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A consumer is frequently told that the leather
they purchased is low maintenance and can easily be wiped off with mild
soap and water. No further service explanation is given.
Several problems exist with this approach. First, low
maintenance is usually interpreted as no maintenance. Second,
"protected" leathers have a durable pigmented finish, but are
not indestructible. This durable finish initially allows consumers
to clean leather with almost anything and get an immediate satisfactory
result. 
The use of these products, not designed for leather, may break down this
durable finish causing the pigment to crack or peel. Improper
maintenance directly leads to expensive restoration or
replacement. Third, aniline and NuBuck leathers are not low
maintenance.
These leathers are extremely porous and should be
cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis to protect your investment.
Fourth, leather is purchased primarily for the most attractive rooms in
the house. This choice makes good maintenance a high priority to
protect the looks of your investment and for prolonging the life of your
leather.
Call 970-945-7591 to
schedule Rash & Son today!
Rash & Son can take care of your leather and
upholstery furniture with safe and effective restoration products.
Glossary of Leather Terms
Aniline: Also known as Natural, Pure, Naked and Unprotected
leather. These are leathers that are colored with transparent
dyestuff. This means that you are able to see the actual surface
grain markings. These leathers have very little or no protective
treatments applied to them.
Protected: Also known as Finished, Semi Aniline, Everyday,
Pigmented and Painted. These leathers have combined the best
aspects of a natural product (leather) and have utilized tannery
technology to create a product that is more uniform in appearance and
color.
NuBuck: Also known as Chaps, Distressed, Bomber
and Suede. These are actually aniline leathers with a surface
brushed to create 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 that is done to the grain side. Because
NuBuck and aniline leasters are alike, it is sometimes difficult to tell
them apart.
Leather tanneries and manufacturers
world-wide recommend proper cleaning and protection treatments every six
months to extend the life of leather and to prevent premature cracking,
peeling and color loss. |
Before and After
Rash & Son Upholstery Cleaning
There are four different types of soil to be aware of before you clean
leather:
Atmospheric Soils
Consider the dust that builds up on a coffee table or desk over a week's
time. This same dust is being deposited on your leather. To
this dust, add the airborne cooking oils and atmospheric pollution that
is present, to some degree, in every home.
Common Soils
This includes the outside tracking of the common dirt, sand and
vegetable fibers from plants. These are carried into the house in
various ways, which can be transferred to leather directly or indirectly
from kids and animals.
Dyes and Inks
The inks from newspapers will readily be deposited on leather.
Clothes such as denims will lose some of their dye onto leather in a
process called crocking. The direct approach from the occasional
leaky pen or the aspiring 2-year old artist should not be forgotten.
Oils and Grease
Body oils from both humans and animals cause soils to attach and hold
onto leather. Hair and hand oils are easily transferred to the
arms of leather furniture.
Other Problems
Invariably scruffs, scratches, surface cuts, and fading are other
problems that will happen periodically. Rash & Son is trained
to address these problems. We have stock pigment colors to repair
the inevitable scrape or scratch on protected leathers. Aniline
leathers with similar problems can be addressed through the use of a
revitalizant or 7 stock aniline dyes. Custom computer matching can
be done whenever appropriate at custom rates. Dryness to leather
can be effectively treated with the appropriate revitalizant which is
much needed here in Colorado. Even rare problems like mold and
spew can be addressed by Rash & Son with specifically designed
products.
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