Leatherique Custom Dye Issues

Ooof.

 

I had a similar problem 5 or so years ago. The color I ordered came in with too much red in it to match what I wanted to dye. I fixed it myself but will not use them again.

 

I have heard the same about them but, I have not had a reason yet to use them. Next time I have a need I will probably try them because of the responses that I have seen

 

They are not the same anymore, poor customer service and deny any problems of their product. Won't use them again

 

I have used them several times (5), and found only 1 perfect match. The other times, I would do the entire interior so they all match the new slightly off color. I would use them again but my color match expectation is low.

 

Colour matching aged leather is an exact art and can only be done to a high standard in situ with the car, and in good light. Based on the picture i would agree with Leatherique in that not enough " matting " agent was not mixed with the colour.
Do Leatherique supply a " matt finishing spray", these can be sprayed over the top of the finished colour and come in matt, satin or gloss finishes.
Did you use a small air brush to apply the new colour?, covering large areas has to be done with an air brush, you can get away using a cloth and dabbing small areas that may have worn, eg seat bolster.
I dont know how much you paid for the re-colouring system from Leatherique, but you may have been better contacting your local Ferrari dealership and ask them who they use for their " leather smart repairs".

 

As someone else mentioned, matching aged leather is so difficult, mostly due to the UV ray factor. Over time, UVs affect the colorants, so particularly in an open top car, even ten years later, there are no two colors the same. When I purchased my 2001 360 a couple of years ago, I had a company called "FibreNew" (I think they are a franchise) do a refurb on my seats, and they turned out fantastic. Two years later they still look great.

 

Mike - if you do get a good colour match from Colorplus and decide to do the chair yourself, you will need a few more tools for the job.
1. A 3inch foam paint roller with hook handle.
2. A small plastic tray to pour the colour into.
3. A small hobbyist airbrush with mini compressor.
4. Nitrile gloves.
5. Hairdryer ( not the wifes ).
5. Masking tape if required ( for the piping? ).

Make sure the seat to be covered is fully clean, use the recommended surface cleaner supplied, you want to make sure the original seat colour is " fast " and not lifting onto the cloth when being cleaned.
Test the new colour on the seat, use a small paint brush for this, once applied dry with the hairdryer as the colour will change once dried. If you are happy, then proceed.
Im guessing the new seat is out of the car, if not cover surrounding area with old bed sheets, especially matts.
Have a small table next to the seat, place your plastic tray on this and fill with new colour.
Now using the foam paint roller, pick up some colour and apply to the seat, work the roller over the surface, make sure you get into the hard to reach areas. At this stage dont worry too much about the surface finish.
Dont apply too much at any one time, just concentrate on getting a nice even coat all over the seat.
Once the seat is covered, gently dry using the hairdryer. Using the hairdryer speeds up the drying process.
Once the seat is fully dry, now is the time to fill your paint pot and use the airbrush. You can get compressed air aerosols but a mini compressor is better. You want to use a nozzle that will give a fine mist of colour / paint. Get a piece of paper and practice first.
Dont rush this stage Mike, gently mist the colour over the entire seat, if you want you can split the seat into areas. Once the colour has been applied dry using the hairdryer, believe me, the finish and colour will alter when dry Mike.
2 coats should be enough to give a nice even finish Mike.
Once fully dried and cured, you may have to " seal " over the colour, check with the manufacturer Mike.
As stated earlier, these sealants can come in Matt, Satin or Gloss finishes.
Again aim for a light mist coating of the entire seat. Once applied dry with the hairdryer.
Leave to fully cure overnight before sitting on the seat if possible.

 

Mike - did you talk to Colour Plus about " sealing " after colour application?
I have valeted many a car that has just been purchased by the new owner where the seat colour has come off onto my micro fibre cloth when cleaned.
Its nearly always the drivers seat as it gets so much wear, its a quick fix for some dealers you see as they dont have to go to the extra cost / time etc.
Looks good service though so far from Colour Plus.

 

If you use the Clear Cote Mike, test on an area first as it may make the finish very shiny?

 

What a transformation!, you must be happy with the seat Mike?. Looks a top job, nice OEM matt finish, and saved yourself $$$$ too to boot!
M-M Leather Repairs Ltd?

 

Again Mike i have to say looking at the pictures the results of your efforts look amazing.
Honours must also go to Color - Plus for such an excellent product / colour match. As stated colour matching is the key to any seat restoration as it stands out like a sore thumb if even slightly wrong.
I think you are right in doing the passenger seat too.
Post some more pics when the interior is finished please.
PS I purchased a small HVLP spray gun on your results. The airbrush kit i normally use is fine for small repairs, but the HVLP is better for larger area coverage.
Have a good weekend Mike.