I have a 2000 xk8 and my driver seat is just beginning to show signs of wear and light surface cracking. I have heard of a process that fills in the cracks and then restained. I have also heard from a person that does this application that it does not last on jaguar leather.

Has anyone used this process and did it work? Do you know the material or process name you used that worked?

Thank you

Brian

 

Visit the Leatherique web site. They sell the crack filler and dye as well as cleaning and restoration materials. I have used their products and in my opinion they are good for a vehicle that sees limited use, maybe 5K mi/yr. But with higher use the crack filler doesn't perform miracles. It's not hard to repeat the process every few years to keep the seats presentable.

I have just replaced my covers with Tops on line leather and am very impressed. It's not very difficult for the older style seats without separate headrests, but the newer seatbacks require a lot of hog rings and more patience.

 

I just noticed the comment about not lasting. That has a lot to do with preparation. I sanded mine with 120 grit until a little leather was showing through the dye, then scrubbed with a medium scotchbrite and acetone to remove most of the original dye. This allowed the leatherigue dye to penetrate.

 

I have now restored two leather interiors with the Leatherique products and can say nothing but great things about not only the products but the support that George provides over the phone.

Here is the black interior including one seat that has some cracks. While not fatal, they were pretty severe. After 3 years the seats still look great.



Volvos That RUN - Chapter 17 - Interior restoration - Turbobricks Forums

Here is the tan restoration. This leather was in better shape than the black but now looks as new.



Turbobricks Forums - View Single Post - Brand new '81 262C Bertone Coupe . . .

Both of these cars are over 30 years old.

 

If it is just beginning to show, I would be hesitant to use the filler. Try a good cleaning, a light spray re-dye and a good conditioner after it is all dry. In fact, you might be surprised with how much a good cleaning and recondition will do for it.

Once you use the filler, it will be hard for the leather to ever close that crack again.

Check out the info on leatherique and gliptone. Both good products and the Gliptone site has tones of info.