masterianvii

I noticed the other day that on the arm rest of the center console there was a smudge. I proceded to rub it out and it turned out that it was some kind of coating on the leather starting to peel. The more I was rubbing it out, the more it peeled, and now it looks like a total disaster.

What is this coating?
Is it normal that it peeled?
Can it be reapplied? If so, how?
Is it something I can do myself?
If I have to get it done professionally or at the dealer, how much would it cost?

Is this damage permanent?
What if I were to rub it completely out, will anything happen to the leather?

saer1one

Might just be vinyl.. Should take it to an upholstery shop to leather wrap it.. But yea, does not look pretty..

ExoticToysNyC

what i am curious looking at this pix is the base is black(looks like factory too)...datz factory black...it looks like it was covered already with another color(kinda dark gray) either way yes it's done...only way to fix it is have it covered again (color matched) or get a new cover.

masterianvii

Looks like its a very common problem, and a bit absurd since it's an arm rest.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...yone-else.html

What would happen if I peeled it off completely? Would the fake leather material be more susceptible to damage?

MBfinatic

That does not look good at all.

masterianvii

No, it's the same color. The top layer is transparent, sticky like film, that makes it look washed out.

I was using wipes to clean it off, so the surface is a bit wet from the wipes, making it appear black.

I personally think it looks better without the coating. Also from reading the other thread it seems that there might be no point in getting it replaced because it will happen again.

ExoticToysNyC

then if i was you...i'd take my time and peel it all off carefully and you're set instead on wasting money fixing it....just my .02 centz

masterianvii

Yeah, sounds reasonable enough. If it gets ruined later on, i'll have to replace it anyway.

Greger-meister

Peel it the rest of the way, actually looks pretty good underneath. You could also get a new OEM console lid http://www.mercedespartscenter.com I'm sure it will cost ya though.

AMG3.2

You could try a leather repair kit. It dyes the leather but you will have to get the right base color and then add tints to get it exact. Its a whole kit though that you should be able to find online.

masterianvii

I don't think a leather repair kit would do anything, as it doesn't look like the leather, or whatever it is, itself is damaged. This is some sort of lamination that seems to react with your skin's acids and disintegrates. Why that would be on an ARMrest, is beyond me. Chrysler quality for ya.

C32Dan

looks like somebody re dye it and without good preparation it will peel off. Unlike stain dye dosent penetrate in the leather, you can buy dye kit off the net its an easy DIY job.

AMG3.2

+1