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      11-01-2008, 01:25 PM   #1
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what to use to condition leather (black)

just wondering as I took my Meguiars aloe leather conditioner the other day on a small area in the back, and it didn't seem to work out.
looked a different color sort of, like it didn't absorb.
got scared and figured I should ask before making a mes

anyone?
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      11-01-2008, 01:28 PM   #2
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I use Malco Leather Conditioner. The detailers here got me hooked on it and it lasts about a month in between applications.
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      11-01-2008, 01:33 PM   #3
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cool, will it be ok on the black?
also, where do you get it?
thanks.
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      11-01-2008, 01:37 PM   #4
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what about the zanio or bmw leather cleaner??
just worried cause it's black...
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      11-01-2008, 01:40 PM   #5
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I have been using Zaino for years. It conditions nicely, smells great. Also, remember, you don't need to condition the leather very often. I do mine every few months.
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      11-01-2008, 01:41 PM   #6
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so this is the z10?
I'm going to order some now... is this safe for the black?

seems like black is sensitive
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      11-01-2008, 10:09 PM   #7
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this what the pro's use. i have never met a proffesional who uses zaino.

http://www.carcareonline.com/detail....oduct_id=10705
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      11-02-2008, 12:23 AM   #8
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Lexol works well and I've used it for years on black leather (including in an E46 M3 and now my E90 M3).

I've heard good things about Prima Nourish as well. I bought some to try it, but have not used it yet.
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      11-02-2008, 04:57 AM   #9
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Ok spanner in the works for all of you Glipton .... this stuff is the best for leather and iv tried all of the above mentioned apart from the Presta (its not easy to get in th UK)
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      11-02-2008, 01:35 PM   #10
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wow, lots of different answers lol

maybe its best to just leave it alone, however leather if not conditioned at all, especially here in Fla., over time will look bad...
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      11-02-2008, 03:40 PM   #11
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All the products will do a good job im sure, there all being recommended by some one using them on there own or others cars, just remember some products work better for others than some

So pick what works best for you, i would say put some sort of conditioner on tho,
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      11-02-2008, 03:42 PM   #12
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is it just me or does it seem that the leather feels very plasticky? when i was trying to clean it it felt almost like a waxy vinyl feel, so im unsure of how effective conditioning is.
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      11-02-2008, 06:15 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Heat00 View Post
wow, lots of different answers lol

maybe its best to just leave it alone, however leather if not conditioned at all, especially here in Fla., over time will look bad...
you MUST condition the leather in a regular basis. If not, you will start seeing terrible cracks in no time.

As already mentioned, a lot of conditioners are good. Zaino (cleaner AND conditioner) is a good option. You can clean the leather once a month and condition it every 2 weeks.

I have been using the BMW conditioner that works great and has a great smell. I usually apply it every 1-2 weeks and my leather is better than new. has NO creases. NONE. (and is fox red)

If your leather is in good condition, just start applying the BMW every 2 weeks and you will notice a big improvement.

If you have any questions, just ask.
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      11-02-2008, 06:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Heat00 View Post
so this is the z10?
I'm going to order some now... is this safe for the black?

seems like black is sensitive
I believe it is z10. I have been using this on the black interiors of my M3 and Escalade and works great.
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      11-03-2008, 06:03 AM   #15
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great thanks again..
I'm going to either go with the bmw or the zaino... either should be fine according to all of you
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      11-03-2008, 02:48 PM   #16
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I've used both the Lexol and the Zaino, both with good results on black leather. I only apply conditioner every few months.
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      11-03-2008, 08:20 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TLud View Post
I only apply conditioner every few months.
That's how it should be. Too much conditioning and the leather can't "breathe".
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      11-04-2008, 06:01 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpineweissM3 View Post
That's how it should be. Too much conditioning and the leather can't "breathe".
since when leather breath???? that's new
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      11-04-2008, 07:34 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpineweissM3 View Post
That's how it should be. Too much conditioning and the leather can't "breathe".
Natural leather as we know it is dead skin of an animal that has been processed. Everyone agrees? The conditioner what does is lubricate those queratin fibers and dead cells.

When leather gets dry, it will crack, and you get stuck with a damaged leather. The first stage of a crack is a crease (which usually can be reverted by hydrating that leather).

It will also loose elasticity and will stretch easily.

I have cared the leather of all my cars with conditioner at least every month and after years, they have all looked like new. In the M3, this is even more vital, as the leather is much "softer" and will crack easily. One of the complains that people have is that it really creases easily.

See posts and photos: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...leather+crease
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      11-04-2008, 08:24 PM   #20
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You are free to condition as much as you see fit.

I prefer to follow the guidelines of these guys who seem to know leather quite well:

http://www.leatherz.com/leathercare2.htm
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      11-05-2008, 05:01 PM   #21
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Well, I'm based on my experience and what I have seen in other people's car during the years. Also, by the experience of detailers

You really don't know how much this guys know about leather.

One thing you can do to compare is treating half of your back seat every 4 months and the other half every 4 weeks. The idea is to expose the leather to the same conditions, including light, sun exposure and amount of times that people sit in it.
The same can be done with the driver's seat. (left Vs right side).

After one year you will be able to compare.
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      11-05-2008, 05:02 PM   #22
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One more thing.. I'm talking about CONDITIONER, not cleaner.
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