Grey haze caused by care products

Cause 1: Care lotion dries on the surface

If a care lotion leaves a grey film after drying, it has usually been applied too thickly. The surface of new leather, particularly car leather, is still heavily sealed. The care lotion hardly penetrates and instead dries on the surface. This is why, for new leather up to three years old, we recommend our New Leather Care Set with Leather Shield (sealant) rather than our Smooth Leather Care Set.

Solution: Wipe off the grey film with a cloth lightly dampened with water; this is usually sufficient. Apply only a thin layer next time, as even a thin layer cares for and protects the leather.

Cause 2: Care products containing wax

If the grey film appears when the leather is bent and stretched and cannot be removed with a damp cloth, the cause may be a care product with too much wax. The wax breaks up as the leather moves and leaves a permanent milky film.

Test with a hairdryer first. Set the hairdryer to a temperature that is not too hot and direct it at the grey film from a distance of approximately 20 cm. Does the film disappear when warmed? If so, wax is present. The wax melts briefly and appears to disappear, but returns immediately after cooling.

Treatment:

Clean the affected surface with Colourlock Leather Cleaner strong; sometimes this alone is sufficient.

Spray the surface generously with Aniline Protector and rub it with a cloth. Aniline Protector contains a mild solvent that dissolves the wax residue so that it can be wiped away. This is an unusual but very effective application for this purpose. Allow it to dry and repeat if necessary.

Then apply a thin new layer of Leather Care to the surface.

Do not use the care product that caused the grey film again. Removing grey films is laborious. It is better to use the correct product from the outset.