MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15

Title: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15
As is common, my leather seat bolster drivers side had seen better days...
 IMG_20210713_181416.jpg

I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

IMG_20210714_165102.jpg

I like leather to look like leather, so a few creases are OK! with me, but I was impressed with how well the leather improved after using this product.
I have no affiliation with the company, but would highly recommend it, at least if you want try something DIY to improve things. As it was so good I decided to seal over the top with another of their products the "leather protector cream"
The suede central panels were also quite bobbly, a "gentle" sweep over with 120 grit sand paper brought them back to almost new in no time, result👍😎.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Iain on July 23, 2021, 07:25
I have some similar stuff sat in the garage waiting to be used, results look good 😃
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:48
Quote from: Iain on July 23, 2021, 07:25I have some similar stuff sat in the garage waiting to be used, results look good 😃
Thanks, go for it, I think it's quite important to clean the leather well before applying anything to renovate so the product can soak in properly. I just used a regular "leather cleaner".
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on July 24, 2021, 09:03
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

Very impressive, looks a great match. Colourlock seem to have close to 50 different colours, did you pick one specifically to match the car seat or use one that you had in for other purposes? Which did you use? Thanks.
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:16
Quote from: JohnGee on July 24, 2021, 09:03
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

Very impressive, looks a great match. Colourlock seem to have close to 50 different colours, did you pick one specifically to match the car seat or use one that you had in for other purposes? Which did you use? Thanks.
 
Hi, I wasn't sure which to get but went for plain black 30ml of F034 and it is a good match. One tip I would give is don't try to blend it in within a panel, I should make sure you cover a whole panel if not doing the whole seat. The 30mm bottle goes a long way.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:19
Also, if you have contrasting stitching like me then factor in a little extra time and patience to avoid colouring the stitching with the dye. I used a very small sable water colour paint brush and a steady hand to repair along and near the stitching 👍. The black 30ml F034 is on Amazon atm for £14.49, may be better prices elsewhere but I went for that one.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on July 25, 2021, 10:05
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:16
Quote from: JohnGee on July 24, 2021, 09:03
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

Very impressive, looks a great match. Colourlock seem to have close to 50 different colours, did you pick one specifically to match the car seat or use one that you had in for other purposes? Which did you use? Thanks.
 
Hi, I wasn't sure which to get but went for plain black 30ml of F034 and it is a good match. One tip I would give is don't try to blend it in within a panel, I should make sure you cover a whole panel if not doing the whole seat. The 30mm bottle goes a long way.

Thank you for all of that.
The driver's bolster on my 2 is, of course, worn but also of some concern is the central, leather in my case! panels of both seats, where "someone" before my ownership managed to scratch the back of both seats, perhaps with studs on denims.
If, as you suggest, it is best to do a whole panel perhaps I would need the larger (150ml) size?
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on July 25, 2021, 10:08
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:19Also, if you have contrasting stitching like me then factor in a little extra time and patience to avoid colouring the stitching with the dye. I used a very small sable water colour paint brush and a steady hand to repair along the and near the stitching 👍. The black 30ml F034 is on Amazon atm for £14.49, may be better prices elsewhere but I went for that one.

Adrian - Thanks for that info / advice and for pointing out the risk of dyeing the contrast stitching, I'll have to look out my fine paint brushes 👍.
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 10:42
Quote from: Joesson on July 25, 2021, 10:05
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:16
Quote from: JohnGee on July 24, 2021, 09:03
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

Very impressive, looks a great match. Colourlock seem to have close to 50 different colours, did you pick one specifically to match the car seat or use one that you had in for other purposes? Which did you use? Thanks.
 
Hi, I wasn't sure which to get but went for plain black 30ml of F034 and it is a good match. One tip I would give is don't try to blend it in within a panel, I should make sure you cover a whole panel if not doing the whole seat. The 30mm bottle goes a long way.

Thank you for all of that.
The driver's bolster on my 2 is, of course, worn but also of some concern is the central, leather in my case! panels of both seats, where "someone" before my ownership managed to scratch the back of both seats, perhaps with studs on denims.
If, as you suggest, it is best to do a whole panel perhaps I would need the larger (150ml) size?
I think yes, might be wise, you may need to give a couple of coats and redo again in a few months maybe or longer, not sure how this will wear yet.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on July 25, 2021, 11:06
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 10:42
Quote from: Joesson on July 25, 2021, 10:05
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 09:16
Quote from: JohnGee on July 24, 2021, 09:03
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 23, 2021, 07:15I had contemplated a trip to the upholsterers but thought I'd try the Colourlock leather fresh dye first... Glad I did 😉...

Very impressive, looks a great match. Colourlock seem to have close to 50 different colours, did you pick one specifically to match the car seat or use one that you had in for other purposes? Which did you use? Thanks.
 
Hi, I wasn't sure which to get but went for plain black 30ml of F034 and it is a good match. One tip I would give is don't try to blend it in within a panel, I should make sure you cover a whole panel if not doing the whole seat. The 30mm bottle goes a long way.

Thank you for all of that.
The driver's bolster on my 2 is, of course, worn but also of some concern is the central, leather in my case! panels of both seats, where "someone" before my ownership managed to scratch the back of both seats, perhaps with studs on denims.
If, as you suggest, it is best to do a whole panel perhaps I would need the larger (150ml) size?
I think yes, might be wise, you may need to give a couple of coats and redo again in a few months maybe or longer, not sure how this will wear like yet.


Having read on here that the seats are interchangeable it may be prudent to swop passenger seat for driver's seat and expose a fresh face to the wear point that is the drivers bolster.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on July 25, 2021, 12:20
@BARNPOT2000 @Joesson

I've just had a look at the Colourlock website. If you go to the Automotive section, you can supply vehicle reg, VIN, contact details and images and ask them which colour is the best match for your seat, they indicate they'll turn this round in a day or so.

I've just done that to see what they suggest, will let you know what colour code they come back with. This might be better if all that is required is a relatively small scale, local, refurb (which is what I think I need).
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 13:44
Quote from: JohnGee on July 25, 2021, 12:20@BARNPOT2000 @Joesson

I've just had a look at the Colourlock website. If you go to the Automotive section, you can supply vehicle reg, VIN, contact details and images and ask them which colour is the best match for your seat, they indicate they'll turn this round in a day or so.

I've just done that to see what they suggest, will let you know what colour code they come back with. This might be better if all that is required is a relatively small scale, local, refurb (which is what I think I need).
 
Great, it will be interesting to see what they say 👍
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21

That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.

Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on July 30, 2021, 17:59
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 13:44
Quote from: JohnGee on July 25, 2021, 12:20@BARNPOT2000 @Joesson

I've just had a look at the Colourlock website. If you go to the Automotive section, you can supply vehicle reg, VIN, contact details and images and ask them which colour is the best match for your seat, they indicate they'll turn this round in a day or so.

I've just done that to see what they suggest.
 
Great, it will be interesting to see what they say 👍


UPDATE - 5 days have passed, nothing from Colourlock. I've just asked them to send me a colour card and I'll see if I can use that to determine the best match for the standard grey/black seat. Will let you know what happens.
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:28
Quote from: JohnGee on July 30, 2021, 17:59
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 25, 2021, 13:44
Quote from: JohnGee on July 25, 2021, 12:20@BARNPOT2000 @Joesson

I've just had a look at the Colourlock website. If you go to the Automotive section, you can supply vehicle reg, VIN, contact details and images and ask them which colour is the best match for your seat, they indicate they'll turn this round in a day or so.

I've just done that to see what they suggest.
 
Great, it will be interesting to see what they say 👍


UPDATE - 5 days have passed, nothing from Colourlock. I've just asked them to send me a colour card and I'll see if I can use that to determine the best match for the standard grey/black seat. Will let you know what happens.
 
I also queried the best colour for my seats, after you posted that you had enquired. They did reply, check you junk or spam folders, their reply was lurking in there! They said they would need a sample of the leather from under the seat to get a colour match. I'm happy with the standard black that they do to be honest, matches well enough for my liking.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:02
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!


@Dev, For " the beginnings of a tear" I would be looking to bond a patch on the reverse side before filling and colouring.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:06
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!

Will do. I want to get it sorted before it expands.   
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:09
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:02
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!


@Dev, For " the beginnings of a tear" I would be looking to bond a patch on the reverse side before filling and colouring.

 I did something like this for my top repair. Sounds like a good idea here as well. Thanks for the suggestion. 
 For the top I used a product we have here that is used for shoe repair and it does a fine job of never coming undone. 


Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:14
Quote from: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:09
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:02
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!


@Dev, For " the beginnings of a tear" I would be looking to bond a patch on the reverse side before filling and colouring.

 I did something like this for my top repair. Sounds like a good idea here as well. Thanks for the suggestion. 
 For the top I used a product we have here that is used for shoe repair and it does a fine job of never coming undone. 




I might have had a tube of that at one time, can't recall the name, I bought it in Washington State, where our son lives, to repair a pair of trainers. It did stick like something on a blanket.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on July 30, 2021, 20:20
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:28I also queried the best colour for my seats, after you posted that you had enquired. They did reply, check you junk or spam folders, their reply was lurking in there! They said they would need a sample of the leather from under the seat to get a colour match. I'm happy with the standard black that they do to be honest, matches well enough for my liking.

Thanks, I've checked junk again but don't see anything, will wait to see what the colour chart suggests. Their automotive section only offers Toyota "Oak" as a standard colour, wouldn't describe my car as having oak coloured seats, no idea whether current or more recent Toyotas have a very different leather colour. Will see what happens.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:40
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:14
Quote from: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:09
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:02
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!


@Dev, For " the beginnings of a tear" I would be looking to bond a patch on the reverse side before filling and colouring.

 I did something like this for my top repair. Sounds like a good idea here as well. Thanks for the suggestion. 
 For the top I used a product we have here that is used for shoe repair and it does a fine job of never coming undone. 




I might have had a tube of that at one time, can't recall the name, I bought it in Washington State, where our son lives, to repair a pair of trainers. It did stick like something on a blanket.

Was it called Shoe Goo. Its what we recommend for those that want to fix a separating top. Strong flexible adhesion that is permanent.  Also good for shoe repair.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 21:10
Quote from: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:40
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:14
Quote from: Dev on July 30, 2021, 20:09
Quote from: Joesson on July 30, 2021, 20:02
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:58
Quote from: Dev on July 25, 2021, 16:21That looks like really good work. My S2000 seats has the beginnings of a tear and I need to address it soon before it gets worse.


Not sure if this dye alone will be sufficient for a tear, but based on the products generally might be worth looking at the fillers and other products they offer!


@Dev, For " the beginnings of a tear" I would be looking to bond a patch on the reverse side before filling and colouring.

 I did something like this for my top repair. Sounds like a good idea here as well. Thanks for the suggestion. 
 For the top I used a product we have here that is used for shoe repair and it does a fine job of never coming undone. 




I might have had a tube of that at one time, can't recall the name, I bought it in Washington State, where our son lives, to repair a pair of trainers. It did stick like something on a blanket.

Was it called Shoe Goo. Its what we recommend for those that want to fix a separating top. Strong flexible adhesion that is permanent.  Also good for shoe repair.


It could well have been, I seem to recall "Shoe" in the name, it did work on my trainers!
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on August 7, 2021, 14:07
Quote from: JohnGee on July 30, 2021, 20:20
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on July 30, 2021, 19:28I also queried the best colour for my seats, after you posted that you had enquired. They did reply, check you junk or spam folders, their reply was lurking in there! They said they would need a sample of the leather from under the seat to get a colour match. I'm happy with the standard black that they do to be honest, matches well enough for my liking.

Thanks, I've checked junk again but don't see anything, will wait to see what the colour chart suggests. Their automotive section only offers Toyota "Oak" as a standard colour, wouldn't describe my car as having oak coloured seats, no idea whether current or more recent Toyotas have a very different leather colour. Will see what happens.

The Colourlock colour chart arrived today. Their standard F037 (Grey) looks a bit too light to me, their F028 (Light Blue Green) doesn't look right either, perhaps F046 (Anthracite) might be best and that's very similar to the F034 (Black) that @BARNPOT2000 used.

Will take a look at the seat and chart next to each other when's the car's next outside and see what it looks like in reasonably bright, natural light (more like a miserable October day here today, not high summer!). Will post a photo.
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on August 9, 2021, 11:41
@BARNPOT2000 @Joesson

Colour chart offered up to seat with car outside, top down, on a bright and reasonably sunny day.

To my mind (and eye) the best colour match is their standard F030 (Black Green), though the leather and colour swatch do obviously vary dependent on viewing angle, sun, shade, partial shade etc, see below.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51367860335_76bb16745d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgcHfp)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51367585034_77bb971d7a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgbipQ)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51366851151_4ca9684365_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mg7xfF)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51366851191_12ab21faa0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mg7xgn)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51367860615_2a49861f27_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mgcHke)


Might ask my wife to cast her eye over it (she has much better "eye" for colours). I think I'll see if my S American chums can get me a pot and give it a try.
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on August 9, 2021, 13:38
Not sure that "S American chums" and "pot" should be used on an open Forum!

That aside I can empathise with your colour matching quandary.
We recently ordered two leather sofas and so as to select a compatible new carpet I telephoned the sofa makers asking for a sample.
The sample arrived very promptly, " That's not what I ordered " said Mrs J. Back to the sofa shop, " Oh yes, that does look different to our samples". They telephoned the sofa maker, " Must have sent a wrong sample, will send the right one".
That arrived, not really different to the first sample.
Back to the sofa shop.
Much debate but their final comment settled it: " The sofas will likely be a different colour again".
We now have our deposit back!

Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on August 9, 2021, 16:39
My better half and I always see colours very differently. What appears grey to me is a shade of green to her etc. I have given up trying to see what she sees 😂.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: JohnGee on August 9, 2021, 17:45
Quote from: Joesson on August  9, 2021, 13:38Not sure that "S American chums" and "pot" should be used on an open Forum!

Not sure what you're driving at, I blame it on the naivety of youth!
 
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: Joesson on August 9, 2021, 17:58
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on August  9, 2021, 16:39My better half and I always see colours very differently. What appears grey to me is a shade of green to her etc. I have given up trying to see what she sees 😂.

I'm not alone! Thank you.
Title: Re: Leather seat renovation
Post by: BARNPOT2000 on August 9, 2021, 18:07
Quote from: Joesson on August  9, 2021, 17:58
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on August  9, 2021, 16:39My better half and I always see colours very differently. What appears grey to me is a shade of green to her etc. I have given up trying to see what she sees 😂.

I'm not alone! Thank you.
[/quote
Quote from: Joesson on August  9, 2021, 17:58
Quote from: BARNPOT2000 on August  9, 2021, 16:39My better half and I always see colours very differently. What appears grey to me is a shade of green to her etc. I have given up trying to see what she sees 😂.

I'm not alone! Thank you.
My wife and I see so many things differently 😂😂😂