Maintenance for Furniture (Part III)

GENERALLY ABOUT FURNITURE LEATHER

Contractor's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture should always be followed, because it is the individual dealer, furniture manufacturer and supplier of the skin that can vouch for what each product can withstand and requires.

LEATHER - A NATURAL PRODUCT

Furniture leather is made from the hides of cattle. As is natural, there may be scars, insect bites, color variations, etc. How much of these natural markings that shows on the furniture skin depends on various factors, a.o. what treatment the surface of the skin gets. Furniture leather will often change appearance after prolonged use. This kind of patina the leather furniture buyer should learn to appreciate.

THE DIFFERENT QULITIES/TYPES OF FURNITURE LEATHER

Leather that is used for furniture today is usually of cattle - cow, bull or buffalo. Most are from cow because access to such skin is relatively stable, and the size and characteristics make cowhide suitable. There are many steps in the process from the slaughter of animals until the leather is on the furniture. For tanneries that supply furniture leather, it is important to know what your customer (furniture manufacturer) want of such quality and finish. Prices vary widely, depending on the quality class or sort and wanted features.

1. Aniline leather - aniline dyed skin gets sorted out early in the process and these leathers have hardly been processed by tanning. Narva is original, and insect bites and marks of wounds will appear on this type of skin. Sometimes aniline leather gets a thin color pigment or finish layer over the basic color. These skins are very soft and comfortable, they have kept breathing ability and is considered to be the "best" quality. Aniline leather is just a small part of the total production in a tannery and the price is very high. Color selection is usually not set by furniture manufacturers, they have to choose from the selection the tannery offers.

2.Semi-aniline leather is slightly more processed than aniline dyed skin, and is a cross between aniline leather and corrected skin. A bit more color has been used and furniture manufacturers can increasingly determine the colors.

3. Corrected leathers are the most affordable and most processed. Here, furniture manufacturers order exactly the color tint they want, from completely black to white. Due to the surface treatment, such hides do not have the same breathability as aniline leather.

PRECAUTIONS FOR FURNITURE LEATHER:

1. Especially armrests and neck pillows are exposed to grease and sweat resulting in dark spots, and over time break down furniture leather.

2. Chemicals from eg. hair gel and hand creams can cause similar damage.

3. All dust and dirt from clothing, for example, will damage furniture if not removed.

4. Pets do absolutely not belong in/on the furniture!

5. Sunlight will cause fading and drying out the skin upholstery. Influence from other heat sources will lead to the risk of dehydration and color changes on eg. light skin (avoid placing a laptop with hot battery directly on furniture leather).

6. The use of covers, blankets and sofa cushions, is a good help to prevent injuries.

GENERALLY ABOUT MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE LEATHER

It is important to follow the vendor's advice on the use, care and maintenance of leather furniture, and it is important to know the quality of the current furniture skin. Care instructions attached to the furniture should always be followed - most furniture manufacturers submit their own product information with each piece of furniture.

STAIN REMOVAL AND CLEANSING OF FURNITURE LEATHER:

1. Water soluble stains should be washed off immediately with a clean, white, soft cloth or sponge wrung out in lukewarm water (boiled water).

2. Regular cleaning and dust removal should be done frequently by vacuuming with a soft brush and dusting with a clean, white, damp cloth.

3. Do not use chemicals on the leather. When in need for stain removal, treatment and more, contact the furniture store that can provide guidance in your situation.

4. Leather furniture thrive best if they are protected from sunlight, drying out and heat.