[suffolkclean]

Hi Roger - I havn't had the chance yet to do your little test but got camera sorted here are some pics for you.
There's not much to see on the arm pic (it is actually the same colour as couch just flash on camera) the arms are what feel sticky sometimes almost like the grain of the leather is almost smooth compared to other areas - probably just worn out (like me)!

[LTT Leathercare]

Hi Barbara
From the photos it would appear that there is a grease problem that is now affecting the finish on the leather. 
If a protector has not been used then no amount of cleaning would have prevented this.  The amount of grease on the surface will be far less than what has soaked in to the back of the leather (you would be surprised!!!) and this will now need degreasing and recolouring/refinishing.

There is no 'cleaning' solution to this problem - it is now a technical problem.

Hope this helps
Judy

[suffolkclean]

Oh dear!!

[Roger Koh]

Thank you for the pictures!

The second picture (arm) show that the finishes look normal.

And a 3 steps simple cleaning procedure will solve this “sticky problem”.

And a non-stick protection will makes you smile!


Step 1: Prep Cleaning.
Use a pH 7.7 leather prep cleaner.
This is a thicker than honey leather preparatory cleaner to remove all foreign contamination.
Apply, spread as thinly as possible and agitate with a horsehair brush.
Let it dwell 10 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cleaning
Use a pH 3.8 leather-safe cleaner.
Spray, agitate with the same horsehair brush and extract until towel shows clean.

Step 3: Acidifying Rinse.
Use a pH 2.0 leather acidifier rinse.
Spray and rinse until towel shows clean to a “healthy squeaky clean”.


The sticky problem should stop here!


Non-Stick Protection:
To impart a non-stick breathable barrier.
This prevents stickiness from reoccurrence with a natural buttery-feel.
And with an unforgettable classical leather scent will certainly makes you smile.


Do you think this 3 steps plus system will work?



Roger Koh
Leather Doctor®

[suffolkclean]

Thanks roger where do you suggest I get all this stuff from? don't suppose you have any samples to help a fellow cleaner??

 

[LTT Leathercare]

As I said Barbara there is no 'cleaning' solution to this problem.  These products will not extract the grease from the leather and are merely cleaning products.

[Roger Koh]

Thanks roger where do you suggest I get all this stuff from? don't suppose you have any samples to help a fellow cleaner??

 

===


Check your email!


Roger Koh

[suffolkclean]

Thanks Roger but have to wait until after christmas now - got to pay santa!!

[suffolkclean]

Hi Roger - The stickyness is not so much of a problem at the moment but the white is really starting to look bad now, I've been looking at a leather colourant kit would this re-dye the white areas black?
Could you advise me on this please.
Please see photo - many thanks

 Barbara

[Roger Koh]

Without rectifying the leather structure problem (alkalinity) any colorant applied would not solve your long term problem.

The pH value of the leather structure is shifting towards alkaline (bad) that causes color coating delaminating.

Alkalinity denatures the leather that results in stickiness and delamination.

The correct steps necessary are:

1 Acidify to neutralize the alkalinity making the leather structure more cationic (+) thus restrengthening the leather chemistry integrity.

2 Shaving off deteriorated finishes to the leather crust can be done in conjunction with the acidifier.

3 Adhesion coating is necessary for long term durability.

4 Matching color coat.

5 Matching topcoat.

6 Non-stick protections to reduce dry and wet rubbing.

Roger Koh
Leather Doctor®

[suffolkclean]

It sounds very complicated - I think I'll get someone in to sort it out!