Recreating Black Leather shine

Welcome to the forum.

Not familiar with the threads you refer to but if semi-gloss is too shiny for your taste... take some gloss or semi-gloss and mix it with some flat of the same type.  As in 50% Model Master semi-gloss lacquer and 50% Model Master flat lacquer will give you someting half way in between and you can adjust to suit.  The carrier is the same and the only difference is the amount of flattening agent in each.

Polly Scale clear satin works for most leather finishes, semi-gloss does too but is a bit much on a model. The old way was to paint it flat and simply rub some skin oil over it.

Hello   

Years ago an article in FSM showed a technique to make highlights in a german figure wearing a black leather coat using  violet color in order to simulate the shine.   

Maybe isn't exactly what you want but I remember the result was very nice.

Regards

Carlos

 

The most reliable way is the one many car modelers use.   Paint with satin black and wipe the natural skin oil from the side of your nose ( the OUTSIDE side  ), or your forehead,  with your finger to shine the highlight areas.  The highlight areas of a car seat would be the seat and back cushions, the door's armrest, etc.  Use the same guidelines for aircraft and AFV's. 

I think you will find that semi-gloss will look much more realistic than either gloss or flat.  If you stop and think about it, real leather doesn't usually have a gloss shine, rather a semi-gloss appearance (other than patent leather which isn't usually used on a vehicle interior). You might consider getting a bottle of each clear (gloss, semi-gloss and flat) and experimenting to find a finish which satisfies you.