I thought I'd read that in our models, the leather seats have a sealant that makes Connolly HIde Care and Conditioner inappropriate? Or is it just one and not the other? I had heard it was for leather in older models. True?

Advice? Alternative treatments? My leather is in pretty good shape but always on the eye out for good spring cleaning and feeding process.

Thanks. Stay well! If I'm housebound, I need to read this forum!

 

I have not heard that, as a matter of fact X308's are notorious for the seats drying and cracking. I use McGuire's on mine and it absorbs it.

 

Hi Len,

I would suggest testing the Connolly Hide Care and Conditioner in an inconspicuous spot, such as the underside of an arm rest or the front edge of a seat cushion. I think you will find that it works just fine.

My favorite leather conditioner is Leatherique Rejuvinator. It's not cheap and isn't carried in local stores, but it works really well, and unlike most conditioners, it helps float imbedded dirt out of the pores and up to the surface where it can be easily cleaned away. Unlike most cleaning and conditioning systems, with Leatherique you condition first to help float the dirt up, then clean, then condition again. Leatherique's cleaner is called Prestine Clean, and it is very good, but any of the good water-based cleaners are fine, used with a damp cloth or sponge (I've used several successfully - Griot's, Meguiar's, Lexol, Gliptone, Mother's, Eagle One, Jaguar/Connolly, etc.). Once the leather is clean and dry again, I apply more Rejuvinator every hour until no more can be absorbed, then wipe away the excess and allow it to dry overnight. You'll know if you apply conditioner to any vinyl surfaces because it won't soak in at all.

Leatherique advertises that Rejuvinator can soften cardboard-hard leather, and I proved this true on our '88 XJ40. Another thing I like about Rejuvinator is that it will not darken light-colored leather as some conditioners will.

By the way, a lot of our members assumed the heavily-coated leather in the X350s could not be conditioned, but Rejuvinator soaks right in, as do the conditioners from Gliptone and Zaino (which I alternate with Rejuvinator). The dyes used on Jaguar leather are similar to latex paint, but remain porous on the leather.

I think your Connolly hide food should work fine on your X308. Please let us know.

Cheers,

Don

 

Don, You are a terrific resource. Thank you. Do all the brands you mentioned have similar power to expell soil from the leather pores? What has been your experience?

 

Don, You are a terrific resource. Thank you. Do all the brands you mentioned have similar power to expell soil from the leather pores? What has been your experience?

 

Hi Len,

All the water-based cream leather cleaners I've tried seem to be very similar and work well to remove dirt from the surface of the leather. I think the one I'm currently using is Gliptone. The advantage of using the Leatherique Rejuvinator first is that its thin, oily consistency penetrates deeply into the pores and helps float imbedded dirt up to the surface. Most creamy conditioners seem to be more apt to seal imbedded dirt in the pores.

One thing I've learned is that you really do want to follow the manufacturer's instructions for any product you apply to your leather, since their procedures sometimes vary. And when a damp cloth or sponge is called for, use just enough water to help the cleaning process without getting the leather too wet. I use distilled water just to reduce the risk of leaving mineral stains on the leather.

Cheers,

Don

 

I don't know if it's still that way, but the older hide care jars were great at maintaining the factory sweet leather smell.

 

Some folks like the smell of the Gliptone conditioner, and one U.K.-based friend at the Jag-Lovers forum says it reminds him of an "old English gentleman's club." To my nose it's a bit strong and doesn't smell like original Jaguar leather, but it's not bad either. In that regard, I prefer the smell of the Zaino leather conditioner. Leatherique Rejuvinator doesn't impart much of a smell at all, which may be a disadvantage or advantage depending on your perspective, but it's one reason I use the Zaino or Gliptone from time to time.

 

I have used Zaino leather product for several years, and I highly recommend them. I use their leather cleaner, and then rub the conditioner into the leather. I really like the smell, and I believe it keeps the leather in good condition. I use it on the seats, dash, console, door panels, arm rests, etc, some of which are vinyl surfaces. Good stuff. I've tried a few others, just to see if I might be missing something, but I always come back to Zaino, and I haven't strayed for a long time.

 

I have yet to find anything that feeds the leather better, adds moisture better than...

Cadillac boot and shoot care liquid.

https://www.myshoesupplies.com/produ...EaAt5kEALw_wcB

 

I'm a detailing geek. Will have to try out the Leatherique. I've been using Wolfgang leather conditioner and Pinnacle leather conditioner. I find them both to work pretty good.

 

Try the Leatherique Rejuvinator. Don't bother with their Prestine Clean cleaner - other cleaners are just as good and less expensive.

I do highly recommend Leatherique's dyes and crack filler. I've repaired a lot of leather with them and they're very good, though not cheap.