Is a non-organic (synthetic) leather-like finish material that has an even, almost repeating pattern, it also has a protective coating applied. It also has micro-pores that allow evaporation and hydration (the passage of water vapour through a membrane or pore) they are not sealed per se as some chemicals penetrate it easily; others stay on top dependent upon their molecule size.
MB-Tex and Artico [: a plastic fabric made to look like leather] are probably the best known of this type of material that can imitate leather as they imprint a grain pattern into it; the depth of the lines within the grain that also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary widely. Artificial leather usually has single stitching; whereas leather uses double stitching, as leather is thicker.
· Identifying characteristics - it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch.
· The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will ‘bead’ on the surface
· Absorbency rate –Low
· Scratch - artificial leather scratches easily
BMW Leatherette sometimes referred to as Poromerics (a term coined by DuPont)
Is an imitation leather are a group of synthetic ‘breathable’ leather substitutes made from plastic coating (usually polyurethane) on a fibrous base layer (typically polyester) Including Naugahyde, the fabric can be made of a natural or a synthetic fibre which is then covered with a soft PVC layer, which is a lighter, more flexible and less restrictive material than leather. This kind of material is easy to clean, requiring the owner to simply wipe it off occasionally with a cloth dipped in a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
a) Leather Master Car Interior Clean & Care Mousse - is formulated to deep clean vinyl, rubber, and plastics and restore the colour and like-new appearance. It works well on the dashboard, door panels, console, and interior trim. It leaves an anti-static, non-sticky surface that looks like new.
As it cleans, it also conditions synthetic materials to enhance the colour and restore a new, supple look. The foam that drips less on vertical door panels and seat backs, use a microfiber applicator or towel to apply the mousse to your vehicle.
b) 1z Plastic Cleaner (Plastik-Reiniger) - an intensive, non-corrosive, non-acidic two-phase deep cleaner that removes grime build-up, scuff marks, bitumen (tar) and nicotine thoroughly and effortlessly with dust-resistant anti-static action. Safely cleans all clear and colored automotive plastic interior fittings such as dash, trim, door panels, navigation/audio screens, steering wheel, and pedals. It leaves a long-lasting matt finish with fresh citrus scent. The perfect everyday cleaner for interior plastic surfaces, it’s a mild cleaner to prevent the drying of these porous surfaces, yet it is effective at removing body oils and grime on a regular basis.
Use to clean armrests, door handles, shift knobs, vinyl seats, pedals, dashboard, storage compartments, tires, rocker panels, wheel wells, and etc. Water-based formula is biodegradable, silicone and formalin-free as well as environmentally friendly.
Protection - even though this material is not real leather, it can definitely crack and distort, with Einszett 1z Cockpit Premium” for use on clean or pre-cleaned vinyl or synthetic leather, it provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish Dust-resistant and retards the fading effects of UV rays to keep synthetic leather and vinyl looking like new.
UV protection is a sacrificial/renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition) especially on convertibles/roadsters
Application - Spray 303 Space Protectant onto a clean 100% cotton micro fibre towel , agitate it well and then allow it to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean 100% cotton micro fibre towel buff it ensure it permeates and to remove any residue
Note: This product has only minimal cleaning ability; so it should only be used on pre-cleaned surfaces
Vinyl - is a non-organic (synthetic) material that has an even, almost repeating pattern. Vinyl can imitate leather as they imprint a grain pattern into it; the depth of the lines within the grain on vinyl is also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary.
Alternatively, go to your local vehicle dealership along with the vehicle identification number (VIN), they can advise you of the options fitted.
The common denominator for all the above surface finishes is that they all require specific products in accordance with the finish; not forgetting protection from ultra violet (UV) radiation
Leatherette (Pleather) sometimes referred to as Poromerics (a term coined by DuPont) an imitation leather are a group of synthetic ‘breathable’ leather substitutes made from plastic coating (usually polyurethane) on a fibrous base layer (typically polyester) Including Naugahyde, the fabric can be made of a natural or a synthetic fibre which is then covered with a soft PVC layer, which is a lighter, more flexible and less restrictive material than leather. This kind of material is easy to clean, requiring the owner to simply wipe it off occasionally with a cloth dipped in a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
Periodically clean using a 1:10 solution of P21S Total Auto Wash and distilled water to remove dirt build-up thoroughly and effortlessly, these chemicals restore the original texture and resiliency; use to clean all polyurethane covered automotive upholstery; this product is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Protection - even though this material is not real leather, it can definitely crack and distort, with Einszett 1z Cockpit Premium safely cleans all clear and colored automotive plastic interior fittings such as dash, trim, door panels, navigation/audio screens, steering wheel, and pedals. It leaves a long-lasting matt finish with fresh citrus scent. The perfect everyday cleaner for interior plastic surfaces, it’s a mild cleaner to prevent the drying of these porous surfaces, yet it is effective at removing body oils and grime on a regular basis.
Application - Spray onto a clean micro fibre towel, agitate it well and then allow it to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Finally using a clean micro fibre towel buff it to ensure it permeates
Three Step Care
All finishes have to allow '(evaporation and hydration) ' - the flow of moisture back and forth, the important considerations for proper leather care; is as much about (a) the state/condition of the leather you are dealing with (b) methodology used (c) product. Cleaning is a combination of all these
(a) Clean - as dirt/grit and subsequent friction causes the finish to wear.
(b) Hydrated - use water-based products that do not contain oils and/or waxes, check the label if they do then don't use them. Clean surfaces with a damp towel.
(c) Protected - is essential as it will protect the surface finish and makes dirt easier to clean off and an ultra violet protective product (UVR) will preserve the finish.
Leather is very dynamic with respect to its moisture content; the leather hides needs to be kept supple. The purpose of rehydration is to restore moisture lost through evaporation, so whatever the surface finish, it has to allow the movement of moisture back and forth (evaporation and hydration). So the use of water- based cleaners and protectors will maintain hydration, which is essential to keeping it in pristine condition.
I hope this article has helped you to understand that little bit more about the leather finish in your vehicle's upholstery and how to care for it correctly
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