Automotive Top Grain Care Solutions

Seat cushions in horse-draw carriages were typically made from vegetable-tanned leather, often without colours coats, and made their way into self-powered cars. These covers were waterproofed using, offering basic protection against the elements.

Over time, surface protective colours were introduced, enhancing leather’s resistance to humidity and dirt. While still vegetable-tanned, these leathers were often firmer and had a distinct brown underside. A notable company during this era was Connolly, renowned for its high-quality vegetable-tanned leather, though unfortunately, it no longer exists.

Today, automotive manufacturers primarily utilise chrome tanning and synthetic tanning processes, often indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. Pigmented Top Grain leathers are commonly found in luxury vehicles, while Corrected Grain leathers are more prevalent in mid-upper price range. Split and Artificial leathers are typically used in more price-sensitive segments.

For your Automotive Top Grain Leather, respond to spills and stains promptly with the proper leather cleaners. Maintenance is essential to prevent long-term damage and preserve the quality of your leather.

Maintenance

Automotive Top Grain Leather is maintained using a pH-neutral cleaner, specialised leather brush and proven techniques. This way, the original finish remains intact and its longevity is preserved.

For more information, feel free to contact us at hello@leathercareclinic.com.sg.

Price Guide

    • 2-seater @ S$ 580.

    • 4/5-seater (regular) @ S$ 780.

    • 4/5-seater (large) @ S$ 880.

    • 6/7-seater @ S$ 980.

    Check out our Top Grain Leather Maintenance Features for more service information.

    Email us at hello@leathercareclinic.com.sg for volume discount.

  • Inclusive of a 2nd maintenance session to be done at a later 6-month date:

    • 2-seater @ S$ 1,040.

    • 4/5-seater (regular) @ S$ 1,400.

    • 4/5-seater (large) @ S$ 1,490.

    • 6/7-seater @ S$1,760.

    Find out more about TOP LIFE Leather Coating in our Top Grain Maintenance Features.

Using Leather Coating and techniques protects against spills, stains, and UV fading, preserving the leather's condition and value.

Protection

Automotive Top Grain Leather should be protected against Wear Abrasion and UV Fading. Light-coloured Leathers should be guarded against Dye Transfer.

For more information, feel free to contact us at hello@leathercareclinic.com.sg.

Price Guide

  • Brand New:

    • 2-seater @ S$ 180.

    • 4/5-seater (regular) @ S$ 380.

    • 4/5-seater (large) @ S$ 380.

    • 6/7-seater @ S$ 580.

  • Brand New Rate:

    • 2-seater @ S$ 580.

    • 4/5-seater (regular) @ S$ 780.

    • 4/5-seater (large) @ S$ 780.

    • 6/7-seater @ S$ 980.

    Only for seat contact points.

Restoration

We apologise this service is reserved for our commercial and term maintenance clients. However, If you have multiple pieces requiring restoration, feel free to contact us at hello@leathercareclinic.com.sg.

Automotive Top Grain Leather Maintenance Features

  • A top grain specialist with expertise in Poltrona Frau and Heller-Leder used in automotive. He evaluates each panel for wear during cleaning process, minimising the risks of pigment colour loss. With the necessary skills and knowledge, he offers OEM maintenance for your valuable automotive top grain leathers.

    • CLEAN with Class A Emissions DGM leather cleaner and premium leather brush.

    • TREAT to prevent Pre-Mature Aging, UV Fading & provides required Nutrients.

    • PROTECT against Dye Transfer and Wear Abrasion.

    • BLOW seats underneath and hard-to-reach areas.

    • BRUSH to dislodge stuck dirts.

    • VACUUM all dusts and loose particles.

    • WIPE DOWN with carpet cleaner.

    • BRUSH clean with Syufre Organic Cleaner.

    • SANITISE with Syufre Food-grade sanitiser.

    • Cabin Roff Lining and Beams cleaning with Alcantara, if fabric.

    • Buttons, Stalks, AC Vanes clean and condition.

    • Entry Rubber Lining conditioning.

  • Syufre Antioxidant Coating - Provides sanitisation and odour treatment that lasts up to 6 weeks.

  • ALICE (200 ml pre-mixed) for DIY Spray-and-Wipe to maintain leather level and to extend maintenance service interval.

  • TOP LIFE is an invisible defence that offers superior protection against UV Fading, Wear Abrasion and Dye Transfer.

    More importantly for owners, their valuable automotive top grain leather remain breathable and required nutrients are able to pass through.

Service FAQs

  • Automotive top grain leather, despite its less sensitive finish, requires careful cleaning. We use pH-balanced plant-based cleaners that are enriched with moisturiser, combined with the gentle use of a leather brush.  

    This thorough yet safe cleaning method, though it takes more time, effectively cleans the leather without causing colour loss or wearing down the top coat. Such risks are notably higher when using melamine foam or more abrasive cleaning methods.

  • These leathers are treated with a specially formulated cream designed for non-porous top grain leather. This treatment provides essential UV protection to prevent fading, delivers nutrients that keep leather soft and comfortable, and includes antioxidants to guard against premature aging. 

    It’s important to note that Split and artificial leathers require different treatment formulation. What works for these materials is not suitable for non-porous top grain leathers, as their unique characteristics demand specialised care.

  • Our essential protective service includes applying a leather sealant that offers basic defense against dye transfer and wear abrasion.

    For enhanced protection, we recommend our advanced leather coating. This superior treatment guards against dye transfer, UV fading and surface wear, while preserving breathability of your automotive genuine leather items. Additionally, this coating allows future treatments to penetrate effectively, ensuring long-lasting care for your prized leather pieces.

  • Yes, we offer comprehensive restoration services for automotive non-porous top grain leathers. Whether it’s faded colour, scratches, or minor tears, our leather curators use the OEM water-based pigment colours and materials. We carefully match the original finish, ensuring your leather regains its vibrant look and tactile quality while preserving its authentic character.

  • For automotive leathers, these damages are typically caused by substances like body lotion or hair cream. While we can restore colour, the durability and quality of the repair may be compromised over time due to the nature these greases.

  • With regular wear and tear, top grain leather can experience fading. The good news is that faded areas on top grain leather can often be readjusted to restore their original appearance.

    For tears and repairs, especially on porous leather, repair may remain visible. In these cases, the priority should be should be on stabilising the damage while retaining the leather’s tactile quality.

    When deciding between restoration and replacement, consider both cost-effective and cost-efficient solutions. Sometimes, reupholstering or replacing the leather may be more practical and economical than restoration, which can be labour-intensive and costly.

  • Split and artificial leathers, particularly after about five years of use, are prone to peeling and cracking. Unfortunately, repairing these materials is often not a long-lasting solution, as the repairs may not hold up well and other areas of the leather may soon begin to peel or crack. In such cases, replacing the leather is usually a more cost-effective and practical option.