What is full Aniline luxury Leather…?

The most attractive and natural leathers which are prized for their soft natural feel. These are leathers which have been aniline dyed in a vat process with no colour coating added to the surface. They are the most expensive leathers to produce because only the very best selection of hides can be used to produce full aniline leathers. Full aniline dyed leathers are more susceptible to absorbing liquids because of the natural porosity of the hide. Because they don't have a top coating the leather breathes more easily and is cooler to sit on. Only 5 of every 100 hides produced are sufficiently defect-free to become anilines.

What is Semi-Aniline Leather…?

Semi-Aniline leather is pure aniline leather that has a small amount of pigment or clear finish thus allowing the natural characteristics of the hide to still show through while offering some of the benefits of color consistency and increased wearability.

What is corrected leather..?

Hides that cannot be anilines are used to produce less expensive corrected leather, which is created when nature's signatures are buffed away and an artificial grain is embossed or heat-stamped onto the hide.

Any questions...... ? 

How is the wax/dye applied to the hides?

Dyes are usually tumbled with the hides in a large drum.

What are aniline dyes?

The word aniline is an industry term for transparent dyes that are used to color hides.

A very thin layer of polyurethane seals the hide and either an oil or wax finish is applied as a protectant against spills and light scratches.

Why should the leathers be kept out of direct sunlight/heat?

Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent. Any natural substance will be affected adversely by the sun. Heat draws the natural moisture out of the hide and can cause the skins to crack or become ashy. The application of a leather conditioner can reduce these reactions.

What causes a variance in the color of a hide?

The amount of moisture in the hide is the main reason for variance in color.

Is the hide the only part of the cow that is used?

The hides are by-products in the cattle industry. Every part of the cow is utilized.

What are the recommended generic and professional cleaning agents to use?

All spills should be attended to immediately. For light spills always use distilled water and a clean cloth. Wipe the spill in one direction. Application of a leather conditioner is useful in repelling stains. Most stains will disappear with age. Not all stains will come out. (see Leather do's and don'ts below).

Will leather ever fade over time?

Heat and/or sunlight and time can affect all natural substances if not properly maintained. Excessive exposure can fade and dry out leather upholstery.

For minor scratches what do you recommend?

If a leather has been conditioned and maintained it should be more resistant to scratches. Most light scratches can be massaged lightly with clean fingers. For deeper scratches there is little that can be done, remember this is a skin that no longer has healing capabilities.

What do you recommend for indelible stains such as pen marks or ink?

Allow the ink mark to dry then use distilled water and a cloth. A suede eraser can be used on a dry surface if the stain persists. Not all stains will come out.  
Leather.. do's and don'ts.  

Do's

• Dust or vacuum regularly
• Use lukewarm distilled water for spills or stains to prevent watermark rings or stains.
• Use a soft cloth like a chamois or a soft sponge to prevent scratches or abrasions.
• Wipe lightly in one direction.
• Blot with a dry cloth and let the leather air dry naturally.

Don'ts

• Do not place furniture in direct sunlight. Remember the sun is a natural bleaching agent. All fabric and leather upholstery will lighten or discolor in natural sunlight over time.
• Do not place furniture on or near heat sources. Heat can cause natural leather to crack and age prematurely.  
  Remember Leather is a natural product and requires some care to maintain the natural beauty of the hide.
• For minor or slight scratches on the surface, use chamois or clean fingers to gently buff the scratch.
• Not all scratches have the same depth so the technique may not work on deeper scratches. The friction and heat from the rubbing helps redistribute the wax in the surrounding area to cover the scratch.
• Leather is not for everyone. Customers with kids or pets will see more severe scratches and scuffs than the average leather customer.