FAQs
How do I order? Call Guardsman Customer Service at 800-822-7359 or fill out an inquiry form.
How much training is needed? A technician of average skill can be trained to do leather repairs and the other elements of the Leather Renovation System in one day. Advanced training programs are also available upon request. Each trained technician will receive certification from Guardsman and Fenice. Each kit also includes a DVD with step by step instructions on the use of the Leather Renovation System, but we recommend live training before using the kit and selling leather renovation services.
Is training included in the price of the kit? Training is not included in the price of the kit, but is available for $325 for up to six people. Training sessions are conducted on an appointment basis in Grand Rapids, MI. For larger groups training sessions can be arranged in your facility or a suitable local facility convenient to you. With purchases of three or more kits, training will be included for free.
Is it difficult to use the product? Not at all. With the small training investment, technicians experienced in detailing and customization can readily learn to repair and restore leather surfaces with the Leather Renovation System. It was designed by experts in leather creation for use by non-experts.
How many jobs can be completed out of one kit? Our basic kit contains materials to perform at least 10 complete seat renovations, more than 40 thorough cleanings, and hundreds of spot repairs. The Extended Kit (limited SEMA Show special) contains approximately 4X the quantity of material as found in the basic kit.
How is the coating applied? The coating is preferably applied by airbrush, conventional spray equipment, or sponge. Multiple colors can be applied by completing application of the first color, including top coats, and then masking that color before applying the second color.
How do I match colors? Colors are blended by you in accordance with our instructions to match the leather found in the car already, or to meet your customer’s requirements. We also supply you with a formula chart for more than 34 colors commonly used in the leather industry. Because the color may change as the material dries, we recommend that you mix the color, and then let a small amount dry to confirm the color matches your requirements, adjusting as appropriate.
Do you have OEM colors available for order? Because leather renovations are performed on seats that have been in service for months or years, the color of the leather has probably changed from the original color, so that an OEM color match will not match the color found in the car. That’s why we have designed the system for easy color blending and matching.
How do you fill the cracks on the seats? After thorough cleaning of the seat, apply the Mender to fill deep cracks and Surface Repair for shallow cracks and other shallow damage. These components are included the Leather Renovation System kits.
How long does it take to renovate a seat? That depends on the condition of the seat, but a seat in average condition in a single color can be renovated in less than one hour.
How long will the renovation last? Because we use the same materials that were used to create quality finishes on original leather, the renovation should last as long as the original leather finish. Results will vary depending on the quality of the service technician, which is why we recommend training before using the system.
Is technical support available? Of course. Our technical support number is 800-622-7359, and support is available from 8am – 5pm Eastern US time.
How much can I charge for a seat renovation? That’s up to you. Materials cost for an average seat renovation are approximately $27. The rest of the price depends on what you charge for your labor, plus your overhead and profit requirements. There is a substantial difference between the cost of leather renovations and the cost of leather seat cover replacements, giving you a substantial opportunity to charge a reasonable price while making an excellent profit.
What is the product shelf life? Most components of the kits will remain in usable condition for at least two years, provided that it is stored in properly sealed containers at temperatures above 40°F and below 90°F. The cross-linker component has a shelf life of one year.
