It’s summer & you need to start storing your leather. But do you know what type of leather you’ve been wearing since autumn? There are many types of leathers and they differ according to the type of animal, intended use, tanning methods and type of finish and colouring.
Leathers are commonly used for upholstery leather, shoes, handbags and protective clothing. Commonly made from cows and sheep than from crocodiles, snakes or stingrays. Yep, stingrays can be made into leather products too!
The finishing of leathers determines the final surface of the leather and the surface properties of the leathers. Colouring, waterproofing, wax dressings and other mechanical processing stages such as ironing or embossing of the leathers are added in this stage.
In general, pigmented leathers are sturdier and therefore easier to care for. While these type of leathers are more resistant to damage, they are still susceptible to staining, watermarking and cracks.
Additionally, when pressure is applied to bend and ply the leathers, microbreaks occur which make the leather appear greyish. These microbreaks usually occur in the depth of the grain and lead to cracks overtime.
When caring for any leather product, make it a routine to test first in an inconspicuous spot. There is risk in damaging your leather by using the wrong cleaning products. It is important to maintain, clean and moisturise from time to time as dirt and dust will make the surface dull over time. Grease stains and colour damage will also reduce the lifespan of the leather making it dirty and unappealing.
Protecting Surface from Wear & Tear
ecocoat leather is a specially formulated flexible ceramic coating which can be applied onto semi-analine leathers and pigmented leathers. This product provides ceramic protection and strength but with added flexibility. This product has a high scratch resistance while protects the coated surface from wear and soiling. It also prevents discolourations and colour transfers from dyes. It is recommended that this coating should only be applied on new or cleaned pigmented leathers.
The finishing of leathers determines the final surface of the leather and the surface properties of the leathers. Colouring, waterproofing, wax dressings and other mechanical processing stages such as ironing or embossing of the leathers are added in this stage.
Layers of Pigmented Leathers
This coat also determines the degree of gloss and feel of the leather. To create matt leathers, a duller is applied to the top coat or the colour.
Increasing the Lifespan of Your Leather Products
The aim of good leather care is to preserve the condition of the surface for as long as possible. The type of care needed is highly dependent on various factors of, including the manufacture process of the leather, level of exposure to elements and degree of use of the leather. Traditionally, leathers require oils and fats to keep it soft and supple and to increase its lifespan. Oils and grease were historically used and applied to make the leather waterproof and withstand adverse weather conditions. In this modern age, technology advancement has provided waterproofing coatings such as IGL Coatings ecocoat leather, which are important to increase the hydrophobicity of the leathers as well as avoid and prevent unwanted staining.
When caring for any leather product, make it a routine to test first in an inconspicuous spot. There is risk in damaging your leather by using the wrong cleaning products. It is important to maintain, clean and moisturise from time to time as dirt and dust will make the surface dull over time. Grease stains and colour damage will also reduce the lifespan of the leather making it dirty and unappealing.
How to Clean Your Leather Jackets & Seats
When cleaning leathers, check to see if any soiling is visible by wiping with a cleaning cloth. If any soiling is visible, thorough cleaning may be necessary. In selecting a cleaner and condition, choose a natural, bio-based cleaner and conditioner which will gently lift contaminants from the surface of the leather. IGL Coatings ecoshine leather is a natural, zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) 2-in-1 cleaner conditioner which is perfect on pigmented leathers. The bio based formula contain plant based emollients and conditioning agents which naturally lift contaminants from the leather surface. The treated leather will have a rich, hydrated and nourished surface.
Protecting Surface from Wear & Tear
ecocoat leather is a specially formulated flexible ceramic coating which can be applied onto semi-analine leathers and pigmented leathers. This product provides ceramic protection and strength but with added flexibility. This product has a high scratch resistance while protects the coated surface from wear and soiling. It also prevents discolourations and colour transfers from dyes. It is recommended that this coating should only be applied on new or cleaned pigmented leathers.
