8 is Enough!
(8 simple facts for first time leather buyers)
First time leather buyers have many questions and
concerns. Unfortunately, the advice that they will get while shopping can
vary from store to store. Plus, there is a lot of confusing lingo out there.
Here are some simple answers to the most common questions:
- How
can I tell if my furniture is made of genuine leather?
- Should I buy the highest quality
leather?
- Why are there so many choices and price
differences?
- Aniline and pigment finishes are
confusing. What does it mean?
- What is the difference between top grain
and split grain?
- How
do I take care of my leather furniture?
- Which leathers are easier to care for?
- Does leather change or wear out over
time?
1. How can I tell if my furniture is made of
genuine leather?
One dead give away is the
back of the piece. If the entire back of an 8 foot long
sofa is one piece (not several stitched together) you might want
to ask where they found such a huge cow (the average hide is
only 3' x 6'). Also, look for subtle markings that distinguish natural from
synthetic materials. Leather will typically be warmer to the touch
than imitation materials. Finally, if you are able to open a zipper on the piece, observe what the reverse side of the material looks like. Leather will be unfinished (no color), and rougher on the bottom than synthetic materials.
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2. Should I buy the highest quality leather?
No.
Ok, well...maybe. It depends on your lifestyle. If you plan to eat buttered
popcorn on it, don't buy the highest quality leather. High quality hides are desirable because they create a sofa that feels great against your skin.
But -- do not confuse high quality with durability. The less
expensive hides go through some extra finishing
during the tanning process. This results in a leather that is
"protected" from spills and stains. The
best choice for most people is to compromise between the highly
protected leathers (pigmented) and the more natural softer
leathers (full aniline). That compromise is called
"semi-aniline". It is currently the most popular of all
the leather options you will see in the store.
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3. Why are there so many choices and price
differences?
Leather prices are a reflection of the quality of the
hide. Think about what influences the price of diamonds, for
example. A small, flawless diamond is more valuable than a
larger one with imperfections. In the same way, a hide that has
no scars on it is much more valuable than one with barbed wire
marks and warts! When hides are sold, the high end
manufacturers, who are willing to pay more, get first choice.
The end result is a soft, supple, luxurious couch for you to
snuggle up on.
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4. Aniline and pigment finishes are
confusing. What does it mean?
Every tanned
hide is finished. There are a lot of ways to do this, but
essentially there are three important terms you should know when
shopping.
Pigment:
Pigment is a
protective opaque color which coats the grain very consistently.
It is the most durable, stain resistant finish. In most
cases it appears to be "painted" onto the hide. It is slightly
cooler to the touch and will fade the most in sunlight. Is
easiest to clean, but light colors can appear dingy over time if
not maintained.
Semi-aniline:
Combines
aniline with pigment. This enhances soil resistance while
remaining soft to the touch. The extra protection of the
pigment makes for easier cleaning, less moisture absorption, and
will provide a slight shine to the leather. Meanwhile the
aniline dye provides a more natural appearance to the leather,
and softens it a bit as well.
Aniline:
A clear
(transparent) organic stain, which colors but doesn’t coat
completely. It is less stain resistant, but leaves the hide
softer, more pliable and warmer to the touch. Do not
confuse aniline leathers with suede, which comes from the
cheaper, rougher split grain.
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5.
What is the difference between top grain and split grain?
At the
tannery, a leather hide is split into 2 layers – top grain and
the lower grain or "split." The lower, bottom grain is the flesh
piece and may be split one or more times. It is likely to be
used on the outside parts (sides and backs) of a piece of
furniture. That is fine, as the main benefit to top grain
leather is it's feel and that is what most brands use on the
seats and armrests. Since only very unusual people flip
their sofa over and sit on the back, it doesn't make much
difference, and it helps keep the price lower.
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6.
How do I take care of my leather furniture?
Regular
dusting with a damp, clean cloth is advised. For further care
and handling, please see your retailer about the specific
cleaning instructions for your particular leather.
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7.
Which leathers are easier to care for?
Leather with
heavier pigment (opaque coloring) and corrected grain are the
easiest to care for. Aniline leathers, with transparent color,
require more delicate care. Darker colors tend to hide dirt and
soil more easily than lighter colors. Leather is easier than
fabric to repair, if damaged.
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8.
Does leather change or wear out over time?
Aniline
leathers, with their light protection, may produce an aged
"patina" finish over time adding to their natural character. The
patina will be darker where you sit the most, giving it an
uneven appearance. Protected pigment leathers will become
more subtle and soft over time. Any type of leather can be
damaged if not kept clean, so dust often. Leather outlasts
synthetic materials 4 to 1 and will not easily show wear.
Leather will not tear and is much more difficult to puncture
than first time leather buyers think. All leather and synthetic
materials (including fabric) have a tendency to fade if
subjected to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
