Ronzi, patinas do form on leather, but only aniline dyed, not pigment dyed. Pigment dyed leathers (which most auto leathers are) simply get worn and dingy and look ratty. The pigment is a lacquer sealer coat that is essentially like painting the leather. It does not allow the penetration of stains from spills, but it also does not allow oils or conditioners to soak in. At least until the finish begins to crack.
A patina on leather is something that must be seen; it is hard to explain. It is a warmth and mellowing of the leather, as it darkens with use and time. Not unlike an old piece of unsealed wood that has been rubbed and polished by human hands over the decades. 
Last edited by creseida; 07-04-2006 at 06:47 PM.
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