About Paul Ford Leather Products

How It All Started!

Way back in the early 1980's, there was a steady stream of luxury cars being imported into NZ, such as Bentley, Rolls Royce, BMW, Jaguar and Daimler. The problem was, many of these had faded and discoloured leather interiors which devalued them quite considerably.

At that time, there was no such thing a professional leather restoration system. The only options available were to: put up with it; completely reupholster; or use some form of home made concoction in the hope of making improvements.

In those days I was doing a lot of work for car dealers, repairing nick, scratches and scuffs on vinyl upholstery.

The Idea Was Born

I remember a car dealer saying to me, that if anyone came up with a way to professionally restore leather to its original condition, the market was wide open and they would make a fortune.

Well, that really got me thinking and I set out to find a solution.

When I approached the tanneries for help, the door was pretty much slammed in my face! So you could say, getting help from those who actually MADE leather was out of the question!

Not one to give up so easily, I sought the help of an industrial chemist, and developed a very good system based on vinyl colour. I must admit, it was not perfect, but it looked good, performed exceptionally well and I started attracting a ton of car work.

Always in the back of mind, however, I wanted to find a way to recreate the exact look and feel of the original leather. My vinyl based system was good but I always felt it could be better.

An Unexpected Turn Of Events

One day, quite unexpectedly, I received a phone call from one NZ's leading tanneries at that time (Astley Tannery ... now moved to China!). They were producing leather for NZ furniture manufactures and were desperate to find someone to take care of their warranty work. Unbeknown to me, they had somehow seen some of my work and felt comfortable that I could help them.

I agreed to help if they taught me how to properly finish leather the way they did, and give me access to the exact same products they used. This was mutually beneficial for both of us so the deal was done!

Now We're Really Cooking!

As you can imagine, with the proper leather products, my business and my reputation grew exponentially and we were repairing and refinishing virtually anything made of leather such as in cars, lounge suites, boat interior, office furniture and even refinishing hides for architects and interior designers to custom colours not available from the tanneries.

Relocated To Timaru

Several years ago, I sold the Auckland based business and relocated my family to the quieter South Island town of Timaru.

Now, I am currently working from my home workshop restoring and refinishing leather on a smaller scale to what I was doing in Auckland but now, I'm also showing others how they too can get the same results.

You see, for me, working with leather is a form of art. I always have one goal in mind. The leather must look, feel and perform just like the original, and if possible ... better!

A Leather Care System Was Needed

Leather workshop

To fit in with my repair and refinishing systems, I needed to find high quality leather care products for maintaining leather.

Over the years, I've tried and tested many different brands of care products, some better than others but unfortunately, none reached the standards I was looking for.

Going back to the drawing board, I sought the help of some of the best tannery technicians I know and developed my own cleaner, conditioner and protector.

Time To Share With Others

Having used these products for some time on my own work, many of my clients wanted to know if they could use them as well ... the result of this site.

Now, you too can use the same products I use personally, knowing full well that you are in good hands and there is nothing stopping you from enjoying the same results I'm getting.

Right now, I'm creating a DIY version of my repair and restoration products which you'll also have access to, once completed.

Here's My Point Of Difference

These are the same products I use myself in my workshop to get professional results.

In other words, you are not dealing with a product manufacturer whose sole purpose is to sell you stuff ... you are dealing with a seasoned leather professional whose sole purpose is to help you to achieve the standard of results I'm getting! Sound good?

Remember, if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call. I'm only too happy to help you.

Cheers, Paul