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      06-14-2014, 05:41 AM   #1
JoshB25
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Interesting info on caring for Dakota leather

I wanted to know the best way for caring and protecting Dakota leather. I've been using Gtechniq L1 (2 coats) and it just feels harsh and very dry. I got this as a reply and thought most of you guys will have Dakota so thought I would pass the info on for those interested. Cheers

Keep your leather clean by protecting it with a leather protector and then regular cleaning.
Adding 'conditioners' which generally contain oils and waxes will change the appearance of your leather over time as dirt will build up on the surface and cause a sheen.

Using the correct care methods and products will not alter the factory finish.

The type of leather you have is 'coated' leather. This is essentially a 'painted' leather
with a clear coat finish over the top. The leather may or may not be dyed through with
aniline dyes prior to the finish coating.

Essentially it is this top coating that needs looking after.
Cleaning is vitally important as the top coat will wear away if allowed to become dirty.
Dirt on the surface will also become ground into the finish by constant abrassion.

'Conditioners', balms, feeds etc (traditionally oil and wax based) cannot penetrate this
finish so are not worth applying - they can also leave behind residues on the finish which will only attract more dirt if allowed to remain. 'Conditioners' will not do any
protecting on leather even if they say they do as there will not be enough active
ingredient in them to do anything.

A protector will make the finish easier to clean and also inhibit dye transfer etc
on pale coloured leathers.

Leather however finished has to remain breathable and it will allow the movement of
moisture back and forth (transpiration) so the use of water based cleaners and
protectors will keep the leather correctly hydrated which is essentail to keeping it in
good condition.

Leather needs a little regular care and attention and this can be done with a maintenance product rather than a deep clean which you would then only need to do once or twice a year depending on usage and colour.
You will find that detergent style cleaners will remove the protection applied so you would need to reprotect each time you clean.
A maintenance product like Auto Ultra Maintain helps to retain the protection rather than remove it so a reapplication of protector is only required after a deep clean.
Whilst individual products may be effective if they have not been tested together you may find they are counter productive

The routine for correct care should be

Protect from new Auto Ultra Protect
Maintain with a regular clean or maintenance product Auto Ultra Maintain
Deep clean with a foam cleaner once or twice a year Auto Ultra Foam

Simple steps of cleaning & protecting will prolong the life of the finish on the leather
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      06-14-2014, 05:47 AM   #2
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Nice write up and yes just a twice yearly clean does it.

I tend to tie it in with winter prep and spring / summer prep (post winter)

Not heard of Auto Ultra.

Who supplies it and also who supplied the write up?
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      06-15-2014, 04:14 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brigand View Post
Nice write up and yes just a twice yearly clean does it.

I tend to tie it in with winter prep and spring / summer prep (post winter)

Not heard of Auto Ultra.

Who supplies it and also who supplied the write up?
A lady who works for LTT solutions I think. The kit is £50. Probably going to give it a try.
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      06-15-2014, 04:14 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brigand View Post
Nice write up and yes just a twice yearly clean does it.

I tend to tie it in with winter prep and spring / summer prep (post winter)

Not heard of Auto Ultra.

Who supplies it and also who supplied the write up?
I do mine every weekend, maybe that's overkill! However I bought some Dr Leather liquid cleaner and I think it's a great product, it's not a conditioner so should be fine to use on the painted Dakota, just cleans and leaves the seats with a nice matt look.
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      06-15-2014, 04:57 AM   #5
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I have been using Gliptone leather conditioner and a clean 2 a year or so.

Will order some of that stuff and give it a shot.

Too much cleaning can bugger your seats up, it's not 'proper leather' and cleaning can strip top layer.


Had a mare yesterday, nice day, pre wash, washed car, dried it and got it ready to wax.
Put some SNH on roof or a large L shape only for it to throw it down.

Managed to save it this morning, only risked getting an even layer on the roof as it will rain.

So working for home one day next week and then wax it with 2 layers SNH and 1 blue velvet.

Bloody weather.
Bloody builders, as garage has all the conservatory stuff in it lol.

Last edited by ....,,,,..,,..; 06-15-2014 at 05:03 AM..
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      06-15-2014, 05:00 AM   #6
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I can second the Dr. Leather but just the wipes for me.
Frequency around every 6-8 weeks
I also use the gtecniq leather guard 6 monthly.

The Matt look is far better than when I first used the AG conditioner which does leave a very clean but glossy finish.

I only use it on the wife's car now which is black leather but to be fair the leather looks great after years of using the AG cleaner followed by AG conditioner.
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      06-15-2014, 05:04 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brigand View Post
I have been using Gliptone leather conditioner and a clean 2 a year or so.

Will order some of that stuff and give it a shot.

Too much cleaning can bugger your seats up, it's not 'proper leather' and cleaning can strip top layer.
I had the gliptone twins that I used on my M3 vadar seats. Worked a treat but then I came to use it again a couple of months after I bought it and the smell of the liquid was digusting. Must have gone off after the first use. Was pretty disappointed to say the least! Had to chuck it!
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      06-15-2014, 10:32 AM   #8
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How have you found the Gtechniq L1 in terms of protection? I have it order for my beige dakota leather. I will compromise on the feel if it protects from staining.

I also have the Gliptone twins (1l bottles, no rank smell here after 1+ years of use); i usually clean the leather with a damp microfibre with any interior clean and every few months it gets the Gliptone treatment. I'm always amazed how much crap comes off the leather when using the leather cleaner, but only had black leather. My brother has Oyster and that comes up nicely (with no other protection and young kids, after 2 years) so I do have hope!
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      06-15-2014, 11:25 AM   #9
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Yeah don't get me wrong the L1 is doing the job but it just doesn't feel how I would like. Going to apply a couple more coats and see how it feels afterwards.
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      06-15-2014, 02:42 PM   #10
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I swear by baby wipes, simple and effective
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      06-15-2014, 02:47 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Addinuff View Post
I swear by baby wipes, simple and effective
Yep, thats all we use.
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      06-21-2014, 11:26 AM   #12
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Have ordered some ultra protect, will see how it is.
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      06-21-2014, 02:30 PM   #13
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Just spoke to a pro detailer today.
He's detailing 10k -100k+ cars every day and he tells me he still uses a mild leather conditioner prior to protection.


"whilst don't doubt there is indeed some truth that the Dakota is not the finest leather quality in the world, coated or otherwise it can still dry up / crack / go saggy the same as an expensive leather can. As such, it needs conditioning from time to time to help with that - and I've not seen any evidence to suggest that a conditioner will harm it. Rumour mill based on no fact what so ever I'd suggest.."

I've seen photos of endless brand new BMW 135 for customer collections which have been through a 6-10 hour detail and I think I will buy some to try ...The replacement seat back I recently had fitted is a rougher finish than the original leather seats and definitely doesn't feel as nice.
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Last edited by Thackers; 06-21-2014 at 04:24 PM..
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      06-22-2014, 02:20 AM   #14
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Is the Dakota leather/quality/finish any different to the Exx v F30/F31?

Just wondering since everyone always used to clean and condition?
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