listings for year, model and color code. Match was right on with my linen leather seats. Cost around $30.00. Well worth it. Good luck. Bud

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

The trick with any dye etc is the prep prior to application. Sand, clean, buff, repeat, over and over until you are just stuck in a bizarre repetitive existence, then slap yourself out of the stupor, and apply the paint dye etc. Leather refurbishing is akin to painting a car body. It's all about the prep. Leatherique works great. If you do the prep correctly .

I completely agree with you. The prep makes the seats look much worse, before they get better. This is the proper procedure for a complete refinish. I hate the misleading term "redye".
What is the best way, if there is one, to touch up very limited scratches and scuff or gouges?
Thanks,
Dave

[ivanuf]

I have done many interior restorations and I only use Colorplus as my supplier. If applied correctly it will stay and perform like it is supposed to. I always send her a sample piece to match and it is always a perfect match.

[88911coupe]

OK, digging this up again. I'm still wondering if anyone knows which "black" or order from Leatherique..."Black" or "Euro Black" for my '88 Carrera. I've called the company and always get voicemail. They call me back but just say "give us a call".
I've already done the conditioner and that stuff is amazing, now want to re dye a seat but want to see if anyone knows which black to order. The pic on the website is not of much use since they both look identical in the little sample pic.
Thanks

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

now want to re dye a seat but want to see if anyone knows which black to order.

I would bet it's the Porsche 917 black pictured in one of the above posts.

Suggest calling them and in the message, tell them that you have an 88 with black seats and say something like "I think it may be the 917 Black, but I am not sure.

That way she can respond to your voicemail with an answer that defines what you need or she can confirm.

I never get them on the first call.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by ivanuf

I have done many interior restorations and I only use Colorplus as my supplier. If applied correctly it will stay and perform like it is supposed to. I always send her a sample piece to match and it is always a perfect match.

One thing I noticed when filling cracks on my 81's seat bolster with their flexfill product. Over time, I could pick up a little bit of grey through the color.

I think they say in the website you can mix a touch of the color with the flexfill before applying. I did not try this.