Leather Care Tips, Products & Classifications

Leather has been used for various purposes for thousands of years and has been over this time refined and developed in the tanning processes to the point where today's beautiful leathers are an excellent balance between durability and comfort. Fruniture upholstery and automotive leathers are produced by different tanners in various different processes to meet the needs of their customers who produce seating and fittings for the end consumer.

Different types of leathers have varying characteristics and perform dramatically differently in given situations. Upholstery leathers are given general classifications based on their finish characteristics. Listed below are some general classifications. The difference between the classifications is blurring due to refinements in tanning processes but they still act as a general guide.

 Leather Classifications |  Leather Attributes |  Leather Care Products  |  Leather Care Tips

Leather Classifications

Aniline Leather
The aniline dyeing process produces magnificent feeling leather in its most natural form. It gives subtle colours which enhance the natural beauty of the different fibre structures in the grain and the various hide marks.

Nubuck Leather
Nubuck leathers have then been further processed to raise fibres on the grain side of the hide to give it a suede effect.

Semi-Aniline Leather
The leather has a light colour and finish applied to the surface which reveals the natural characteristics of the hide to a lesser extent and increases the resistance to wear. This process balances out dye colour irregularities and allows a greater colour range.

Pigmented Leather
The surface of this leather has a pigment applied and a heavier protective coating giving a limitless colour range and exellent wear characteristics. Pigmented leathers are produced in two basic forms.

• Full Grain - the grain shows natural grain variation and all marks.

• Corrected Grain - a process where some of the grain layer and most of the natural hide marks are removed. The surface then has a print embossed on it giving a more uniform appearance.

As a general rule, the finer leathers are more susceptible to fading and staining and, therefore are more suitable to show and formal situations. The pigmented leathers and their heavier finishes are more durable in heavy traffic situations. This leather is used in virtually all automotive applications.

Distinctive Attributes of Fine Leather

Animals are subject to a wide variety of factors in their natural environment which leave indelible marks on their hides.

As these marks have healed on the anima,l they do not affect the durability of the leather, but rather enhance its individuality.

Leather Care Product Range

Leather is a strong durable surface which will give many years of good service. Today's modern tanneries apply complex coatings onto the leathers to increase their stain and wear resistance. The concept of good leather care for your furniture is to maintain these coatings for as long as possible. When allowed to build up, grime, dust, body oils and food stains act to breakdown the tannery coatings which accelerate the deterioration of the leather.

Complete Leathercare products are specifically formulated to maintain and enhance the durability of leather to keep your leather furniture in excellent condition. Regular use of the kits will effectively remove day to day grime and apply a protective layer on the leather which will help to repel grime, stains and body oils. The unique additives in the kits will also help to reduce u.v. damage with high tech u.v. blockers and resist mould and germ build up with a sophisticated anti-microbial agent.

Berkowitz helps you keep your leather furniture in good shape with leather care products by 'Complete Leathercare', and are available at all our stores:

Leather Care Tips

How long your furniture keeps its beautiful appearance depends on the care you give it. Below are some tips to assist you in maintaining your leather in good condition.

Do keep your leather as clean and supple as possible with regular use of the RECOMMENDED LEATHERCARE MAINTENANCE KIT.

• perspiration build-up and body salts are the biggest contributor to colour loss and breakdown in upholstery leather. Therefore it needs to be removed regularly.

• clothing and food dye can transfer into leather and needs to be removed as soon as possible.

Don't allow pets on your furniture. Their claws (dull or sharp) damage the finish.

Don't place furniture in direct sun or too near a heat source.

Don't use any household cleaners, solvents or petroleum products, unspecified or non-recommended products (consult your furniture retailer or manufacturer) and any products recommended for saddles or footwear.

Don't sit on leather with wet clothing from swimming pools (salt and chlorine).

Don't allow sharp objects to come in contact with the leather. These can scratch and cut.