Shoe Cream for Leather Seats

[Matt CLC#18621]

Hello,

In corresponding with a seller of a penultimate Eldorado, I complemented him on how nice the Eldorado's front black leather seats looked given the 140,000 miles on the clock.
He stated that he began using black shoe polish after about 50,000 miles to cover the driver seat's scratches incurred from his pharma sales job, i.e. constantly getting in/out on sales visits, as well as the passenger seat that had more scratches from throwing pharma samples and other objects on it.
I questioned, and replied that his clothes do not absorb or get stained by any polish residue which I find quite remarkable.
He indicated that his restoration treatments usually occurred after a weekend car wash and then the Eldorado would remain undriven in a dark garage for at least a day.
Any other members make use of this shoe polish restoration technology to their leather seats?
Theoretically, it appears to be reasonable approach in maintaining the integrity of the leather.
Perhaps I will apply to the rear seat of my Dorado that has some sun fading and report on the consequences.

Best regards,
matt 18621
i am 2nd

[kkarrer]

Matt,
    If you're going to shoe polish, I'd recommend using the neutral stuff not the colored.  If you want to correctly re-stain the seat bottoms due to wear, I'd recommend SEM color spray.  Just remember to follow the directions and don't put on more that is necessary...two light coats should do it.  Also, remember that all "leather restoration products" don't really do anything for the leather unless they can penetrate the vinyl color that was applied at the factory and that's very unlikely.
Take care,
Ken Karrer
CenTex CLC Reg. Dir.

[cadillac ken]

I've used the black shoe polish "trick" on black leather seats many times.  Yes It works.

Folks just have to ask themselves: "after you buff the black polish on your shoes do you get any black on your hands and a cloth by wiping the finished job?"  I don't.  And it is why I continue to use it on black seats to color in minor scratches and cracks through the years.

Cheers, Ken

[76eldo]

I'd only use a liquid leather dye if you need to. SEM is excellent for vinyl but I wouldn't use it on leather. The show polish allows for some shine but the paint will not do that. It's a different feel after it's sprayed.

[Michael Petti]

I agree with Cadillac Ken. I have used shoe cream to color in small cracks in a black seat many times. Yes it shines a little after being buffed, but like on your shoes it goes away after a while yet the cracks stay colored black.