Protecting the Leather in the Fusion

[smr2112]

I am curious what, if any, protection people have used for the leather seats

and vinyl dash, in their 2010 Fusions (or older if the same type of leather)?

 

I usually want to rush to protect everything and wax the new car, but

I am waiting a few weeks to make sure I don't mess it up and can devote

enough time for waxing, etc when it's not too hot out - the car isn't fading yet.

Once protectant stuff is on, you're mostly stuck with it for a while. But I think

this stuff will make the seats and dash look great with UV protection.

 

http://www.blackfireusa.com/blinpr.html

 

This is my new favorite product. It is highly unusual stuff and I have throw out

all leather protectors I had used with my old Acura. This stuff is unique and it

actually bonds to the leather and is not the least bit greasy. Nano-technology

they call it and it does exactly what it says. Different than anything else I have

ever used.

 

My wife sells high end office furniture and we put this on some of her expensive leather chairs.

She and I were very impressed and makes them shine while protecting from UV. She now officially

uses this stuff on her samples she takes to clients. Not even the least bit slick, oilly or greasy.

I will likely use this in a few weeks, but curious what

others have done.

 

Any pictures (I will take some before/after too with this) would be interesting to see others.

 

You can use this on the vinyl dash, steering wheel, seats, arm rest, center console, etc.

Not cloth of course.

 

My only question about this stuff is long-term use. Fading isn't an issue, because you

can reapply, but anything that bonds to the material is something you want to be

careful with. I did use some on my friends 2009 fusion dash as a test and it looked great.

303 is also great stuff, but not really good on leather. Stay away from Armor All anything (but you

knew that) - yuk!

[Grey]

From our owner's manual:

 

"INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a

clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white

cotton cloth.

• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion

of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the

driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in

contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan

lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted

surfaces.

• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the

finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.

.................................

Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the

leather.

• For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For

more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water

solution.

• If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and

water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially

available cleaning product designed for automotive leather.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based

leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of

the clear, protective coating."

[bbf2530]

Hi smr2112. :D I can not say either way whether that particular product will be good or not, so I will reserve judgment.

 

However, I can relate my own personal preference: I prefer to use dedicated products instead of "all in one" type of products for leather, vinyls and plastics.

 

So I use a dedicated leather cleaner and protectant (safe for our Ford type leather surfaces), and a separate vinyl and rubber cleaner protectant. Just my preference.

 

Again, not shooting at your recommendation (which may be a very good one for all I know), just throwing in an opinion.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[smr2112]

Tell us what you use, I'm open minded and no rush. Is it a Ford product that is recommended in

the manual somewhere?

 

I am not too worried about the dash as I know that product is not very shiny unline

Armor All. I am more curious what people have used that they are happy with in

combination with this very car.

 

I knew they treat the heck out of the leather so may not really need anything.

[bbf2530]

Tell us what you use, I'm open minded and no rush. Is it a Ford product that is recommended in

the manual somewhere?

 

I am not too worried about the dash as I know that product is not very shiny unline

Armor All. I am more curious what people have used that they are happy with in

combination with this very car.

 

I knew they treat the heck out of the leather so may not really need anything.

 

 

Hi smr. :D I use Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner/Protectant. Have used it for many years and am very happy with it. There are also other good leather care products made by Mother's, Lexol, Tanner's Preserve, etc., that are equally as effective, I just happen to prefer Meguiar's.

 

Concerning what Ford recommends. In the Owners Manual, check the Index under "Cleaning", then "interior". You will find the following passage:

 

LEATHER SEATS

Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the

leather.

• To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl

Cleaner (ZC-11-A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.

• To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe

Leather Care Kit (ZC-11-D), available from your authorized dealer.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based

leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of

the clear, protective coating.

Note: In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet

clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the

leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.

 

As you can see, the Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner is multi-surface, while the Conditioner/Care kit is leather only. What does that tell us? Who knows? Just to make it clear, I am not saying people should purchase the Motorcraft leather care products (as you can see, I use Meguiar's), just providing the information, since you asked.

 

That is why I mentioned that the product you linked to may be good, it is just too hard to tell without being able to look at the ingredients. The one good thing is it states "It is a 100% water-based formula containing no oils, no alcohols and no petroleum distillates." Those particular ingredients are specifically mentioned by Ford as being harmful for the leather.

 

Hope this information helps.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

[2010SEL]

Add another vote for Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner/Protectant. Good stuff, have used it on many vehicles with no problem ever.