Spray painted 02 celica seats Options

[m2736185]

Got a great deal on these so I had to pick them up. I have been looking for a pair for a while....Only problem was the seller let them sit in this outdoor garage type area so they were really dirty so when I got them home I got a rag and was scrubbing them as hard as I could to get all the dirt off....then parts started peeling off the back. The i recall the seller telling me I could spray paint the seats. Im thinking thats what he did....cuz leather doesnt peel like that. I am going to attempt to take the power wash to the seats to clean them really good. I hope this doesnt damage them... what do you guys think? Here are some pics

[trdproven]

the paint would end up getting on your clothes, your only last bet is to give it a good wash and see how it turns out or reupholster.

[m2736185]

Yes, I was thinking of taking it out to those DIY car washes and getting the power wash on it. It was in good condition idk why they would attempt to paint it.

[Box]

Maybe attempt to wet sand the paint off? Or use a mild paint remover or thinner. Then use conditioner on the leather. Makes you wonder... Unless by "paint" he meant that interior dye stuff?

[trdproven]

^ IDK about that, it looks like leather, how do you control the wetsand with a non hard surface?

[Box]

Would have to use 1000 or even higher. Just enough to knock the paint off without hurting the leather. I'd start in a small inconspicuous area. That or paint thinners and removers, but those would dry out the leather. If it were me I'd try wet sanding first. Found this searching Google: http://www.leatherique.com/prepping.htm Details how to restore automotive leather. Of course that was restoring and not knocking off paint. But help give an idea as to what may be needed.

[m2736185]

I think I will try the power wash first. It seems less invasive and if it works I can just dry out the seats then throw some conditioner on there

[njccmd2002]

avoid the hassle, get them upolstered.

[Culpable04]

power wash with water will make the leather hard and lose all its oils, you can re-oil the leather but eventually this will do more harm than good.

there are leather dye kits that work wonders and IF DONE PROPERLY wont stain your cloth or transfer in any way. the very first step is to clean the leather with a rag and alcohol to remove the oils on surface and inpurities. then light sand with 1500 grit paper, then you you clean again with alcohol, wait for it to dry and apply the dye.

I did this countless times to my military shoes lol. and did it ONCE on my wife's camry. interior still looks wonderful.

[njccmd2002]

^^^^

that too

[Ted95]

you can buy vinyl spray paint that you spray on the seat to make it look new again. my dad did it to his 76 vette and they look perfect and the paint doesnt go on your clothes. i also just referbished my whole interior with a interior paint as well with a rattle can flexible paint for clothe.. my Limited Edition seats, carpet, and headliner all redone and look brand new. id paint them, dont reuplustered.. unless you want to thats up to you.

[m2736185]

Of course if I had the budget I would get them upolstered, but since i dont...

You were too late on the dont power wash...yea it totally made the leather harder than it was, but atleast its clean and doesnt smell.

Culpable 04: Can you tell me more about the dye you are referring to? Also whats the best way to repair a rip? I have a quarter size one on the passenger cusion

TED95: Any vinyl spray will work? Might go this route....sand them down clean then them with alchohol, spray and then oil them

[Box]

Can use Meguiar's leather conditioner, should soften them back up.

[Bitter]

Screw Meguirs leather products, they suck. Lexol is the stuff.

http://www.lexol.com/Category_leather.aspx

[Box]

Meguiar's has proved more than adequate for my needs. But, I can see the advantage in using a company that specializes in leather care products.

This post has been edited by Box: Apr 4, 2012 - 12:56 AM

[Culpable04]

last time I did it, I used this company

LINK !!!


ask them for instructions and they'll provide them to you. is very inexpensive and if you take your time and do it right, you'll get proffesional grade results, they also have a leather repair kit that will take care of surface scratches and stuff like that, actual rips on the leather would require you to replace that section on the seat cover.