I got a quote to refresh my driver's seat and it came in at 250 dollars. A little too much for this particular car so I attempted it my self. Some photos and links to the product I used. The color match is very good and I just wiped on layer after layer with a microfiber towel. Would probably have better results with a foam brush or their spray can option. I ordered the LT. Beige/Champagne for my SEL color code.
https://classicleatherdye.com/products/jaguar-leather-and-vinyl-dye-colors#Jaguar_XJ_2008

 

Nice work, the seat looks much better now

 

Just a note that my drivers seat ONLY (SEL code I think) was "sticky", so I tried cleaning it with everything, so-called leather conditioners then with Methylated Spirits. When colour started coming off on the cloth, I knew when to stop!
Leather restoration is a job for Professionals...and jmotsch!

 

I'm currently in the middle of redying the leather a different colour altogether going from ivory to black and red, I disagree that its a job for professionals, as long as you research the process thoroughly and take your time. Thoroughly cleaning the leather with a leather prep solution not a general leather cleaner using an rough scourer type pad which will remove dirt, any protective coats as well as some of the existing dye, wipe all this clean using a 99.9% alcohol solution and your good to go with building up the layers of leather dye.Ive attached pictures of my progress so far and I believe it's easily doable by just about anyone if you put the time in.

From stock ivory

To red and black, i have ow taken the centre armrest out to dye that properly

Centre armrest redyed




From centre armest first coat

Front centre armrest all done

 

@Mark M YOU'RE THE MAN! very nice! very unique! How much time did you invest in this project?

 

I'm currently into my 4th day on it but not working on it all day, still got the front seats, centre console, and dash to do as well as removing and recovering the headliner, A,B, and C pillars and rear parcel shelf, and respraying all the ivory/cream coloured plastic parts either nlack or red

 

That is quite a project but looks very cool. Makes me want to start customizing. I thought it was going to be much more difficult than it actually was. Definatley doable for just about anyone.

 

clean the leather thoroughly and take the time and it goes on well, I've been using Scratch Doctor leather prep, alcohol cleaner, and all in one colourant in black and bright red

 

Looks good. A 50/50 solution of Vinegar and water and a microfiber towel will pull out the dirt pretty well from leather.

 

Well done. Your efforts are paying off. Unfortunately, if it takes you 4 days to do the rear seat I would have to plan on a full week for me to do a seat just in black. Everything now takes me about 3 times as long as it did when I first got my XJ. That does not take into account the additional time I will spend trying to find all the small pieces I remove and store safely in small containers or baggies.

I am sure you car feels loved. Good job. Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

That is 4 days with working etc as well so probably much quicker if you dedicated entire day to it I'm sure