• Problems and Misconceptions • Leather Cleaning Tips •
• Contaminating Soils & Leather • Common Leather Varieties •
Consumers are told that leather is low maintenance & can be wiped clean with mild soap and water...but consider these issues:
Problem 1: Low maintenance is interpreted as NO maintenance, but that is false.
Problem 2: "Protected" leathers have a durable pigmented finish,
but NOT an indestructible finish.
Typical leather finishes initially allow consumers to clean leather with almost anything to get an immediate satisfactory result.Products not designed for leather, break down the finishes causing cracks or peeling, and requiring expensive restoration or replacement.
Problem 3: Aniline & Nubuck leathers are extremely porous & must be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis to protect your investment.
Problem 4: Leather is purchased primarily for the most active rooms in the house, making good maintenance a high priority to protect the look and prolonging the life of your leather.
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Solution 1: Use Leather Master products.
Leather Master products are safe and effective for leather with over 300 tanneries and manufacturers endorsing these products.
Solution 2: Trust only IICRC Certified Leather Specialists.
IICRC Certified Leather Specialists have been thoroughly trained in how to use the entire line of Leather Master products on all of the different leather types.
Solution 3: Professional Cleaning & Care every 6 months.
Leather tanneries and manufacturers world-wide recommend
proper cleaning & protection treatments to:
1. extend the life of the leather
2. prevent premature cracking
3. prevent peeling & color loss. Back to Top
Soil 1: Atmospheric Soils
Dust, such as what collects on your coffee table over a week's time,
airborne cooking oils & other air pollutions that are present in every home.
Soil 2: Common Soils
Dirt, sand and vegetable plant fibers transferred to leather by visitors, kids and pets.
Soil 3: Dyes and Inks
Newsprint like in newspapers and clothing dye such as demnims along with
the occasional leaky pen or the aspiring 2 year old artist.
Soil 4: Oils and Grease
Body oils from humans and animals like Hair and hand oils are transferred to the arms and head cushions of leather, and cause soils to remain. Back to Top
P = Protected - Known as Finished, Semi Aniline, Everyday, Pigmented & Painted. These leathers have combined the best aspects of natural leather and tannery technology to create a product that is more uniform in appearance and color.
A = Aniline - Also known as Natural, Pure, Naked and Unprotected. Aniline leathers are colored with transparent dyes and you are able to see the actual surface grain markings.
These Leathers have very little or no protective treatments applied to them.
N = Nubuck - Also known as Chaps, Distressed, Bomber and Sued. These are actually Aniline Leathers that the surface has been brushed, and have created a texture similar to velvet on Leather upholstery or fabric. Suede is the "flesh" side of a piece of Leather and Nubuck is an effect done to the grain side. Nubucks & Aniline leathers are alike, making it difficult to tell them apart.
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