SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: How to repair seat leather scuffs?

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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 01:13 PM
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2017 Mercedes Benz SL550 w/ ABC; 2010 Cadillac SRX 2.8L Turbo
How to repair seat leather scuffs?

Hi all and Happy Holidays!

I recently noticed several shallow scuffs on my driver’s seat side bolster (photos below). Best I can tell I must have been wearing something with metal buttons that scratched it as I slid into the seat and it happened on the same day. Although they look pretty gnarly they are actually shallow enough that I cannot feel any change in the smooth texture when running my fingers over the scuffs. There are several products out there, was wondering if anyone had any experience with any of them? My seats are Bengal Red. These links are some of what I’ve found although they are in the UK (I’m in the USA). Any advice appreciated, particularly from a US manufacturer.

The Scratch Doctor — https://thescratchdoctor.co.uk/produ...red-807n-507e/ (10ml Dabber Pen looks applicable)
Colourlock — https://www.colourlock.com/Mercedes-...008-us-MB-093/
LCD — https://www.theleathercolourdoctor.c...or-repair-kit/

P.S.—Granted they do look nasty but the flashlight and lighting are exaggerating how much they actually stand out.



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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 09:35 PM
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I’ve used the Colourlock system and have had excellent results
You may need to prep that area, but if it’s somewhat smooth, you should be able to just apply the dye.


Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 28, 2023 at 09:40 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2023 | 05:27 AM
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ygmn's Avatar
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Matching color dye will hide it best no real perfect repair other than new seat skins.
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Old Dec 30, 2023 | 12:17 AM
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I worked as an upholsterer in a former life. That's a surface scratch- we would apply some matching dye (you can get online) and work it in and let dry. For a basic job then we would apply conditioner with a power bristle head to work it in. Then follow up with final conditioner wipe down. Only on very close inspection would you see anything amiss.
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Old Dec 30, 2023 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by emilner
I worked as an upholsterer in a former life. That's a surface scratch- we would apply some matching dye (you can get online) and work it in and let dry. For a basic job then we would apply conditioner with a power bristle head to work it in. Then follow up with final conditioner wipe down. Only on very close inspection would you see anything amiss.
Thanks! What I was considering was to use the 10ml dabber pen in Bengal Red here: https://thescratchdoctor.co.uk/produ...red-807n-507e/ , followed by some Wilson’s Leather Conditioner with a soft bristle brush and diaper cloth. I also have Fiebling’s Saddle Soap but dunno if that’s any better than the Wilson’s. For a cheap but positive result do you think that plan will work? I’d also test it first on an inconspicuous area.
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Old Dec 30, 2023 | 10:31 PM
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Honestly, I think red has got to be one of the toughest colors to match. Tan can be tough too.
My experience with dyes has been it’s easier to blend a whole panel to the next rather than do a “touch up” style repair. I think red will be tough to match in just a small area
It’s still worth trying to match with the pen, as you can always dye the whole panel as a “plan B”
Good Luck

Last edited by crconsulting; Dec 30, 2023 at 10:49 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2023 | 11:45 PM
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Leather Seat Restoration

Try using this from Clyde’s

https://clydesleathercompany.com/blo...BoCn9oQAvD_BwE
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Old Jan 1, 2024 | 02:11 AM
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Thanks folks! I’m going to try the Scratch Doctor Dabber Pen and will follow-up with how it turned out for others that may run into a similar issue. If it all goes sideways I have many shops around here for professional work. Happy New Year to everyone!
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Old Jan 27, 2024 | 04:40 PM
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Wanted to follow up on this thread. I bought the 10ml Dabber and the color was a perfect match. Per their directions, multiple light coats with a little bit of hair dryer in between to speed up the drying time (24 hours for a full cure). I’m still left with some “gritty” leather and plan to either try some ultra-fine sandpaper or maybe a buffing Dremel head and repeat the color afterwards. Still have zero clue what caused it, cannot stop inspecting my clothes for the culprit. I’ll post again post-secondary fix.

Before

After

Before

After
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Old Jan 27, 2024 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by HighPercentile
Wanted to follow up on this thread. I bought the 10ml Dabber and the color was a perfect match
Man, that’s a great match! Good Job.

Originally Posted by HighPercentile
I’m still left with some “gritty” leather and plan to either try some ultra-fine sandpaper or maybe a buffing Dremel head and repeat the color afterwards.
They make “leather filler” which may help smooth that area. May be worth looking into.
This is just one brand. There are many. Chances are the place you got the dabber pen from also makes one.
https://autoleatherdye.com/products/...CABEgIE1vD_BwE



Originally Posted by HighPercentile
Still have zero clue what caused it, cannot stop inspecting my clothes for the culprit.
Anyone that gets into my car has to be “pre-approved” 😀. I have one friend who carry’s what looks like a hundred keys on his belt clip. He is banned for life…

On the drivers side, these cars are easier to go into the car butt first, and then rotate your legs into the drivers compartment. Much easier than trying to shoe horn in. Significantly cuts down wear on the bolsters too

Good Luck.

Last edited by crconsulting; Jan 27, 2024 at 06:52 PM.
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Old Jan 27, 2024 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
Man, that’s a great match! Good Job.
On the drivers side, these cars are easier to go into the car butt first, and then rotate your legs into the drivers compartment. Much easier than trying to shoe horn in. Significantly cuts down wear on the bolsters too

Good Luck.
Thank you for the filler tip and I’ll look into it. The company that I used is “The Scratch Doctor” located in the UK. They sold their wares both on their site and eBay.UK and I believe I saved a few dollars going through their site.When my top is closed I do get in exactly as you describe, however when the top is open I sort of step in and sit down in one movement. I’m pretty sure that was how these came about and I’m also sure it all happened the same day so I know there’s an article of clothing that must have had some sort of exposed metal snap or something. Whenever I do find it, I’ll kill it! [img]images/icons/icon10.gif[/img]
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