# Reconditioning Leather

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/reconditioning-leather/29378>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [April 20, 2009, 11:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reconditioning-leather/29378 "2009-04-20T11:05:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![oldsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e0b2c6/32.png) [@oldsfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldsfan)\
**Post date:** [April 20, 2009, 11:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reconditioning-leather/29378/1 "2009-04-20T11:05:37Z")

</div>

My maroon leather front seats have wear spots/creases in the leather where the maroon is faded/showing a tan or beige color underneath. Would a product like Leather CPR or similar product return the leather to its original color/shine? Or would these areas have to be redyed? I am hesitant to dye because only a small section is worn/discolored – the seats otherwise look new. Thank you for your help!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\
**Post date:** [April 20, 2009, 2:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reconditioning-leather/29378/2 "2009-04-20T14:34:19Z")

</div>

Nothing besides a dye will restore the color. I’m amazed the color is faded. I’ve NEVER heard of that happening before. I wouldn’t dye it…Get some saddle-soap…clean the leather real good…then add a conditioner…And live with the fading.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\
**Post date:** [April 20, 2009, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reconditioning-leather/29378/3 "2009-04-20T20:18:16Z")

</div>

The trick is to condition the leather before you have problems. Once you have the discoloration, it is too late. Go to a local motorcycle or leather shop and see what they recommend. I alternate between leather conditioner, saddle soap, and Armor All. However, Armor All will make your seats slippery, so it might not be a good idea on seats.
