WE UNDERSTAND
LEATHER
Unveil the Timeless Beauty of Leather with Proper Care
Leather, akin to silk in its delicate nature, demands attention to unveil its true splendour. The misconception that pricier leather requires less care is far from reality. In fact, the quality of care directly influences both the longevity of your leather and the pleasure it brings.
Join us on this exploration of leather care, where we'll guide you through practical tips and expert advice. Elevate your leather experience, ensuring it remains a testament to both durability and sophistication.
Leather Purchases: Beyond Brand and Design.
When it comes to buying leather products, the allure of brand and design often takes precedence, only to be met with disappointment as wear and tear deviates from our expectations. The frustration deepens due to the absence of legal obligations on retailers, importers, and manufacturers to disclose crucial details about the type of leather finishing.
Compounding the issue is the scarcity of accurate sales advice. Many leather retailers struggle to identify the nuances between different leather types, leaving customers in the dark about the advantages and disadvantages of their purchases.
The adage "Buy Cheap, Buy Twice" rings true, especially when comparing the longevity of a genuine vintage leather chesterfield to one made with embossed split or film-coated split leather, which often faces detachment in a mere 4-5 years.
The Knowledge Gap
Manufacturers may tout the simplicity of maintenance with a casual "Wipe with a damp cloth" but the reality is more complex. Customers are left disappointed when the leather fails to withstand regular use, especially when contact and non-contact points reveal different leathers, each requiring distinct maintenance.
Broaching the topic of leather maintenance during sales discussions can introduce a negative tone, exacerbating customers’ misalignment of expectations.
The Deceptive Dilemma: Adding to the challenge is the prevalence of artificial leather masquerading as genuine, and materials like Alcantara being sold under misleading labels like "Suede." This misrepresentation not only deceives consumers but erodes trust in the purchase process.
While Alcantara can undergo wet cleaning, it's this process will compromise the inherent beauty of suede, emphasising the delicate nature of its maintenance.
Bentley GTC Supersports in Poppy Red Full Grain Bull Hide.
DID YOU KNOW…
Female hides exhibit a denser fibre and finer grain structures compared to their male counterparts. However, the stability of the skin's fibre structure tends to deteriorate with each successive birth. Additionally, the development of stretch marks during pregnancy can impact the quality of the hide.
In contrast, for males, the quality of their hide is influenced by the frequency of mating. Interestingly, castrated oxen tend to have a finer skin structure.
Navigating the Maze of Leather Care: A Conundrum
Once processed into luxurious leather, top grain hides depend on us for sustenance and protection. However, deciphering the needs of different leathers and understanding how to care for them can turn leather maintenance into a perplexing mix of hits, misses, and myths.
The Dilemma of Leather Care: Is a premium automotive leather conditioner suitable for the PU leather in an entry-level model or the pigmented top grain in a Rolls Royce? PU requires protection against premature brittleness, while genuine leather craves nutrients to stave off premature aging. The wrong choice could result in unintended consequences for your prized possession.
Balancing Act: The challenge deepens when faced with colour restoration, such as using acrylic paint on a Poltrona Frau Chester One. What seems like a cure for wear may turn out to be worse than the initial issue. Applying acrylic paint not only risks downgrading the waxed Aniline but may also lead to unintended rip tears.
Guardians of Elegance: Even the most coveted leathers, like Chanel caviar skin, face their own set of care complexities. Hydrophobic treatments may seem logical, but these non-porous leathers are already waterproofed due to their color coat. Instead, focus on protection against wear abrasion, UV damage, and dye transfer to maintain their timeless elegance.
