9

Seat Condition and Protect

Interior vehicle seats are available in an array of materials, each material requiring a different type of care. Further to thoroughly cleaning the seats, this task is completed to extend the appearance and life of leather, vinyl, and fabric seats by creating protective barriers and conditioning the materials.

There are two main categories of seat materials; (1) leather and vinyl seats, and (2) fabric seats. Different methods are used to condition and protect each seat material category.

For leather and vinyl seats, a leather conditioner is used; SOFT TOUCH. As a deep penetrating lotion, SOFT TOUCH moisturizes, protects, and preserves smooth leather and vinyl. SOFT TOUCH is simple to apply, imparts a fresh leather fragrance to all areas conditioned, and buffs to a lustrous sheen bringing out the distinctiveness of leather.

Leather conditioning is best used as a preventative, routine solution to eliminate and avoid permanent brittleness to leather surfaces. The frequency of conditioning leather is dependent on how often the leather is used; however, it is recommended to condition leather every 6 months.

For fabric seats, a fabric protector is used; FABRIC SHIELD. FABRIC SHIELD is a quick-drying protectant designed for use on both natural and synthetic fabrics. FABRIC SHIELD does not block fabric breathability or destroy the fabric feel; providing a superior repellency and stain resistance while leaving no residual odour.

The time to condition and protect the seats is dependent on the amount of upholstery within the vehicle, and the type of upholstery (protectant application technique). Once this task is complete the seats will be conditioned and protected for future use. 

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Accent Features

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Seats

Directions

METHOD 1: LEATHER AND VINYL SEATS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the seats are thoroughly cleaned and dry; free of stains and debris.

STEP 2: APPLY THE CONDITIONER

Shake the SOFT TOUCH bottle well. Dispense a small dab of SOFT TOUCH onto a soft dry microfiber towel or wax applicator pad. Work SOFT TOUCH into the areas of application using smooth strokes. Allow SOFT TOUCH to penetrate for 2 to 5 minutes, until dry to the touch.

STEP 3: BUFF THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Using a soft, dry microfiber towel, buff the areas of application and remove excess product.

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK

Review your work, and if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3. Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt.

METHOD 2: FABRIC SEATS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION

Ensure the seats are thoroughly cleaned and dry; free of stains and debris.

STEP 2: APPLY THE FABRIC CONDITIONER

Use a spray bottle and a solvent resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Spray FABRIC SHIELD evenly over the areas of application. Allow FABRIC SHIELD to cure for 6 hours. Use plastic seat covers to protect and prolong the clean seats from accumulating dirt (after curing).

Tips

  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

LEATHER AND VINYL SEATS

  • Do not use SOFT TOUCH on suede or rough leather. Test all surfaces in an inconspicuous area for colour fastness.
  • Apply SOFT TOUCH only to cool surfaces.

FABRIC SEATS

  • To cover the fabric, 1 L of FABRIC SHIELD is equal to 25 m2 (250 ft2).
  • FABRIC SHIELD may cause discolouration when used on white or light coloured fabrics, particularly cotton or silk. Test all fabrics in an inconspicuous area for colour fastness.
  • Do not use FABRIC SHIELD on fabrics that come into direct contact with foam backing materials; the backing may dissolve and discolour the fabric.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is recommended to use FABRIC SHIELD to protect fabric surfaces. FABRIC SHIELD is a fabric protector that provides superior repellency and stain resistance on carpet and upholstery fabric surfaces.

To calculate usage amount, when used as directed, 1 L (0.26 GAL) of FABRIC SHIELD is equal to 25 m2 (250 ft2) of fabric coverage.

Fabric protectors are typically solvent-based formulations that include either fluorocarbons or modified silicones. Both formulation types, when applied to fabric surfaces, dry quickly and produce a stain resistant, protective barrier. FABRIC SHIELD is a fabric protector designed for use on both natural and synthetic fabrics.

It is recommended to use SOFT TOUCH to condition interior smooth leather surfaces after using a leather cleaner; DEEP CLEAN. SOFT TOUCH moisturizes, protects, and preserves smooth leather; and buffs to a lustrous sheen bringing out the distinctiveness of leather surfaces.

Leather is a natural substance and is coated with resins prior to vehicle installation. Leather surfaces require special care to keep them soft and moisturized; eliminating possibilities of brittleness. Leather conditioners are designed to moisturize and protect leather from drying out over time. Emollients, softening agents, are incorporated into the formula, adding natural oils back into leather surfaces. SOFT TOUCH is a leather conditioner, designed to be safe on smooth leather surfaces. Not recommended for use on leather suede.

Leather conditioning is best used as a preventative, routine solution to eliminate and avoid permanent brittleness to leather surfaces. The frequency of conditioning leather is dependent on how often the leather is used; however, it is recommended to condition leather every 6 months. Clean leather with DEEP CLEAN before conditioning with SOFT TOUCH.