THE GUIDE - CHOOSING LEATHER FOR UPHOLSTERY

Leather is a natural product with its own unique characteristics. It is particularly suitable for upholstery as it offers durability, and a unique style and comfort. Unlike many other upholstery covers its properties can change over time adding to the unique inherent character, making leather a real investment. Todays leather is more soft and supple than ever before. This allows the leather to mould to the human body and feel luxurious. The smell of leather is synonymous with its quality, the welcoming feeling the aroma triggers is rich and warm. The raw material used for upholstery predominantly comes from cow hides and has natural variation on each hide depending on which part of the cow the hide covered. Being a natural product, leather shows the marks from its years of growth. These come in the form of stretch marks or growth marks, healed scars, insect bites, scratches and so on. The wrinkles and creases, which develop during use, are natural and enhance the unique and inviting properties of the product. It is important to select the most suitable leather according to the need. Although leather is a natural product, it is available in different qualities and finishes. The raw hide, once treated, can vary in thickness, size, elasticity and colour. The hides that are most free of surface markings are generally used in aniline ranges. Those with a greater degree of markings are generally used in either semi-analine or 'pigmented leathers. To give surface aesthetics & protection, the hide is treated using one of three basic methods, known generically as: (i) Aniline (ii) Semi-aniline (iii) Pigmented (i)

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is produced by immersing the tanned hide in a bath of dye, which penetrates through the leather. The surface (the grain) is normally left in its natural state, although sometimes it may be given a light surface finish treatment to give added character (such as a wax, oil or a light polishing). This provides only slight protection; therefore aniline leather may not be the preferred choice for heavy domestic use. Aniline leathers are renowned for their maturing properties and by the way they mellow during life and use. Aniline leathers develop a rich patina, something usually associated with fine antique furniture. A piece of leather furniture only becomes more beautiful with age. Your choice of leather determines how beautiful it will become. Elmo Calf (ii) Semi-Aniline Some aniline leathers are lightly finished and incorporate only a small amount of pigment. This provides a degree of coverage & protection and also assists soil repellency. (iii) Pigmented leather A protective polymer finish containing pigments is applied to these leathers. This gives increased durability and better resistance to soiling & spillage's and also improves light fastness. An embossed pattern can be applied to the finish layer to provide a different surface grain effect. This type of finish will conceal most natural surface imperfections that the hide may have, therefore giving a more consistent surface. Pigmented Leather is less absorbent and more resistant to marking than aniline leather, therefore better suited to heavier domestic use. Full grain - The leather is known as full grain pigmented leather if the original grain surface of the leather remains intact prior to finishing. Corrected grain - Sometimes it is necessary to abrade the grain surface prior to finishing to remove the blemishes on the leather.

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It is common practice for manufacturers of leather upholstery to use a breather fabric on the reverse of cushions to enable the air to escape once sat on. This avoids the whoopee cushion effect that otherwise occurs. The unique smell of leather is a characteristic which derives from the leather making process, thus increasing its appeal.

Leather Care
As with all materials, regular care of your leather will ensure that the appearance and durability is prolonged, although generally leather does require less maintenance and cleaning than fabric. Please follow these care guidelines to help prolong the life of your leather upholstery. The guidelines cover each different leather finish. The leather swatch indicates cleaning recommendation. Please protect your leather from prolonged exposure to: Direct Sunlight. Excessive Heat; Sharp Objects; Chemicals; i.e. Radiators, Fires. i.e. Children's shoe buckles, pet claws. Such as spot cleaners or detergents not specifically intended for use on upholstery leather.

Numerous consumer complaints with upholstery leather arise through well intentioned but nevertheless improper or over enthusiastic cleaning.
Care guidelines - for pigmented and Semi aniline leathers:
For regular cleaning simply vacuum and then take a soft cloth and wring out in warm soap solution - mild soap not detergent. Wipe the leather using a circular motion taking care not to soak the leather. Repeat using clean water. There are numerous proprietary leather cleaners currently available, however it is essential to test the product on a hidden area prior to treating a large area. DO DO NOT Clean your leather upholstery regularly. Feed the leather in any way. The use of spray polishes, saddle soaps, waxes and so called hide foods may well create a sticky surface, attracting dirt and in time cause irreversible damage.

Care for Aniline leathers:

Care should be taken not to mark or spill anything on aniline leathers since stain removal will be extremely difficult if not impossible. To minimise staining lift off any excess contaminant as soon as possible using a paper towel or dry cloth. General maintenance can be carried out on aniline leathers by gently wiping over the surface with a cloth Dampened in clean water. Care must be taken not to over wet or rub the leather surface. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please contact your local leather upholstery specialist to guide you to the most suitable cleaning product.

The details given on these sheets have been approved by the British Leather Confederation (BLC) Leather Technology Centre Limited.

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