What is Leather?

Many different types of leather are used in different applications. The most common, Top Grained (Protected or coated) (Manufacturer Code "P") leather is used in almost all applications including automotive and furniture upholstery, jackets and clothing, and more. This type of leather is the easiest to maintain, and also the most durable. It will appear to have a distinct "finished" look and somewhat heavier in feel than an unprotected or unfinished leather. When a droplet of water is placed on the surface of this leather, the droplet will "bead up" and cause no darkening of the spot and is easily wiped away. Aniline ( Manufacturer Code "A"), is a very soft feeling form of leather with no finish on the surface of the leather, leaving it unsealed and susceptible to dirt and staining. Being much more difficult to maintain, it is found used primarily on furniture and clothing. Suede (AKA NuBuck) (Manufacturer Code "N"), is a form of Aniline leather. The finish is brushed and appears to have a "Knapp" which will change colors when the surface is gently wiped with a hand or other object. When a droplet of water is placed on the surface of this type of leather, it may "bead up " initially, but when gently wiped over the surface the water will be quickly absorbed into the leather creating a "dark" spot. Semi-Aniline (Manufacturer Code "A"), is also an uncoated type of leather but has a "finished" look. The surface of the leather will have a similar appearance as Top Coated leather, but will be a bit softer and lighter in feel. When a droplet of water is placed onto the surface of the leather, it will immediately be absorbed into the leather and cause a "dark" spot. This is the most difficult leather to care for and to keep looking new, especially when used in a "family" room or other high use area. It is also the most common type of leather sold in furniture. Leather is called by many different names, most of which are nothing more than Manufacturers identifications, or "Remnants of Tradition". In most instances, your leather will be identified with a tag referring to the specific type of leather used in your application

Types of Leather

Before it became leather, nature took care of feeding, cleaning and repairing the animals skin. The chemicals used in tanning the leather, only preserve the usefulness of the skin for a much longer period of time. Nature is no longer able to do what it once did. The responsibility now becomes that of the "new owner". Regular cleaning and replenishment of natural oils, will keep the leather, and its' finish, in good condition for a very long time. We have made available Leather Care Kits that will provide you with everything you will need to thoroughly maintain your leather. Oils in the leather will dry out and evaporate even when the leather is not regularly used. To keep the leather soft and flexible, dirt and grime which have accumulated on the surface must be removed using our Leather Cleaner and the oils be replaced using our Leather Care Cream . Regular maintenance should be performed usually about once every three months. Due to changes recently implemented by the Leather Manufacturing Industry, Tanning processes and the chemicals used in these processes have been dramatically changed. This change has occurred because of environmental concerns as well as cost factors. As a result, maintenance products have to be adapted in order to remain compatible and beneficial with the newer styles of leather. The use of "Old Time" remedies such as Neatsfoot Oil, Mink Oil, Saddle Soap, and other similar products, are no longer beneficial to the leather used in upholstery applications. In fact, these products can cause harm to the leather by accelerating deterioration of the fibers of the leather and the finish products used in their production.

Repairing Leather

It's very depressing when an expensive piece of leather becomes damaged. Nature can no longer fix the problem, but you can! It is not possible to duplicate nature, but we have developed artificial means that simulate what nature does. By using state-of-the-art resins and polymers, it is possible to permanently bond damaged leather back to itself, leaving little trace of damage. Even in nature, some "scarring" may occur. By choosing the proper products, you will be able to repair this damage and control the amount of "scarring" that is left, even eliminating it altogether! Leather Magic's repair and refinishing products have been designed to be 100% compatible with all forms of leather. Our repair processes require no heat be used in making repairs to damaged leather. The heat required to cure some of the more common repair compounds used in the industry, will actually "cook" the leather. This will "tenderize" the surrounding areas of the repair causing the fibers of the leather to eventually break down and seperate.This may take weeks or even months to become evident, but eventually, the consumer will be left with a damaged area that is larger and more evident than that which had been repaired. Check out our repair examples page to see damaged items that have been successfully repaired with our Kits and put back to good use.

Faded & Worn Leather

The finish that has been placed on the leather from the manufacturer can become damaged, faded or worn, even if proper care is taken. It is possible to obtain a permanent, highly durable replacement finish. Choosing the proper products, will enable you to do this yourself! It is not as difficult as it sounds! It is much like "painting a room" in your home. The surface area must be prepared, and the proper coloring materials applied.sanctity's Leather Recoloring Kit will provide you with everything you need!

Stains

Yes, Stains happen. Children with Markers, Pets, Spills, "Dye Transfer" and many other accidents cause leather to loose its' appeal. Many stains may be easily removed if corrected immediately using the proper product. In most cases, home remedies are tried that only succeed in setting the stain in deeper, making it impossible to remove. It's important that stains be attacked properly from the start.Sanctity's Ink and Stain Remover offers you the best opportunity to remove most stains from your leather, without damaging the finish. If the stain can not be removed, using a Stain Remover, it will then be necessary to replace the finish over the stained area. Sanctity's Leather ReColoring Kit will enable you to do this.

Changing the Color of Leather

It is possible to change the color of leather. However, it is not always the most advisable thing to do, and there are certain problems and situations that should be considered before making the final decision. Changing the color of leather is a bit more difficult than restoring the original color. But the procedure may be accomplished quite nicely as long as the proper products are used and adequate preparation is performed. If the color change is slight or within the same "family" of color such as light Tan to a slightly darker Tan, there is no problem in making this change and may easily be accomplished using our Leather ReColoring Kit. If the color change desired is more drastic, such as from light Tan to Dark Brown, there are circumstances that should be considered. There are several problems that may be encountered after the color change has been done. First, keep in mind that it is impossible for any dye or color coat to soak thoroughly into the leather. All types of color coats which are available for leather coloring, after it has been originally dyed, will only coat the surface. This will allow for scratches and wear that may eventually let the original color show through. Changing the original color requires that a greater amount of color coat be applied in order to cover the old finish. This may allow for greater chances of cracking and peeling of the new color coat if everything has not been done properly. Both of the situations may be easily taken care of by periodic "touch-up". Another solution, would be to apply a top coat of a darker complimentary color. This will create a “Bark” or “Antique” finish to the leather, and while not completely changing the color, it will produce a dramatic change in the appearance of your leather. Also, changing the color to a completely opposite color, such as Green To Red, is not recommended. The amount of Color Coat material that will be required will make the leather appear fake and artificial, much more like vinyl, and will have much greater chances of cracking and peeling later. Also, any color change will require additional materials to complete the project, especially when working with multiple pieces.