So plenty of feedback on leather products... But what are those of you with light interiors using to get the scuffs of the kickplate and footwell.

They don't come off so easy!

 

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - works like a charm...

 

Yeah -- I use a magic eraser for the scuff marks on the kick plates. Then I wipe clean with just a damp rag and then use 303 Aero to protect the plastic bits.

 

An interesting article entitled "Caring for Leather Upholstery" in the trade publication, "Professional Carwashing & Detailing."*Dr. Herndon Jenkins,*an industry authority and Technical Director of the Lexol Division of Summit Industries, is the author.

“A Plastic Coating"

"Most of the leather upholstery in domestic cars of recent vintage is plastic coated.* The upper surface of such leather is ‘vinyl’.”*

“Leather upholstery in most European cars is 'naked' leather which has no protective finish.* The surface is that of the original hide. This leather 'breathes' and accepts conditioners applied to its surface.”

Dr. Jenkins explains how to tell the difference between “coated” and “naked" leather.* Referring to*coated leather he states, “Such leather can be identified by the failure of a drop of water applied to its surface to be absorbed into the leather after a few minutes.”

Contrasting the ability of naked leather to absorb conditioners (and water) with coated leather, Dr. Jenkins states:* “While vinyl-coated leather is care free by virtue of its protective plastic surface, it is also inaccessible for purposes of maintenance.”* Meaning, of course,*there is absolutely no point to using leather conditioners on plastic coated leather.

So, how should plastic coated leather be maintained?* According to Dr. Jenkins, “Such leather should be maintained exactly like vinyl upholstery.”

Dr. Jenkins*told us that in the years since the article was published coated leather has become more common than ever.* That now virtually 100% of leather upholstery in American and Asian-made cars is plastic coated.* Among European car makers naked leather upholstery is still much more common than with*U.S.*makes, but coated leather is becoming more prevalent there as well.

Trying to make sense of all this you might ask, “Where does that leave*me*on my car?”*

Well, you now know about vinyl coated leather.* And you know how to tell if your car’s leather is “coated” or “naked”, by testing with Dr. Jenkins'*water-drop absorbency trick.*

What we can’t help you with is your one question, “Why didn’t I know about this before?”*But we can take it from here on the subject of proper care for leather upholstery and interiors.

For “coated” or “finished” leather upholstery.* There is no better product for vinyl and other plastics than*303 Aerospace Protectant. We quote from the article: You care for coated leather “exactly like vinyl upholstery."**

For “naked” or “unfinished” leather*upholstery:* 303 would be remiss if we did not direct you for this information to Lexol and quote from their website, “Lexol - The most trusted name in leather care.”**Lexol - Trusted by professionals

 

So, what pieces of leather on our car are plastic coated? Lexol's Vinylex is a good product, I like it better than Lexol actually. I prefer Meguiars Hyper Dressing to Vinylex.

 

My understanding is that the pieces that touch our body are leather. If anyone has any other input, now would be a good time to jump in.

 

So Mr Clean Eraser is not at parts stores but WM. What is Aero 303?

 

Aero 303 is a protectant. For details and user reviews search Amazon.com in the automotive department.