Leather Info

Nashville Furniture Repair

Leather Info

Furniture Fixers

Leather - Vinyl - Fabric - Wood

615-943-2968

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Leather Types

Aniline:

Aniline leathers are top quality natural leathers in which the actual surface grain markings of the true leather (hide) are visible. They have very little or no protective treatments applied. Natural leathers can be classified as Natural, Pure and Unprotected. These are usually colored with a transparent leather dye. A variety of clear finishes such as oil, wax, nitrocellulose and urethane protective coatings, which do not inhibit the softness or breathing of the leather, are applied to the surface. These finishes allow the natural leather markings to show through the finish. Aniline leathers require different cleaning procedures than protected leather due to its porous nature. Aniline leather is prone to sun fading. Identifying characteristics are following: very easy to scratch; water drops will darken the color and then dry back to the natural color.

Pigmented/Protected/Top Coated/Painted Leather:

This is the most common leather type used in furniture. This leather has a uniform appearance and color. The leather has an intense color and a definite pattern (grain). Because a pigmented leather paint coat is applied to the surface, you cannot see any natural leather markings through the top coatings. This type of leather is sealed with a durable finish and properly maintained will provide years of service. Identifying characteristics: uniform color and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change color.

NuBuck:

NuBuck are natural Aniline leathers that have been surface brushed or buffed on the "grain" side of the leather creating a nap and leaving a texture similar to velvet (softess of all leathers to the touch). Usually, NuBuck has a natural finish, but may have a light protective coat and a transparent leather dye for color. This process increases the leather's surface exposure making it extremely absorbent to body oils and soil, and difficult to clean effectively. Identifying characteristics: very soft to the touch; will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original color after drying.

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Leather Care

There are many leather cleaners and conditioners available. I do not sell nor do I recommend any one type above another. Please be sure to use the right cleaning products for the leather types you intend to clean. I will be happy to answer your inquiries on this subject.

Aniline and Pigmented Leathers:

Always pre-test in an inconspicuous area for colorfastness with a soft, clean white lint-free cloth. Gently apply a leather cleaner product. If color appears on the cloth, please contact me for further instructions.

To clean, apply leather cleaner to a sponge, squeezing to create foam. Apply foam to soiled area in a gentle circular motion. DO NOT RUB! Apply in light coats. Wait a few minutes, then blot with a soft, clean whit lint-free cloth and reapply if area is heavily soild. In some cases, the leather can be extremely dry and the cleaner will dissipate quickly. If this is the case, add 25% distilled water to the cleaner. This gives the dampening effect you need to release the soil. Leather will dry naturally, but to speed up this time, a hair dryer can be used. DO NOT hold the dryer in one place. Fan the hot dryer air across the area. Routine cleaning is recommended to aid in the longevity of the leather. A complete cleaning twice a year, followed by a conditioner and protection will maintain the finish and increase durability. High traffic areas may require more frequent attention.

NuBuck:

The problem with cleaning NuBuck and suede arises from the brushed nature of the leather and the lack of protection from soiling. The leather cleaner must be worked into the nap of the leather. After cleaning, use a hair dryer to assist in drying and a soft bristle brush or NuBuck Cloth to raise the nap. If the leather is not very dirty, use the NuBuck Cloth only. Use gentle motions when using a NuBuck Cloth because it acts like an aggressive pad that raises the nap and scrapes off the soil from the nap. The abrasion from the cloth will help break up heavily soiled areas for the leather cleaner to react.