So I was detailing the interior of my car this weekend... All was well, almost everything was cleaned up with 303 fabric and vinyl cleaner. I noticed a scuff mark on the vinyl of my driver side door panel so I proceded with the cleaner. I reapplied the cleaner multiple times with no results so after a few applications, I decided to leave the scuff mark alone. All is well until a couple of days later when I open my door in the sunlight and I notice that the color of the vinyl is faded (I guess I scrubbed too hard. I have a tan interior so it is not too noticible unless in direct light but it still does bother me. I guess my question here is if there is anyway to 'fix' the faded vinyl, and also if there is any better way to rid myself of the scuff mark.

And also, since I am posting, I've had a stain on my leather for a while now. I've tried Lexol cleaner on it but to no avail. I was thinking about purchasing some APC product for it but am unsure atm; any suggestions?

Sorry I can't take any pictures, I lost the charger to my camer.

 

If you've removed the dye from the vinyl you will need to re-dye it

What type of leather finish?
What type of stain?

 

scrub the rest of the panel so it all be same color.

 

I'm do not know what type of finish it is, nor do I know what kind of stain it is. The stain is reddish in color; it looks like a somewhat like a blood or ketchup stain but I'm unsure. And the leather is whatever type of leather the G35 comes with. The stain is located on the side of the front seat.

Also, how would you go about re-dying vinyl? Can it be done by yourself or does it have to be done professionally?

 

Try APC before you re-dye.

 

Wipe down the area with a damp micro fibre towel and remove blood stains using a 2:1 solution cold distilled water / Hydrogen peroxide, this will eliminate the blood and provide a disinfectant. Finally thoroughly rinse the area with a damp micro fibre towel as hydrogen peroxide will ‘bleach’ the leather if allowed to remain

 

It is important to be able to recognise the different materials used for vehicle upholstery as some OEM use different materials for the various surfaces (i.e. perforated leather for the seating areas, PVC bolsters and seat backs) Before choosing a product to clean or maintain interior surfaces you must be certain of the material used and wither it is Urethane covered or Aniline, as the correct product requirements are vastly different.

To identify the material used; (N-Nubuck / Alcantara®) (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) (P-Protected / Coated)

Leather however finished has to allow the movement of moisture back and forth so the use of water- based cleaners and protectors will maintain hydration, which is essential to keeping it in pristine condition.

(a)Protected leather ((P-Protected / Coated) - by slightly scratching it with your nail, if it changes to a darker / lighter shade, it is unprotected (i.e. how suede changes colour depending on the fibres' orientation). If this has little effect it’s protected. If water ‘beads’ on the surface, or if cleaners and conditioners remain on the surface. It is (polyurethane) protected leather as liquids will not penetrate this type of surface; it will also have an even shine.

(b) Aniline (Natural) leather (A-Aniline / Non-Coated) Aniline Leather is coloured all the way through with a transparent dye. The effect is applied by immersing the leather in a dye bath. Because the finish is transparent and shows the natural markings of the leather, only top quality hides can be used. It has a random shade colours and grain pattern; lightly scratch the surface to see if it reveals a lighter colour, water drops will darken its colour (temporarily).

(c) Nubuck, Alcantara® (N-Nubuck / Alcantara® ) - are top-grain cattle hide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibres, producing a velvet-like surface. It is very soft to the touch will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original colour after drying.

(d) Nappa Leather (A-Aniline // Non-Coated ) – a very soft, full grain (uncoated) leather made from an un-split sheepskin, lambskin, or kidskin, usually tanned with alum and chromium salts and dyed throughout, water drops will darken its colour (temporarily).

(e) Vinyl - will have a much more even, almost repeating pattern. The depth of the lines within the grain on vinyl is also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary; it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch. water drops will remain (unchanged) on its surface

The common denominator for all the above surface finishes is that they all require protection from ultra violet (UV) radiation

An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved