Exotic Skin Car Upholstery - Your Care and Feeding Guide

Genuine exotic skin car upholstery is reserved for the finest custom car designs. A car interior designer knows that it's what's inside that counts for comfort and style for the ultimate drive. High end custom development starts with exotic materials - and what is more exotic than genuine crocodile, alligator, lizard, ostrich, and python skin?

Outfitting cars with custom design is nothing new to the automobile industry. Leather seats are a popular option when made available to the consumer. Exotic leather car interiors take this a step further.

The inside of the car is also likely to have the same wear-and-tear that any car does when driven under normal conditions - starting where you put your hands and feet. The most vulnerable spots are the driver's side door, steering wheel, and seat. The console is notorious for dust and dirt. For the best look, you'll want to keep these areas well maintained and cleaned regularly.

Anywhere you put your hands are the first places that will collect dirt. The gear shifter and steering wheel. Give your car's exotic leather a fine coat of leather cleaner and treatment to keep them safe in these areas.

Also know that some skins, like Ostrich leather, will get softer over time. Ostrich is naturally oily and will pick up dirt and dust. Keep ostrich interiors well maintained and know that the skin's qualities will get softer over time, increasing its look and feel.

Don't smoke in your car. Period. Smoking always creates odors and stains.

Most of us, at some time, will have something "spillable" in our cars. It could be oil, food, coffee, gas, or anything liquid. Many of these will stain a finish. Avoid putting any fluids in your car if you can. If you must, make sure that the container is properly sealed so it will not cause any leaks on your high-end material! Wrap fluid containers with plastic and keep them secure, or put them in the trunk if necessary.

Extreme temperatures or exposure to sunlight will also influence the appearance of exotic skin over time. Certain finishes can react to the sun, fading the color or shine. While there is always the chance of heat or cold affecting the look of material, a good broker will have at least a general idea of what skins and finishes will hold up best in extreme weather conditions.