6 Myths about Aircraft Leather Repair
- Posted by admin
- On December 11, 2015
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What actually works?
Read this BEFORE you break out your nail polish remover to fix that leather seat
There are many myths surrounding aircraft leather repair that people pass on to one another until they almost become fact. Then when these ‘helpful suggestions’ are applied, disaster ensues. The last thing you want is for that to happen to your aircraft leather upholstery or other surfaces. A nasty spot of damage to any part of the aircraft interior creates an unappealing impression that could take forever to dissolve. That’s why you need to brace yourself for the 6 myths of aircraft leather repair.
Nail Polish Remover
This is a huge no- no when trying to remove any stain from leather. Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a property that removes all color from the nail as well as from leather. Using it to remove a small stain will result in a white spot on the surface, far more noticeable that the stain ever was.
Shoe Polish
Many assume that since shoes are made of leather, the same polish can be applied for aircraft leather repair. The fact is that the leather on shoes is created, treated and finished differently from that on furniture. The leather on furniture does not soak up the polish the way the leather on shoes do. Applying a coat of shoe polish on a damaged piece of upholstery will result in a mess, both on the seat and the person who sat on it.
Wet Wipes
Most of these products contain some kind of alcohol, which is not suited for aircraft leather repair. They may seem like a harmless enough choice but the chemicals contained in the wipes could easily make the problem worse. Read the label carefully and apply on a barely seen surface first before attempting to work on the actual damage.
Cleaning Agents for Windows and Other Surfaces
Cleaners for windows and counter tops may seem harmless enough to be applied for aircraft leather repair but in reality most of them contain some form of alcohol, which cause the color on the leather to dissolve. It is a myth that such cleaning agents can work wonders on leather surfaces. Stick to using them for the purpose they are intended and leave leather restoration to the appropriately made products.
Hair Spray
This is possibly the most dangerous of all the myths but it has been making the rounds for a number of years. Hair spray cannot be used for aircraft leather repair. Once again like most of the other products mentioned here, it contains alcohol, which can cause discoloration. In addition, it is sticky in nature and when applied will attract dust and other particles making the area look much worse than before.
Markers
Many think that markers are the best quick fix option for any aircraft leather repair project. Find a marker color that matches the color of the leather and color in the stain. Firstly it next to impossible to find a perfect color match and second it can actually damage the leather.
The myths that you hear are just not a good idea. Your best bet would be to contact a professional firm who can handle the job for you.
Nail Polish Remover
This is a huge no-
Shoe Polish
Many assume that since shoes are made of leather, the same polish can be applied for aircraft leather repair. The fact is that the leather on shoes is created, treated and finished differently from that on furniture. The leather on furniture does not soak up the polish the way the leather on shoes do. Applying a coat of shoe polish on a damaged piece of upholstery will result in a mess, both on the seat and the person who sat on it.
Wet Wipes
Most of these products contain some kind of alcohol, which is not suited for aircraft leather repair. They may seem like a harmless enough choice but the chemicals contained in the wipes could easily make the problem worse. Read the label carefully and apply on a barely seen surface first before attempting to work on the actual damage.
Cleaning Agents for Windows and Other Surfaces
Cleaners for windows and counter tops may seem harmless enough to be applied for aircraft leather repair but in reality most of them contain some form of alcohol, which cause the color on the leather to dissolve. It is a myth that such cleaning agents can work wonders on leather surfaces. Stick to using them for the purpose they are intended and leave leather restoration to the appropriately made products.
Hair Spray
This is possibly the most dangerous of all the myths but it has been making the rounds for a number of years. Hair spray cannot be used for aircraft leather repair. Once again like most of the other products mentioned here, it contains alcohol, which can cause discoloration. In addition, it is sticky in nature and when applied will attract dust and other particles making the area look much worse than before.
Markers
Many think that markers are the best quick fix option for any aircraft leather repair project. Find a marker color that matches the color of the leather and color in the stain. Firstly it next to impossible to find a perfect color match and second it can actually damage the leather.
The myths that you hear are just not a good idea. Your best bet would be to contact a professional firm who can handle the job for you.
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