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The Different Types of Leather and How to Care for Them
Different
Types Of Leather And How To Take Care Of Them
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 œunsealed and prone to dirt and staining. Being much
more difficult to maintain, it is used on furniture and handbags.
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 designer
clothing & 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.
Don't forget
what this is all about- using the right leather care products. So,
let us all be wise and prudent in taking care of all our leather
items. After all, they may have cost us a fortune. |
