Protecting your car's skai: lacquers and long-lasting solutions

The skai on your car seats gradually loses its original shine. Exposed to UV rays, rubbing and temperature changes, the protective lacquer wears away and leaves the material defenceless.

The result: fading, cracking and premature ageing of the seats. The lifespan of skai depends directly on this protection.

Sofolk offers a complete range of solutions to protect your car's skai for the long term and preserve the look of your interior.

Our products for protecting your car's leatherette

Which product should you choose to protect your car's skai?

Clear skai / leatherette lacquer

Sofolk clear skai lacquer is the benchmark for protecting every type of car skai.

Available in a container (200 ml or 500 ml, water-based, solvent-free) or as an aerosol (400 ml, solvent-based for enhanced resistance), this lacquer offers 3 finishes to choose from: gloss, satin or matt, all with a UV-resistant option.

Simple to apply with a damp sponge or by spraying. A 200 ml container covers 3 m² in a single coat; allow for 2-3 thin coats for optimum protection.

Multi-purpose catalyst for lacquers and paints

The multi-purpose catalyst turns your lacquer into a high-resistance solution. Maximum dosage 5% in the lacquer; a 20 ml bottle treats up to 500 ml of product.

It strengthens adhesion, improves resistance to rubbing and optimises waterproofing. Essential for heavily used areas such as seats and the steering wheel. To be applied within 4 hours of mixing.

Discover our complete kits including protective lacquer

Black leather and leatherette lacquer

Black lacquer is a 2-in-1 solution designed specifically for black skai. This water-based lacquer protects while reviving dull black colour.

Available in matt or satin finishes, in a container (200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L) or as an aerosol (400 ml). Apply in fine circular movements with a damp sponge.

A 200 ml bottle treats 3-4 coats for a complete car seat. Renewal recommended 1-2 times a year.

Water-repellent anti-stain waterproofer

The water-repellent waterproofer creates an invisible barrier against water, oil and stains thanks to its silicone nanoparticles. Colourless, odourless and UV-resistant, it offers 6-12 months of protection depending on how heavily the surface is rubbed.

Apply with a uniform spray until saturated, then wipe off any excess on smooth surfaces. Consumption: 25-100 ml/m² depending on how absorbent the surface is. Available from 200 ml to 5 litres.

The Sofolk tip

After recolouring, the protective lacquer represents 30 to 50% of the volume of paint applied; it is essential for fixing the colour and ensuring durability. Skai that has been recoloured without lacquer will lose its colour within a few weeks. Remember also to renew the protection regularly.

Recolour your faded skai before applying the protective lacquer 

Understanding how the protective lacquer wears

All car skai is originally protected by an industrial protective lacquer. This transparent film gradually wears away under the effect of rubbing, UV rays and temperature changes.

Without renewal, the deterioration follows a predictable process: first the shine disappears, then the colour fades, and finally the plastic cracks and becomes irreparable.

Repair snags and cracks before protecting your skai seats!

The most common mistakes speed up this deterioration: using harsh household products, cleaning with abrasive sponges, forgetting to apply lacquer after recolouring.

Preventive care every 6 to 12 months preserves the original look and avoids costly renovations.

Clean your skai effectively before applying the protection 

How do you protect your car's skai effectively?

1. Clean the surface thoroughly with the Sofolk cleaner / stain remover

2. Allow to dry completely; no trace of moisture must remain

3. Choose the right lacquer: Clear for all colours, Black to revive dull black, or Waterproofer for anti-stain protection

4. Add the Catalyst (optional): maximum dosage 5 % to strengthen the resistance of heavily used areas

5. Apply 2-3 thin coats with a damp sponge (container) or as an aerosol, depending on the product chosen

6. Immediately smooth out any bubbles with the sponge before drying

7. Allow 24 hours of drying before intensive use of the vehicle

Why choose Sofolk to protect your car's skai

Since 1989, Sofolk has developed and manufactured its products in Bordeaux, drawing on the expertise gained from thousands of car renovations.

Our free photo service helps you identify the right finish for your skai before you order. Our formulas can be applied directly in the vehicle, without removing the seats.

Compatibility with all types of skai and leatherette, vinyl and polyurethane is guaranteed by our 35 years of experience.

Discover the whole Sofolk range for car skai renovation 

Frequently asked questions: car leatherette protection

Which finish should I choose for my skai seats (matt/satin/gloss)?

Gloss suits new or recent skai. Satin suits slightly worn surfaces by masking micro-scratches. Matt ages better and hides more imperfections on older skai.

If in doubt, satin offers the best compromise.

How often should I renew the protection?

On heavily used front seats: every 6 months. On a little-used rear seat: every 12-18 months. Wear shows as a loss of shine and a surface that turns sticky or rough to the touch.

Is the catalyst compulsory?

No, but it is strongly recommended on seats, steering wheel and areas of frequent contact. Without Catalyst, allow for 6 months of durability. With Catalyst, the duration can double depending on how the vehicle is used.

My skai is sticky after applying the lacquer. What should I do?

Insufficient drying or too thick a coat. Allow a further 48 hours to dry. If the stickiness persists, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth, then apply a thinner coat.

Can I apply the Clear Lacquer without recolouring first?

Yes, on clean skai in good condition. The Clear Lacquer preserves the existing colour without altering it. Ideal as preventive care on recent skai or after a thorough clean.

It also protects against UV rays, which alter colours over time.

Does the Waterproofer replace the Clear Lacquer?

No, they are complementary. The Clear Lacquer protects mechanically against wear and fixes the colour. The waterproofer creates an anti-stain barrier but offers no mechanical protection.

For maximum protection, apply the Clear Lacquer first, then the Waterproofer once fully dry.