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Leather protector?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Firecapt1, Dec 29, 2021.

  1. Dec 29, 2021 at 6:55 PM
    #1
    Firecapt1

    Firecapt1 [OP] New Member

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    Just bought (back in July) a 2021 Tundra Crewmax Limited with leather seats. Has anyone found a good leather protectant that protects against drying, cracking, liquids, etc.? The seats are black so that might make a difference?

    I've been looking at the following products:

    Obenauf's Leather Oil

    Leatherique

    Jay Leno's Garage - Leather Cleaner - Leather Care

    Lexol Leather Care Kit Conditioner and Cleaner

    Hoping to hear from somebody that has found something that works and doesn't have any downside issues. I'd like to treat them now before problems develop.

    What say you all? :confused:
     
  2. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:25 PM
    #2
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
    There is a debate if it is even real leather in the Tundras. Most of these products wont properly absorb into synthetic leather if that is the case. I would probably go with Leno's from this list.
     
  3. Dec 29, 2021 at 10:58 PM
    #3
    Firecapt1

    Firecapt1 [OP] New Member

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    Saltyhero13,

    Thanks for the reply, supposed to be real leather but as you say might be synthetic. In either case, I'm trying to figure out what to use that will keep them protected and looking good. Another consideration would be: what can they be treated with that won't affect the clothes of the people that then sit on them?:boom:
     
  4. Dec 30, 2021 at 11:14 AM
    #4
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Just wipe off any excess and you'll be fine. Most modern leathers have a protective factory coating that will prevent the absorption of conditioners.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2021
  5. Dec 30, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #5
    Mgmtundra

    Mgmtundra MGM Crew

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    Leatherique works great, really gets the dirt out and softens leathers real nice. I use it yearly when it’s hot outside!
     
  6. Jan 9, 2022 at 4:48 PM
    #6
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    www.fouroneodetailing.com
    @Saltyhero13 is right. Modern "leather" seats have a layer embedded within them when manufactured that helps protect them against aging compared to true leather (think baseball gloves from the 90s). This layer prohibits any real "conditioning" from occurring as it does what it is designed to do, prevent absorption of foreign matter into the material. So anything you put on them will typically have a placebo affect and will only be a short-term "condition." I use Griot's 3-in-1 leather conditioning on a microfiber. It seems to add a bit of softness for the time being and reintroduces that "fresh leather" smell to give you the effect of conditioning. Most products will wear out after a couple months.
     
  7. Jan 9, 2022 at 4:58 PM
    #7
    Borador

    Borador New Member

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    I've used Lexol for three years and haven't had any issue with it on my 1794 interior.
     
  8. Jan 10, 2022 at 3:22 AM
    #8
    RitcheyRch

    RitcheyRch New Member

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    Another vote for Lexol.
     
    Bergy24 likes this.
  9. Jan 10, 2022 at 3:42 AM
    #9
    YouFallWeHaul

    YouFallWeHaul New Member

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    Second vote for the Griot's Garage leather conditioner. Their product smells like real leather and regular use keeps the leather soft and free from creases and cracks. Wipe on buff off, just like the old turtle wax. Have used this on cars I have owned for 12+ years and it definitely makes a difference.

    Caveat, if there is some kind of synthetic coating or additive on the factory leather, I'm not sure how that would affect this.
     
    coldcanuk likes this.
  10. Jan 10, 2022 at 4:00 AM
    #10
    bigblue14

    bigblue14 New Member

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    In the 2.5s, the limited is different than the platinum and 1794. I've been using lexol on my platinum and the seats look pretty good with almost 100k on them. The limited might be a pleather in which case the usual vinyl protections would work but would be slippery.
     
  11. Jan 10, 2022 at 4:01 AM
    #11
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    I use Lexol as well. Rather than wipe it on with a microfiber, I rub it in to the seats with my hands and wipe/buff away any excess with a micro fiber. It seems to soak into the seats more and not on the rag. I have noticed my seats are more soft after the application.
     
  12. Jan 10, 2022 at 6:16 AM
    #12
    thumper_racer

    thumper_racer New Member

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    Another vote for Lexol.
     
  13. Jan 10, 2022 at 6:28 AM
    #13
    bigblue14

    bigblue14 New Member

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    I usually condition my driver's seat twice. IDK if it's making a difference without a control but I figured better to go on the side of ridiculous and cautious. We pay a lot of money for these trucks so I intend to keep nice as long as possible.
     
    Bergy24[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jan 10, 2022 at 10:50 AM
    #14
    Firecapt1

    Firecapt1 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks everybody!:bowdown: You all have given me some great ideas on what works. My truck is parked outside all the time and even though I use a sunshade I figure that there will eventually be damage due to drying if I don't get out in front of the situation before it occurs.
     
  15. Jan 10, 2022 at 8:19 PM
    #15
    ErikTRDTUNDRA

    ErikTRDTUNDRA New Member

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    Just ordered Lexol for my 1794. Love this forum. The girlfriends TRD pro 4Runner should appreciate it as well. Thanks y’all
     
  16. Jan 11, 2022 at 6:11 PM
    #16
    ErikTRDTUNDRA

    ErikTRDTUNDRA New Member

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    Question, do you use the cleaner and conditioner on the entire seat or just the smooth leather? I also have a 1794 and curious how the lexol will work on the suede portion of the seat? Appreciate any input
     
  17. Jan 11, 2022 at 6:47 PM
    #17
    Johnsonman

    Johnsonman New Member

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    LED headlamps/fogs; interior footlamps.
    I've used lexol since about 2003 (came with a new camry) and have since used it on every leather vehicle.

    No cracks in the 03 camry's leather yet!
     
  18. Jan 11, 2022 at 6:50 PM
    #18
    bigblue14

    bigblue14 New Member

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    I don't have a 1794 but... I don't think you would want to use those on the suede.
     
    g6t9ed likes this.
  19. Jan 12, 2022 at 7:16 AM
    #19
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Fuel delete mod Cup holder upgrade
  20. Jan 12, 2022 at 8:02 AM
    #20
    g6t9ed

    g6t9ed Novice Tundra Modder

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  21. Jan 12, 2022 at 3:51 PM
    #21
    Borador

    Borador New Member

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    I just put in on the smooth leather, not on the suede. I've never had any issues with using it.
     
  22. Jan 12, 2022 at 3:52 PM
    #22
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Dr Beasley's makes some suede care items.
     
  23. Jan 12, 2022 at 4:03 PM
    #23
    Cock-A-Doddle-Do

    Cock-A-Doddle-Do New Member

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    For REAL leather Obenauf's or Lexol - the top 2 for REAL leather!
     
  24. Jan 12, 2022 at 4:23 PM
    #24
    TampaRD Pro

    TampaRD Pro Cunning Linguist

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    Former saddle maker and leatherworker, here. I have used Lexol on all my vehicles leather seats for 30 years, great stuff replenishes lanolin helps prevent cracking and sun damage. Will not hurt "pleather" or processed leather, either. Do not use on suede or napped (rough out) leather.
     
    ATV25 and Cock-A-Doddle-Do like this.
  25. Jan 12, 2022 at 5:04 PM
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    Devius1

    Devius1 5150 Member

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  26. Jan 13, 2022 at 4:24 PM
    #26
    ErikTRDTUNDRA

    ErikTRDTUNDRA New Member

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    This showed up today. Gonna hit the cowboy boots while I’m at it.

    87F4EF84-5C26-463C-8563-CBF1E05F64F1.jpg
     
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  27. Jan 13, 2022 at 5:21 PM
    #27
    ATV25

    ATV25 Young at heart

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    Need to try the Lexol
     
  28. Jan 13, 2022 at 6:19 PM
    #28
    Cuda021312

    Cuda021312 New Member

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    +1 on Leatherique. I've used Lexol and it is very good but nothing compares to Leatherique. You apply it generously and let it soak overnight. The next morning you'll see where the seats soak up the most as it is usually where the most contact is made with everyday use. It keeps the leather soft and durable.
     
  29. Jan 14, 2022 at 7:19 PM
    #29
    KingsAustin

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