CARING FOR YOUR LEATHER – TREATING FOR MOULD

Welcome to our guide on preserving the beauty and longevity of your cherished leather items. Leather, with its timeless elegance and durability, deserves thoughtful care to maintain its allure and functionality. Whether you own a beloved handbag, a treasured jacket, or a favourite piece of furniture, proper maintenance is key to keeping your leather in pristine condition and free from mould and mildew.

In this guide, you'll discover the unique needs of different types of leather, learn effective cleaning techniques, and find out how to protect your items from common issues like mould. Our aim is to provide you with practical, easy-to-follow advice that will help you nurture your leather, ensuring it remains a stylish and enduring part of your life for years to come.

TYPES OF LEATHER

Understanding the various types of leather is essential for choosing the right care routine:

Full-Grain Leather

• Considered the highest quality of leather
• Made from the top layer of the hide, which contains the strongest and most durable fibres
• Retains the natural grain, making each piece unique
• Develops a patina over time, enhancing its appearance with age
• Expensive and known for its longevity

Top-Grain Leather

• Similar to full grain but with the top layer sanded and buffed to remove imperfections
• More uniform in appearance than full grain
• Retains some of the natural markings and characteristics of the hide
• Softer and more pliable than full grain
• Less expensive than full grain but still high quality

Corrected Grain Leather

• Made from hides with significant imperfections
• The surface is sanded down and an artificial grain is applied
• Uniform in appearance but lacks the natural look of full- or top-grain leather
• More affordable

Split Leather

• Made from the lower layers of the hide after the top grain is removed
• Less durable and more prone to stretching or tearing
• Often used in suede production
• Cost-effective

Suede / Nubuck Leather

• Suede is made from the underside of the hide with a soft, napped finish
• Very soft but prone to staining and scratching
• Nubuck is made from the outer layer and sanded for a velvety texture
• Slightly more durable than suede, but still delicate

Bonded / Recycled Leather

• Made from leather scraps bonded together with adhesive
• Not as durable or long-lasting as genuine leather
• Commonly used in furniture and accessories as a cost-effective alternative

TYPES OF LEATHER FINISHING

Leather finishing involves applying chemicals, dyes, and coatings to treat the leather’s surface. The purposes include:

• Enhancing Appearance: Glossy, matte, or metallic finishes, plus unique patterns
• Providing Protection: Guards against water, stains, and wear
• Improving Texture: Makes leather smoother, softer, or more supple
• Consistency: Creates a uniform look and feel
• Fade Resistance: Prevents light and environmental damage

ANILINE LEATHER FINISH

Appearance: Natural, soft, and luxurious with original grain visible
Characteristics: Highly breathable and develops a patina over time
Examples: Hermès Veau Swift, Louis Vuitton Vachetta, Chanel Calfskin/Lambskin
Care Tips: Use a very small amount of  Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner or Mould Protector Beeswax Leather Balm . Overuse may darken the leather.

SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER FINISH

Appearance: Slight coating gives a more uniform look than pure aniline
Characteristics: Durable with some stain resistance while retaining natural feel
Examples: Hermès Veau Grainé, Gucci leather, Chanel Calfskin/Lambskin
Care Tips: As with aniline, use Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner and Mould Protector Beeswax Leather Balm sparingly to avoid darkening.

PIGMENTED LEATHER FINISH

Appearance: Polymer coating with pigments ensures uniform color and texture
Characteristics: Best resistance to wear, stains, and fading
Examples: Hermès Veau Evercolor, Louis Vuitton Taurillon & Epi, Prada Saffiano, Patent Leather
Care Tips: Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner can be used in small amounts.   will not absorb due to the surface coating.

NUBUCK LEATHER FINISH

Appearance: Velvety texture created by sanding the top grain
Characteristics: More delicate and requires special care
Examples: Hermès Veau Velours, Louis Vuitton Suede Calfskin, Gucci Nubuck
Care Tips: Avoid both Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner and Mould Protector Beeswax Leather Balm , as they may darken the leather.

SUEDE LEATHER FINISH

Appearance: Soft, fuzzy surface from buffed underside
Characteristics: Less durable, prone to staining and water damage
Examples: Hermès Veau Cachemire, Louis Vuitton Suede Calfskin, Gucci Suede
Care Tips: Do not use Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner or Mould Protector Beeswax Leather Balm ; these products will darken the surface.

VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER NATURAL FINISH

Appearance: Natural finish that develops a rich patina over time
Characteristics: Strong, durable, and more environmentally friendly than chrome-tanned leather
Examples: Hermès, Louis Vuitton Vachetta, J & E Sedgwicks Bridle Leather
Care Tips: Avoid Leather Remedy Rid-Mould Leather Cleaner and Mould Protector Beeswax Leather Balm to prevent darkening.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON LEATHER CARE

Understanding the different types of leather and their finishes is essential to proper care. Whether your leather is aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, nubuck, or suede, using the appropriate products and techniques will help maintain its beauty and longevity. Always test new products in a hidden area to ensure compatibility.

With proper maintenance, your leather goods can remain beautiful and functional for years. Invest in high-quality care products and follow usage instructions carefully.

We hope you found this guide helpful. Extend the life of your leather goods with Leather Remedy Natural Rid-Mould Care solutions.