13.6.2 - Recolouring ( ,  )

This is cheap on materials but high on labour. The only satisfactory way to obtain an even depth of colour and finish is to treat the entire seat or (at minimum) the panel section. Spot repairs are always visible.

There are many Refinishing Kits on the market which fall into two types:-

1. water-based

2. lacquer/resin-based emulsions

Your Jaguar leather was originally finished with the second type which is what Connolly supply for refinishing. The lacquer/resin-based emulsions are also less likely to come off on your clothes in hot weather - not that anyone ever has problems with the air conditioning, of course!

Leather must be kept supple enough to take the refinishing process. With regard to renovation it is absolutely essential that the surface of the old leather is prepared properly by cleaning followed by degreasing with a solvent. This is absolutely essential if the new colour coat is to adhere properly. Spray application is preferable to hand application as an excess build up of lacquer emulsion caused by the latter can produce unevenness and a cracking effect at a later date.

1. Remove the seats.

2. Clean thoroughly with saddle soap.

3. Solvent degrease

4. Abrade with fine wet & dry

5. Apply the dye.

After thirty minutes drying time, the result should be a smooth, even, natural finish, with good color consistency, on all except the most worn areas. A second coat, applied three hours later will produce a consistent color and high-quality finish.

Depending on the seriousness of your problem, thorough cleaning and/or partial re-colour should restore the original finish.