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.
To increase the durability of the leather, enhance its resistance against stains, or increase its hydrophobicity, manufacturers treat most leathers with a layer of binder-pigment-mixer, known as the color coat. Leathers with the protective color coats are referred to as pigmented leathers or finished leathers.

Layers of Pigmented Leathers

In the production of pigmented leathers, manufacturers apply a primer on the leather to promote adhesion while preventing the leather from absorbing the pigment color. They then apply a top coat to protect the binder color from abrasion and discoloration.
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.
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.
Most upholstery in vehicles uses pigmented leathers. For heavily used leathers like the driver’s seat of your car, scratches and abrasions can easily wear it out over time. Heat and moisture levels will also play a role in the deterioration of the leather.
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.

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.
Note that relying solely on waterproofing to increase the hydrophobicity is not the only solution or a sufficient stand-alone protectant in the long run. Additionally, it is essential to recognize that neglecting care for leathers after waterproofing will result in them becoming dry and brittle over time, leading to discoloration and cracks.
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
To increase and improve the hydrophobicity of pigmented leathers, one should apply a waterproof coating. In this technological age, IGL Coatings produces ecocoat leather, allowing the application of ceramic coatings on flexible materials such as leathers to increase their hydrophobicity and oleophobicity, preventing stains and watermarks.
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.

About IGL Coatings

Established in 2015, IGL Coatings quickly become one of the most trusted names in the automotive detailing industry worldwide. IGL’s reach and worldwide success can be attributed to its commitment and dedication towards innovation, sustainability, customer satisfaction and technology. IGL Coatings is a global market leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative surface protection solutions. With a strong commitment to research and development. IGL Coatings creates industry-leading coatings that deliver exceptional durability, enhanced aesthetics, and environmental sustainability. Trusted by professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. IGL Coatings dedicates itself to revolutionizing the automotive, marine, and industrial sectors with cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled customer support. For more information about our products, services, and partnerships, please visit our website iglcoatings.com or contact us via marketing@iglcoatings.com
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