The most common leather is cowhide. A variety of animal skins are used to produce different looks in leather. Once leather is tanned and processed, certain sections are selected for use on a particular application. It will then go through another series of processing and splitting for each application. Leather quality is determined by the actual processes and chemicals used in its production. Respectable manufacturers use high quality in the production of furniture, car upholstery, as well as jackets and clothing. Lower priced leather on the other hand, means lower quality and is less durable in the long run.
There are 3 kinds of leather:
1.Top grained (protected and coated) - is leather used in all applications- car upholstery, jackets and clothing. This is the easiest to maintain and also the most durable. It has that “finished look” and somewhat heavier. If a drop of water is spilled, it will bead up and cause no darkening of the spot and is easily wiped away.
2.Aniline- is a very soft feeling form of leather with no finish on the surface leaving it “unsealed” and prone to dirt and staining. Being much more difficult to maintain, it is used on furniture and clothing.
a.Suede (Nubuck) - is a form of aniline leather. It has that brushed look and appears “Knapp” which will change colors when the surface is gently touched with hand or other objects. Water will bead up but when wiped, will be absorbed creating a “dark” spot.
3.Semi Aniline- is also uncoated leather but has a finished look. The surface has the same appearance as top coated leather but will be a bit softer and lighter in feel. When a droplet of water is spilled - it will be absorbed right away and cause a dark spot. This is the most difficult to care for. It is the most common leather used in furniture.
The different types of leather mentioned, need different approaches in caring and maintaining.
A.Faded and worn- can still happen even if you take real good care of it. Surface must be cleaned of any accumulated dirt and you may use a recoloring kit to restore. It is very simple to use.
B.Stains- pet stains, spills, ink stains, and others can be removed if done immediately. Use a stain remover and replace the finish over stained area using a recoloring kit.
C.Cleaning, Conditioning and protecting your leather- before buying maintenance products, fist know the type of leather. Using any product not meant for your leather can cause staining and further damage. All leather should be cleaned regularly, conditioned and protected about every 3mos.
All top coated, “finished or protected” leather may be cleaned easily using leather care products. Most dirt, grime, oil and stains may be cleaned without damaging the finish which may cause hardening of the leather. This should be followed closely by conditioning so that oils and lubricants may be replaced.
Naked, “Aniline” Suede or Nubuck must be treated differently. This type stains easily and needs different formulations of leather care products. Use products designed for finer more absorbent types that will not cause more staining while giving it the strongest cleaning agent. Nubuck leather conditioner should be applied after cleaning to restore the oils that have been lost through daily use.
Protection from staining of the finish may be done in many ways:
Protection cream - will give a protective coat to prevent staining from water, oils, alcohol, body oils and daily soiling. Apply as soon as leather is bought followed by re-application with regular maintenance.
Fabric guard- is highly recommended as this will give the same protective cover in an easy spray form.
UV Protectant- protection from fading due to direct exposure to sunlight. This product lessens the light that reaches the surface of the leather. Long term exposure also brings about drying and hardening of the leather.
Semi Aniline- will need the same cleaning and maintenance products as full Aniline, but the application procedure will vary. The right steps for treatment are as follows:
-Thoroughly clean surface using the right leather cleaner product.
-Condition leather to restore lost oils and lubricants by using right leather conditioner.
-Apply fabric guard or protection cream to give it a protective “coat’ to lessen soiling and staining.
-Use UV Protectant to lessen fading and decline of leather.
Source : The Different Types of Leather and How to Care for Them
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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