Materials
Technology
Automotive OEM
technology is becoming more and more complex requiring educated and skilled
technicians to work on them. As the materials used are constantly changing we
must maintain our knowledge base and utilize the correct products and
application methodologies to keep up with emerging technologies.
Be
cognizant that the leather and finishes used for automotive upholstery varies
from leather industry standard descriptions and although the names are similar
the type of leather, pigmentation and finish are often very different. Si it is
very important to be able to recognise the various finishes and materials used
by OEM’s as they all require different methodologies and products for proper
care and maintenance.
Automobile model ranges use
different materials for their vehicles interiors; leather upholstery like
Aniline Immersion Dyed, Aniline Micro Pigmented, (Urethane) Finished,
Artificial leather such as MB-Tex and unfinished materials like Synthetics and
Alcantara, and sometimes combinations of products (Alcantara seat inserts on
leather seating) as well as various grades of leather hide, full-grain,
top-grain and split –grain (which is protected with urethane) all of which
require different products and applications methods.
Alcantara® Cleaning and Care
Alcantara® Ultra suede™,
Ecsaine, Micro suede, etc.) are not types of leather but are in fact in
synthetic materials, it can be described as an artificial substitute for suede
leather, made from extremely fine polyester micro fibre (68% polyester and 32%
urethane) it has the appearance and tactile feel similar to that of suede, and
it may be incorrectly identified as such.
Alcantara is a trade name
given to a composite material used to cover surfaces and forms in a variety of
applications. It can be described as an artificial substitute for suede
leather. The material was developed in the early 1970s by Miyoshi Okamoto, a
scientist working for the Japanese chemical company Toray Industries, as a
variation of their other product Ultra suede produced around the same time.
Around 1972, a joint venture between Italian chemical company ENI and Toray
formed Alcantara SpA in order to manufacture and distribute the material
Ultra suede or Alcantara is
finding application in seating as well as dash trimming, steering wheel
covering and headliners in many high-end OEM automotive applications
Synthetic fabrics are often
manufactured with a brushed or napped finish to resemble suede leather. These
products often provide a similar look and feel to suede, but have advantages
such as increased liquid or stain resistance, and may appeal to consumers who
prefer a non-animal product.
Identifying characteristics - these materials are
very soft to the touch and will scratch or scuff very easily.
The water-drop absorbency test-
water drops will darken the surface and will remain dark or leave a water mark
after drying.
Water absorbency rate – high,
due to the potential damage caused by water foam cleaners are highly
recommended
Well known for its use in
top marque automobiles such as Aston Martin, BMW and Ferrari, this material is
both hard wearing, luxurious and stylish. Suede is rarely used for automobile
upholstery, however Nubuck or a synthetic known as Alcantara® or Ultra suede™ is
commonly found in sports luxury vehicles; on the steering wheel, armrests and
seat inserts both for aesthetic purposes and grip (on the seats and steering
wheel) and the headliner, it is highly absorbent, creating a texture similar to
velvet, many people confuse this product with suede leather.
Often a ‘worn’
Alcantara ® covering is caused by the nap becoming flattened, in most cases it
can be revived simply by cleaning with the correct chemicals and using a
napping brush. As a general rule when cleaning Alcantara ®, etc. you should
only to use products specifically designed for this type of fabric. Avoid using
a product designed for cleaning leather. It's also important to do a patch test
before cleaning any fabric to make sure the colour or integrity of the fabric
won't be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an inconspicuous
area to see what the effect will be.
Use a napping
brush to raise the pile and loosen / separate the fibres. Remove pilling with a
single-sided razor blade and then apply a suitable cleaning solution on to an
applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (do not
over-wet the fabric or use wet steam).
Cleaning
Localized stains can be
treated with a Limonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash)
ensure surface is dry before use by leaving window cracked/open. Avoid alcohol,
strong solvents or spirit based cleaners (particularly Perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene).
When cleaning a surface with finished leather / Alcantara, tape of the
Alcantara to avoid cross contamination by products.
General stain removal standards
·
act immediately
·
reduce the stain by working from the edge towards the centre, in
order to avoid spreading
·
gently remove most of the dirt using a knife or spoon and blot
immediately with a clean white cloth
·
once the stain has been spotted, act in accordance with the
instructions in the table
·
if using a solvent, never apply directly to the stained
material, but on a clean terry weave
towel
·
after applying the stain remover, remove with a clean, dry
cloth, then brush in the opposite direction to pile lay
·
allow to dry thoroughly
·
when dry restore pile with a soft brush
Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner
(N-Nubuck / Alcantara ®, Ecsaine, Micro
suede and Perforated Aniline leather ) that is designed to gently lift general soiling without
any need for significant wetting of the surfaces being cleaned. A solvent free
pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general
soiling and water based stains on Alcantara ®, Nubuck, brushed aniline suede
and perforated leathers. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area. This
cleaner is an aerosol version of Leather
Master™ Strong Cleaner.
Application - after
removing any loose dirt or dust by brushing the nap with a soft napping brush
to loosen and separate the fibres, especially on areas that have become matted
with body oils, constantly moving the brush to avoid over scrubbing one spot,
remove pilling carefully with a single-sided razor or battery operated fuzz remover.
Always
pre-test the product on a hidden area. Shake the container thoroughly. Spray
the product at a distance of 12 inches from the leather to one section at a
time, and allow to remain in place for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Foam
contains a surfactant that will lift dirt and soil.
Then gently
agitate surface with the sponge, rinsing frequently and adding more product as
required. For heavily soiled areas, or where the leather has become ingrained
such as in creases in the leather, a soft brush can be used to agitate and
loosen the dirt.
Remove excess
product and debris with a clean, damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel. If the
foam is allowed to dry the soil will be re-deposited to the surface. Check the
results and repeat process as necessary. Air dry seating areas or steering
wheel with a low-heat airgun/ hairdryer
Vapour
Steam Cleaning
A system that produces a
high temperature, low moisture vapour (VX 5000 Steam Vapor System ) that
contains only 5% to 6% water and is much less dense than air, a steam vapour
system is equipped to safely produce thousands of gallons of live dry steam
using only about 1.5 quarts of water per hour.
The use of a vapour steamer
for the vehicles interior materials is a helpful addition. Steam vapour
introduces very little moisture into the fabrics and materials, using distilled
water that will ensure no minerals are added however wet vacuum ‘extraction for
use on heavily soiled fabric, mats and carpets cannot be bettered. Be cognizant
that when working with upholstery / foam too much moisture will allow the foam
to remain wet deep down and this affects the mild steel within the seat as well
and prolonged contact with the stitching, which may cause it to rot.
Steam vapour is also
hygienic when using distilled water that will ensure no minerals are added to
kill bacteria and germs, disinfect surfaces as it kills mould spores, musty
smells, bacteria and the smell of tobacco nicotine and smoke. Steam vapour is
able to reach many places that a wet vacuum / extractor cannot access.
Methodology
- apply a cleaner to a sponge, work up foam and apply to the
surface, then pass the steamer just above the top of the area just cleaned and
lightly agitate with a terry weave towel, then wipe dry with a clean terry
weave towel. Steam vapour helps to emulsify the grime, while the terry weave
towel encapsulates it.
Stains
Localized stains can be
treated with a Limonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash)
ensure surface is dry before use by leaving window cracked/open. Avoid alcohol,
strong solvents or spirit based cleaners (particularly Perchloroethylene and
trichloroethylene). When cleaning a surface with finished leather / Alcantara,
tape of the Alcantara to avoid cross contamination by products.
Use a napping brush to raise
the pile and loosen / separate the fibres. Remove pilling with a single-sided
razor blade and then apply a suitable cleaning solution on to an applicator pad
and apply to one area at a time (do not over-wet the fabric or use wet steam).
General stain removal standards
·
act immediately
·
reduce the stain by working from the edge towards the centre, in
order to avoid spreading
·
gently remove most of the dirt using a knife or spoon and blot
immediately with a clean white cloth
·
once the stain has been spotted, act in accordance with the
instructions in the table
·
if using a solvent, never apply directly to the stained
material, but on a clean terry weave
towel
·
after applying the stain remover, remove with a clean, dry
cloth, then brush in the opposite direction to pile lay
·
allow to dry thoroughly
·
when dry restore pile with a soft brush
Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner
(N-Nubuck / Alcantara ®, Ecsaine, Micro
suede and Perforated Aniline leather ) that is designed to gently lift general soiling without
any need for significant wetting of the surfaces being cleaned. A solvent free
pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general
soiling and water based stains on Alcantara ®, Nubuck, brushed aniline suede
and perforated leathers. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area. This
cleaner is an aerosol version of Leather
Master™ Strong Cleaner.
Application - after
removing any loose dirt or dust by brushing the nap with a soft napping brush
to loosen and separate the fibres, especially on areas that have become matted
with body oils, constantly moving the brush to avoid over scrubbing one spot,
remove pilling carefully with a single-sided razor or battery operated fuzz
remover.
Always
pre-test the product on a hidden area. Shake the container thoroughly. Spray
the product at a distance of 12 inches from the leather to one section at a
time, and allow to remain in place for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Foam
contains a surfactant that will lift dirt and soil.
Then gently
agitate surface with the sponge, rinsing frequently and adding more product as
required. For heavily soiled areas, or where the leather has become ingrained
such as in creases in the leather, a soft brush can be used to agitate and
loosen the dirt.
Remove excess
product and debris with a clean, damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel. If the
foam is allowed to dry the soil will be re-deposited to the surface. Check the
results and repeat process as necessary. Air dry seating areas or steering
wheel with a low-heat airgun/ hairdryer
Protection
Leather Master™ Nubuck Eco
Protector (N-Nubuck / Alcantara®) Nubuck
/Suede Protectant are a water based product for highly sensitive leathers
fibrous materials, it took several years to perfect, and was difficult to
formulate due to the potential damage caused by water. It may be used on
furniture, clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Eco-Protector provides an
oil, water and alcohol barrier on Nubuck and suede. This unique formula is a
step forward from the previous Leather Master Aerosol protectant. In fact, it
has several advantages over all aerosol protectants - non-flammable and very
safe for consumer use, environmentally safe, solvent free formula.
Application Instructions:
If needed, pre-clean with Leather
Master™ Foam Cleaner (N-Nubuck /
Alcantara® ®, Ecsaine, Micro
suede and Perforated Aniline leather )
is a solvent free pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the
cleaning of general soiling and water based stains on Alcantara® ®, Nubuck, brushed aniline suede and
perforated leathers. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area.
This cleaner
is an aerosol version of Leather Master™ Strong Cleaner.
•
Adjust spray to finest mist setting and spray no less than 12
inches from the surface of the leather.
•
It is much better to apply two light coats than a single heavy
application.
•
Allow leather to completely dry. You may speed this up with a
hair dryer on mild heat.
•
Lightly rub over the surface with a terry covered sponge to
maximize & restore the surface.
•
Reapply every 6 months after cleaning.
Maintenance- in order to preserve
your upholstery, vigorous cleaning of accumulated dirt should be avoided as
dirt / grit is abrasive and may damage the finish.
It is therefore recommended
that regular cleaning is carried out by brushing seating areas with a soft
upholstery brush and then vacuuming to remove dust and loose dirt. Avoid
rubbing too strongly. The use of vapour steam is preferred. (Do not use wet
steam or 303 Space Protectant on Alcantara®)
Weekly:
Dust the fabric
using a soft upholstery brush, and then vacuum. Then run a lightly damp 100%
cotton micro fibre towel over the surface to remove any small dust particles.
Alternative products - Swissvax
Alcantara Cleaner
I hope the
above article was informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and
‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand
how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.
Questions
and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated
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© 2002 - 2012 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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