So I recently bought Leatherique Prestine Clean and Rejuvinator Oil for my black leather seats.

They did a pretty good job of removing the dirt, but the seats still seem faded (I'm comparing to my back seats which look brand new).

Also, the process wasn't as miraculous as the reviews (maybe because most of the restored seats were tan).

I searched through the forum, and some say that the leatherique should restore faded leather, but it didn't for me.

What I want to know is if there is some kind of light dye - as in not a full blown dye where I need to take the seats out and spray them, but just use a towel to rub in and wipe off the excess.

I would think something exists, because crappy products like armor all get rid of the fade, but they bring a wet look and a slippery surface, which I don't want.

Anyone have any suggestions (before/after pics of black leather would help too)?

 

Wow, that's a great question, thanks for asking, I've often wondered myself.

 

Leather used in Automobiles

The most fundamental question to be answered before you clean or care for leather is to establish the type of leather used in the vehicle and / or finish applied (natural, pigmented, vinyl, urethane coated, and etc) as the methodologies are very specific for each type of leather / finish applied

Automotive leather care is a subject surrounded with misinformation and myth. Products such as leather (Saddle) soaps, oil-based Conditioners, Neat-foot oil, and Hide Food still prevail as top sellers, albeit most are made for equestrian tack. These are very different leathers with drastically differing care requirements. The exact reason for this type of misapplication is unclear.

It’s possible that there is an association with old world quality (i.e. European automobiles with leather upholstery and real burl wood interiors) with these types of products, despite the fact that the automotive industry has been using water-based polyurethane covered pigmented leather for many years.

As materials and production methods that are used change; we need to adapt our product usage and application methodologies to change with them

If you tell me what type of leather and the applied finish is applicable to your vehicle's upholstery, perhaps I can help you with suitable products / methods (One size fits all is just a vendor's marketing myth)

 

It could be that the dye is being rubbed off. I've never experience this with any car buy have heard of it happening.