Prevent Cracked Leather: Easy Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance can help prevent cracked leather and extend its lifespan. Simple routines such as regular cleaning are key to preserving its quality.
Cracked leather can jeopardize the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your furniture or goods, leading to costly replacements, making leather restoration a crucial consideration.
To avoid such outcomes, implementing proactive care techniques, timely repairs, and appropriate treatment is essential in maintaining leather's durability and appearance.
Here are a few tips.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance significantly prolongs leather items' lifespan, ensuring they retain their allure and functionality.
By frequently wiping down leather surfaces with a damp cloth, dirt, and oils that can cause cracking are effectively removed, reducing the need for extensive leather restoration later on.
Avoid "over-wetting" and "under-drying" as these practices can contribute to the leather's degradation.
Use Gentle Cleaners
Gentle cleaners safeguard leather surfaces by maintaining the natural oils and finish. Proper cleaning helps preserve its longevity and aesthetic appeal, reducing the need for costly repairs.
For optimal results, utilize cleaners labeled as "leather-safe". These products are specially formulated to clean without stripping away essential oils, ensuring the leather remains supple.
Leather's longevity highly depends on maintaining its natural oil balance.
Consistently using mild cleaners like those recommended by experts, such as Color Glo International, helps preserve the leather’s texture. Their professionals ensure your leather goods receive the highest standard of care, extending their lifespan and maintaining their beauty.
Avoid Excess Moisture
Overexposing leather to moisture can accelerate wear and cause cracking. It's essential to manage and limit contact with water.
Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent absorption.
Use Protective Covers: Employ waterproof covers or treatments to safeguard against accidental exposure.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid humidity accumulation.
Humidifiers: In dry environments, use humidifiers to balance moisture levels.
Store Correctly: Store leather items in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight.
Avoiding excessive moisture helps maintain the leather's natural oils and flexibility.
Failure to manage moisture increases the risk of cracking, which disfigures and potentially ruins leather items and their dye properties.
For expert guidance and solutions, consider partnering with Color Glo International, a leader in leather repair and maintenance.
Frequent Dusting
Frequent dusting is crucial to maintaining leather furniture and goods, helping to preserve their integrity and extending their overall lifespan.
Dust particles can act as abrasives, slowly wearing down the leather’s outer layer.
Regularly, dusting leather surfaces with a soft cloth, preferably one (such as microfiber specifically designed for delicate surfaces) can prevent such damage.
This practice also helps in maintaining an attractive, well-kept appearance, preventing dust from accumulating and potentially embedding into the material.
Incorporating dusting into your routine protects the leather from unnecessary wear, promoting cleanliness and prolonging its aesthetic and functional life.
Furthermore, as a complement to your cleaning regimen, Color Glo International offers professional services that can restore your leather’s natural beauty, ensuring long-term preservation and care.
Proper Hydration Techniques
Leather's optimal hydration balance is achieved through regular conditioning. Applying high-quality leather conditioners, such as those by Craftsman’s Choice, ensures the leather remains supple and resistant to cracking. These conditioners penetrate deep into the fibers, replenishing essential oils and maintaining the leather's integrity. Proactive hydration not only preserves the aesthetic appeal but also significantly extends the lifespan of your leather products. For best results, conditioning should be done every six months or more frequently in drier climates.
Quality Leather Conditioners
Utilizing quality leather conditioners and restorative dye is essential in maintaining the suppleness and durability of leather products.
Select Genuine Leather Conditioners: Choose products specifically designed for leather, avoiding household oils and lotions.
Frequency of Application: Condition your leather items every six months, adjusting based on climate and usage.
Patch Test: Always test the conditioner on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor your leather.
Apply Evenly: Use a soft cloth to apply the conditioner evenly, ensuring thorough coverage of all surfaces.
Buff After Application: After the conditioner has been absorbed, gently buff the leather to enhance its sheen and softness.
Consistent conditioning will prevent cracks and extend the life of leather furniture and goods.
By following these steps, you not only maintain aesthetic appeal but also enhance the overall lifespan of your leather products.
Natural Oils Application
Applying natural oils to leather can maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking, enhancing durability and appearance.
Choose Appropriate Oils: Opt for linseed or mink oil, as these are known for their efficacy in conditioning leather.
Clean Before Application: Ensure the leather is clean and dry before applying any oil to avoid trapping dirt and impurities.
Test on Small Area: Always test the oil on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any adverse reactions or discoloration.
Use Sparingly: Apply the oil sparingly, using a soft cloth to avoid oversaturation, which can damage the leather.
Follow Up: After letting the oil absorb, buff the leather with a clean cloth to remove any excess and achieve a polished finish.
Using natural oils enhances the leather's pliability and restores lost moisture, promoting longevity.
Integrating this practice into your leather maintenance routine will safeguard against cracks and preserve the material's natural beauty.
Craftsman Choice Leather Care Products
Craftsman Choice leather care products are meticulously designed to provide superior protection and maintenance for your leather goods. Leveraging years of expertise in skin and hair care, Craftsman Choice has developed a range of leather conditioners and cleaners that ensure your leather remains supple, hydrated, and free from cracks. Their products are formulated with high-quality ingredients that penetrate deeply into the leather, restoring its natural oils and enhancing its durability. By choosing Craftsman Choice, you are investing in the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your leather items, making them look as good as new for years to come.
Protect from Environmental Damage
To mitigate environmental damage, a proactive approach is essential. Protect your leather from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and cracking. Position leather items away from heating sources and windows to prevent unnecessary exposure to dryness, which is detrimental to the leather's integrity. Additionally, maintaining a stable humidity level in the environment helps in preserving the leather's natural moisture, thereby extending its lifespan and preventing premature deterioration.
Sunlight Exposure
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can significantly damage leather, causing it to fade, dry out, and eventually crack, a situation that often necessitates leather restoration. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the leather's surface, depleting its natural oils and moisture.
This deterioration process weakens the leather's fibers, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, this exposure can lead to visible cracks and an overall worn appearance.
Preventing sunlight exposure is essential to maintaining your leather's quality. Consider positioning leather furniture away from windows or using UV-protective window treatments.
Additionally, applying a UV protectant specifically designed for leather can provide an added layer of defense, complementing regular treatment to maintain its quality. These products are formulated to absorb UV radiation and reduce its impact on leather surfaces.
If your leather furniture or goods are already showing signs of sun damage, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. Professional services like those offered by Color Glo International franchisees can effectively restore sun-faded and cracked leather, rejuvenating its appearance and extending its lifespan.
Remember, regular maintenance and protective measures are paramount in preserving your leather's condition. Partnering with experts such as Color Glo ensures that your valuable leather items receive the best care.
Temperature Fluctuations
Leather is sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which can cause significant damage, including cracking and drying out.
Fireplaces and heating vents should be positioned away from leather pieces.
While air conditioning can help, overly cold environments can also harm leather by promoting stiffness and brittleness; hence, it’s crucial to maintain a moderate temperature.
By maintaining consistent temperatures in your living or working spaces, you can prolong the life of your leather furniture and goods, preventing the brittleness and cracking that can occur from abrupt temperature changes. For comprehensive care, contacting professionals like Color Glo International can offer invaluable expertise and meticulously tailored solutions for your leather needs.
Humidity Control
Leather thrives best in environments with controlled humidity.
Excessive dryness can sap leather of its natural oils. This lack of moisture leads to cracks and breaks, significantly diminishing the aesthetic and functional value of your leather items. Conversely, excessive humidity can foster the growth of mold and mildew, further damaging the leather.
Aim for a balanced humidity level.
Using a humidifier helps to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels - not too dry, not too humid - creating an ideal environment for leather preservation.
Before & After - Cracked, worn leather. Color Glo International
Repairing Cracked Leather
Repairing cracked leather starts with cleaning the affected area using a high-quality leather cleaner to remove dirt, oils, and residue. Once clean, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and pliability, focusing on the cracks.
For more severe cracks, consider a leather repair kit that includes a filler and colorant to match your item's original hue. Again, our Color Glo specialists are stationed nationwide for expertise in seamlessly blending repairs when they seem out of your scope.
DIY Fixes for Small Cracks
First, gather the necessary supplies, including a leather cleaner, conditioner, filler, and colorant designed for leather goods.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the cracked area with a high-quality leather cleaner. This step is crucial, as it removes any dirt or oils that might interfere with the repair process. Clean the leather gently to avoid causing further damage to the material.
Next, apply a leather conditioner to hydrate and soften the area around the crack. This makes the leather more pliable and easier to work with. Use a soft cloth to rub the conditioner into the leather, allowing it to penetrate fully before moving on to the next step.
For filling the cracks, use a leather filler that matches the color of your leather item. Carefully apply the filler into the cracks using a palette knife or similar tool, smoothing it out to create an even surface. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then apply a matching colorant if necessary to blend the repair seamlessly with the surrounding leather.
Professional Services
When dealing with significant leather damage, professional services are particularly advantageous. Color Glo International, a leader in the leather repair industry, offers unparalleled expertise and advanced restoration techniques.
Our specialists are adept at assessing the extent of leather damage, ensuring each repair is meticulous and effective.
Utilizing state-of-the-art materials and techniques, Color Glo specialists restore leather furniture, auto interiors, and personal goods seamlessly (examples include color matching and re-dyeing).
Professionals can address complex issues that do-it-yourself methods might exacerbate, maintaining the item's original integrity and value.
Furthermore, engaging with experts from Color Glo International ensures a comprehensive service, providing not just repairs, but also advice on ongoing maintenance to prevent future damage.
Ultimately, the peace of mind that comes from professional care is invaluable. Allowing experts to manage leather repairs guarantees sustained quality and longevity.
Benefits of Color Glo International
Choosing Color Glo International offers numerous benefits for maintaining and restoring leather goods.
Founded in 1975, Color Glo International has established itself as a premier leather and vinyl restoration company. Their extensive experience ensures top-notch service.
With a global network, Color Glo provides consistent quality and expertise across various locations. This allows us to cater to diverse client needs effectively.
Our proprietary restoration techniques not only fix visible damage but also reinforce the leather's structural integrity. Clients can expect long-lasting results.
Selecting Color Glo International means investing in quality. Clients receive expert consultation and precise repairs, ensuring their leather items remain pristine.
What Is Color Restoration?
Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine and Furniture. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.
What we do. Color restoration and repair services.
Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine and Furniture. Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.
We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today. See the MATERIALS WE SERVICE.
Residential
Leather, Vinyl, Fabric, Carpet, Cloth, Velour, Wood Grain, Hard Plastic. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.
Automotive
Pet Damaged Seats, Cigarette Burns, Seats & Door Panels, Dashes & Consoles, Vinyl Roofs, Sun Decks, Convertible Tops, Carpet, Ripped and Torn Cushions. Would you like your vehicle to look even better than when you first brought it home? You will be amazed at the professional quality of our services. We can restore, repair, rejuvenate , and re-color all of the above fabrics and interiors.
Headlight Restoration
Having trouble seeing the road at night? If you have old, faded, dull and stained headlights or tail lights Color Glo can restore them at a fraction of the replacement cost. In just a few simple steps Color Glo can make your lights crystal clear again. We offer onsite mobile service, so we come to you! This means less inconvenience for you; our customer. We will come to your work or home and restore your headlights or tail lights - on site.
Aviation
Our Speciality. Color Glo, together with Aero Interior Maintenance, offers services that are targeted at leather, vinyl, and plastic surfaces used for interior components of aircraft. These components would include aircraft seating, side panels and reveals, headliners, seat bases, window reveals, table tops, and drink rails. The industry uses many different types of plastics, vinyls, and leathers to accomplish both practical and maintainable surfaces but also to bring elegance to these interiors.
Cleaning and conditioning – Would include basic cleaning of built up soiling, newsprint ink or ink stains, removing simple scuffs, applying a final coat of leather conditioner.
Repairing worn areas – Many high wear areas such as seat arm rests and upper back cushions have the actual coating worn thin or all the way through the actual finish coating thus exposing the actual leather to premature wear and leaving it unprotected from the elements. Cleaning, repairing surfaces, and re-dying with multiple coats of finish will bring these areas back to a like new condition.
Repairing & Re-dying of damaged areas – Many times faded colors, damaged surfaces from scuffs, scratches, and cracking can be repaired to a like new condition. This would include leather, vinyl, and hard plastics. These areas are then re-dyed back to an original color.
QUALITY CONTROL. Many companies have tested their products to prove that they will not alter existing burn certificates but what they haven’t done is create an FAA repair station that controls who uses these products, how they use them, and how they will qualify their work. This is called a quality control system. Using an FAA certificated system will assure that trained people are using these products, these products are traced from point of origin to point of use, and a quality control system is used to issue FAA approved paperwork to the aircraft owner returning the aircraft to service after the maintenance we provide is completed. Color Glo in correlation with AIM, use either FAA form #8130-3 or logbook entry forms at the customer requests. Rest assured that existing burn certifications will not be voided when AIM maintains your interiors.
OUR GUARANTEE. A common question is “How long will it last?” It is simple to make something look good going out the door but the real value to the end user is often found months later after these surfaces have been used and cleaned by the customer. We cannot control how you clean or maintain these surfaces after they leave our hands but we feel confident that it will wear well and often times as well as the original finish. Our guarantee is that we will make you satisfied or your money back, no questions asked. We have not experienced cracking, peeling, tackiness, product coming off onto clothing, and the many other problems that many products cause. We take great pride in the fact our products stand the test of time again and again. We have a long list of customers who continually ask us to perform our maintenance on every annual inspection of their aircraft. They have found that routine maintenance can keep the appearance and condition of these interiors in a like new condition even though they may have thousands of hours of actual use.
Marine & Recreational
Make that old boat, camper or RV look like new again! Color Glo can Restore, Repair, Clean as well as renew or often change the color of Leather, Vinyl, Cloth, Velour, Woodgrain, Fabric, Hard Plastic & Carpet used on Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Jet Skis, Motor Homes, Campers and much more!
Time and use have taken their toll on your once beautiful boat. You may be considering buying brand new vinyl or plastic seating or even replacing that great boat all together. Stop! There is another way!
Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make the interior of your boat look new again. Who knows... you may even find our products make your boat look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:
Seats and beds repair.
Boat tops restoration.
Engine enclosures restoration.
Mildew removal.
Woodgrain restoration.
Hard plastic repair
And much more!
Medical Vinyl Repair
Refurbish and restore. Bring new life to old equipment and eliminate the costly expense of replacing important work center furniture and equipment with high retail alternatives.
Deodorizing
Whether your clothes or household items have a old musty odor to them from sitting in the trunk of your car, or to the annoying scent of mothballs; Color Glo specialists can remove almost all foul smelling odors with our deodorizing treatments. We neutralize and deodorize using environmentally friendly, biodegradable products.
Deodorizing treatments range from having virtually no scent, to fresh and clean scented garments, vehicles, furniture or any household item.
A professional service that will eliminate bad odors:
In homes
In Vehichles
In Boats
In Trailers
Commercial spaces
Commercial
Color Glo can Repair, Restore and Rejuvenate all your Office Furniture. Keep all your vinyl and leather office chairs for longer and restore them to a like new status. We do all our repairs on site which eliminates any possible down-time for our customers and keeps your employees happy and productive.
COST EFFECTIVENESS. Restored items demand higher resale value, increasing your margin potential if you're looking to sell them. Restoration also mitigates the very costly option of replacement and extends the life of your corporate furniture and office spaces. You will realize a huge cost savings when compared to the alternative.
On-Site Service
Property never leaves the customers site.
Convenient for our customers.
Eliminates customer downtime.
Your property is always secure.
Permanent Lasting Repairs
Specially formulated proprietary water-based products used in this market.
Non-flammable & odorless.
Dries in minutes and usable same day.
Are you a business owner in need of color restoration/repair? Are you an entrepreneur who would love to build a book of business offering world-class services?
How To Care For Your Leather Jacket
A real leather jacket or coat is usually an expensive investment and can take a while for you to source or purchase depending on your tastes. Your leather jacket can last for many, many years if given proper care though. In many cases, you can wash a leather jacket at home if you follow the correct methods.
Wearing and Caring For Your Leather Jacket
A real leather jacket or coat is usually an expensive investment and can take a while for you to source or purchase depending on your tastes. Your leather jacket can last for many, many years if given proper care though. In many cases, you can wash a leather jacket at home if you follow the correct methods.
Know your leathers. It is important to understand the type of leather you are purchasing and to be sure that it is real leather. Many synthetic products can look very similar or in some cases, just like real leather, but the type of cleaning and care will be very different.
Types of Leather Jackets and Coats
Leather jackets (and leather in general) come in several grades and finishes and that makes a difference in how they are cleaned. There are the four most commonly sold types of leather and here they are:
Suede: Natural suede leather is created from the soft underside of a split grain animal hide. It has a gentle, nappy finish that is easily stained. There are always very specific care and cleaning steps for suede jackets. This is also true for accessories and furniture.
Nubuck: Nubuck leather is similar to suede in appearance, but it uses the top of the animal hide which is finely sanded and buffed to produce the very softest, velvety leather finish. The care techniques for Nubuck leather are similar to suede. The stain removal process often requires treatment by a professional.
Aniline: Aniline leather is a full grain leather that has been treated with the chemical aniline. This is the most common type of leather used for jackets and can be very durable.
Nappa: This is the cadillac or highest grade leather. Nappa leather is ultra soft and supple. It uses a full grain sheep or lamb hide.
Before You Wear Your Leather Jacket
If you want to keep your jacket looking its best for the long haul, be sure that the leather is properly treated with a leather protector. You can purchase leather protector products in both liquid or spray-on formulas. The protector helps repel water and prevents stains on the leather surface from water spotting and soil. You should really apply protector products on an annual basis. If you use and abuse your leather and wear it often, then a more frequent treatment may be necessary. Then again if you like that tattered “vintage” look as the fads would have it - then by all means beat it up! But if you’d like it to last, then follow a few simple guidelines.
There are several things you should avoid when wearing your leather coat:
Full Pockets. You don’t want to stretch your leather out and have it be forever unshapely. So a word of advice is not to cram your pockets full of "stuff" or carry heavy items.
Sprays and Perfumes. No good. Do not apply hairspray, perfume, or cologne while wearing your leather coat. You will dry the jacket right out from the alcohol in these products. If you must give an extra spritz before hitting the town, do it while sans leather jacket and wait for it to dry before putting it on.
Pins and Accoutrements. As you can imagine, your favorite Elk’s Club pin will leave a permanent hole in your leather jacket - unlike your cotton or blended sport coat. Never attach badges, pins, tape, or stick-on labels to leather.
Alterations. It goes without saying - have a professional do any size alterations or attach any emblems or embroidery to the leather surface. Holes caused by incorrect stitching or poking will be almost impossible to remove. Let’s call it impossible :-).
How to Clean Your Leather Jacket
Generally speaking, you can wipe away most soil with a clean, damp cloth if your jacket has been properly treated and protected. Some stains like ink from a pen or even mildew require specific treatments though.
You might find one fall, when pulling your leather jacket out of the closet, that the inner lining is soiled with body oil or perspiration. What to do? If the coat is expensive or brand new you may want to head to a professional leather cleaning expert. Not every cleaner has the credentials however to clean leather jackets. Check them out first so it doesn’t get destroyed. If the inner lining is made from a washable fabric, you may be able to simply clean it at home. The product will likely clue you in.
You should never wash suede or nubuck garments yourself though. Hand-washing is only appropriate for aniline leather finishes only. Before doing this, test the color-fastness of the leather using a clean, white, wet cloth on an interior spot of the leather. If color transfers to the cloth, the dye is not stable on the leather and you should not proceed.
If you decide to DIY wash your leather jacket at home, you will need to be prepared to devote several days to the process. Afterwards you’ll need to properly condition the leather to bring the luster and life back into it. Leather is much like your own skin. If you dry it out with harsh soaps, it will crack and feel stiff.
Hand Washing Your Leather Jacket
Empty all pockets (common sense right?) of the jacket and turn it completely inside out. Fill a large sink or plastic container with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of a gentle liquid detergent recommended for hand washing delicate items (Woolite is a good example). Swish it up and make it soapy.
Submerge the leather jacket completely and swish through to be sure the lining is wet through and through. Squeeze the solution through the lining and allow it to soak for ten minutes or so. If there are stubborn stains present, use a soft bristled brush to help lift those away.
When it is time to rinse the jacket, lift the jacket out of the soapy solution. Simply squeeze out the excess moisture - you don’t want to wring it. Fill the sink with clean water and rinse it out thoroughly. You may have to change the water several times to remove all of the soap and soil.
Once you’re done washing the jacket (or coat), turn it back right-side out and hang over something to air dry. Make sure to use a sturdy wooden or padded hanger to prevent creases in the shoulders. Obviously you don’t want to hang it in direct sunlight or neat a furnace or heater. It will probably take a couple of days for your leather jacket to dry completely.
The next step is to completely condition the garment until it is once again soft and supple. Be sure that you use a good quality leather conditioner.
How to Store Leather Jackets
Storing your coat properly will prevent many leather problems. Pull out that same sturdy hanger and store it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Avoid any location that has excessive moisture-even a closet near a bathroom where steam may be present. If you are concerned about dust, cover the coat with a cloth garment bag or cotton sheet. Do not store your leather jacket or coat in a plastic bag that could trap moisture and promote mildew.
I wouldn’t iron if I were you…
Do you have a leather jacket that needs more than cleaning? Rips, tears or scratches?
Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of leather garments, accessories and furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.
Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize. Restore. Save money. Contact us today for more information.
How to Choose the Right Colors for your Leather Furniture
Do you intend to purchase a piece of leather furniture but you’re not sure which color will perfectly suit your room’s needs? If yes, the various tricks on how to choose a color for your leather furniture discussed below will with no doubt be very crucial to your room needs.
Choosing the right colors for your leather furniture
Do you intend to purchase a piece of leather furniture but you’re not sure which color will perfectly suit your room’s needs? If yes, the various tricks on how to choose a color for your leather furniture discussed below will with no doubt be very crucial to your room needs. In addition to a leather piece of furniture providing a suitable place to relax, there are several merits that this piece of furniture carries along. For instance, a quality piece of leather furniture, such as couch, can make your living room more appealing to your family members as well as to any guest who visits you. In order to make your room pop it’s important to choose the right color for your leather furniture.
Look for Inspiration
Before choosing a color for your leather furniture you should browse through several interior design magazines to find some ideas on possible colors. Interior design magazines will give you some useful hints on selecting the right colors and provide pictures of different leather furniture designs which are currently trending. You can also visit several home décor shops and furniture stores in your area to see which color will best complement your home.
Consider Colors that Complement your Existing Furniture
One of the most appropriate tricks for choosing a color for your leather furniture is basing it on the colors you already have in your room. For instance, if you have a lot of blue in the room with paintings, rugs, or lamps, a piece of leather furniture that has a hint of orange can be a suitable addition.
If you intend to place your leather furniture in an empty or new room, it’s recommended you pick a neutral color in order for you to have a variety of decoration options to use when you will be designing the other places of your room.
Choose a Piece of Furniture that is Neutral
A neutral color for you leather furniture can be appropriate if you want the product to match all your rooms. Based on experimentation, a leather piece of furniture in a neutral color such as navy, gray, or cream will certainly appear great in any of your rooms. If you decide to go for a neutral leather piece of furniture add pillows or throws that match the color decoration to the rest of your room.
Matching the Furniture to the Outdoors
If the room you intend to place your leather furniture in has several windows, it’s essential you try to pair the color of the furniture with your outside greenery. For instance, if your room is located in a forested area, selecting any earthly tone color such as brown or green would be an ideal option.
Take into Consideration the People who will be Using the Furniture
Before deciding on a color for the furniture, take into account other people of your family. For instance, if you have kids or a pet, going for a medium or neutral dark color sofa is recommended so that your leather product will hide any potential stains. If you don’t have children or pets, you could choose a white or tan color since it won’t be as apt to get damaged.
Think of the Mood of the Room
The room you intend to place your leather furniture in may be used mainly for entertainment, relaxation or for any other activity. If there is a specific role you want your room to serve, ensure the color of the leather furniture is reflecting that purpose. For instance, if you will be using the room mainly for entertainment purposes, it is suitable you select a bold, bright color such as purple or red. On the other hand, if your room is particularly meant for relaxation, choosing a light, minimalist sofa color such as beige, or pale green is a perfect choice.
Put into Account your Own Personality
Since you’ll be seeing this piece of furniture everyday it’s wise to choose a color that best fits your personality and sense of style. You’ll end up enjoying the furniture more if it matches your design taste. People will end up learning more about your design preferences when they see the color you have chosen. The color of a piece of furniture can say a lot about a person and their feelings on design.
Considering which room you’ll put your furniture is also essential. Figure out the place you will put furniture and note carefully how the color you select may be affected by that location. For example, if you’re planning to put your leather furniture in a place that receives sunlight directly, the fabric of your sofa can fade over time. Therefore, choose a pattern or color design for your furniture that won’t noticeably fade, such as cream or gray. You can also ask your close friends or relatives about the colors they consider are most appropriate for your leather furniture.
This article was written by Nicole Jackson of House Tipster. She is very passionate about home improvement and interior design.
Do you have leather that needs restoration? Restore vs. replace.
Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of leather furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.
Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize your home and save money. Contact us today for more information.
How to Restore Your Leather Handbag
For many, leather handbags and purses can be a wearable piece of art that defines who we are out in the world. And for many... it's a real investment that many of us are willing to make. You'll want to keep it for a lifetime, so here are some excellent tips on how to take care of your investment.
Cleaning your leather handbag/purse
For many, leather handbags and purses can be a wearable piece of art that defines who we are out in the world. And for many... it's a real investment that many of us are willing to make. Though women tend to "invest" in handbags more than men, the men of today carry handbags and leather luxury goods more and more.
A Proper Man-Purse.
Like a diamond engagement ring or collector's watch, when you've invested a lot of money in a handbag, you'll want to make sure it sticks around for a lifetime. But taking care of leather goods can be tricky - and when it's an item you've fallen in love, with much more lies at stake.
So, how do you clean a leather handbag?
The very first place to start is with an ounce of prevention. This should begin the day that you purchase your leather handbag and you should treat your bag with a cream or leather care product designed for it, at least once every 60 to 90 days.
Secondly, regular cleaning should be a no-brainer - even if it's a quick wipe down. For quick, regular cleanings simply wet a damp cloth and remove dust and build up that can damage the bag, it's lining and interior pockets. But once your bag has some age or wear on it, it will typically need a more thorough cleaning by a professional color restoration specialist every few months to keep it like brand new.
“Protecting your handbag can prevent the pentration of grease, staining, and all other spills and mishaps later on. ”
Here are the DIY do's and don'ts.
- Once per week - wipe your bag with warm, soapy water. You can mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with warm water and use a soft damp cloth to wipe away any dirt from the outside of your handbag. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the handbag to avoid ruining the leather. If you've ever sanded a board or trimmed a filet, you get the idea. Grain is where it's at.
- Avoid the usual household wonder liquids. You should never pull out baby wipes, vinegar or any other 'home remedy' for cleaning or tackling stain removal on your luxury handbag. These products have chemicals (whether occurring naturally or man-made) that can destroy your hard-earned investment.
- Ink and pen marks! The key to removing ink marks is to treat them immediately. Your best bet here is to call your local Color Glo Specialist and schedule an appointment. If you're a die-hard or simply unable to, try a special ink removing product for leather and follow the care instructions, making sure to condition the area afterward. Then leave it to dry properly before using the handbag again. If the ink stains are old, do not try to remove these yourself. Seek professional help... you will need it.
- Stuff your bag while not in use. If you're a collector of leather handbags or have a few of them that come out on special occasions, then it would behoove you to stuff your bag with terry cloths or some filling material. It will keep its shape for a lifetime.
Keep your handbag stuff when not using it. Photo: Handbag Clinic
- Grease Stains. Just wipe them off. Using water or liquid will simply make them a mess to clean up.
- On tougher dirt and ground in problem areas, use a professional leather cleaning agent. A good cream does not need to be rinsed (which could damage your bag further). You may find a bit higher investment in good leather conditioning creams, but like most things in life, they will perform far better.
“Use a leather conditioning/cleaning product that is made for the material your handbag is made out of.”
- Always use a product designed for use on your particular material. A general leather cleaner will not be as effective on a suede or nubuck interior than a product specifically designed for it. Just do your homework or consult with the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Spot testing is key. Always, always spot test a small area that out of sight. You would do the same thing before spraying Scotchgard™ on your brand new fabric couch. You should take the same care with your luxury leather handbag purchase. It's likely you paid more for it than the couch...
- Dust bags - use them! If your bag came with a dust bag, then you should probably ask yourself, why? Dust bags are not intended for nice branding and good looking packaging, they are intended to keep your handbag DUST-FREE when they are not being used.
You can always use a pillow case or something similar if you don't have a dust bag.
- Sunlight. Don't leave your handbag in direct sunlight. Just like your good furniture, you wouldn't leave in the window in blazing sun every day. The same color fasting will occur.
- Do not use saddle soap. It will most likely be too strong for the leather on your bag and could cause it to discolor.
- Smelly bags... to forever banish lingering effluvia, put an open container of baking powder carefully inside your bag, place your bag into a dust bag or pillow case and leave it to sit for 24 hours. It should absorb that scent you didn't like.
For the Fashionistas...
You may not have thought of this, or maybe it has affected you already. Do not rock light color handbags with dark clothing. The dye from your dark clothing may run and transfer to the handbag. This is one of the single hardest stains to remove.
If you do end up with a really stubborn stain, try matching a shoe polish to the color of your bag and buffing a small amount over the affected area.
Want to hire a professional?
An Ounce of Prevention for Your Furniture
We've all heard the saying...“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin was talking about fire prevention in the city of Philadelphia when he coined this phrase, but it’s one that can be applied to any situation.
We've all heard the saying...
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin was talking about fire prevention in the city of Philadelphia when he coined this phrase, but it’s one that can be applied to any situation. This philosophy will go a long way if we apply it to the objects that make our body comfortable – that is, the furniture we sit on, such as restaurant and office seating; transportation seating, and yes, even those dentist chairs!
Whether you’re an individual or business, making and keeping these types of seating comfortable is important. However, in this article we’ll focus on homeowners and their furniture.
Furniture problems and preventions
So let’s talk problems and prevention. And if you’re picturing grandma’s plastic-coated furniture, then know there are better solutions. Here are some things you can do to not only keep your seating comfortable but looking good as well. Try to do as much prevention as possible to avoid having to go for the cure. Also, realize that the type of seating material is going to determine the type prevention as well.
Problem: Scratches
Scratches can result from a variety of sources: pet claws and sharp objects being the most common. We’re talking about human-caused scratching and other marks (we’ll deal with pet-related issues in the last point).
Prevention: A large part of the prevention of scratches is simply being mindful of what we have in our hands and how we let that object come in contact with our furniture. A protective coating can help protect tiny scratches, but a deep scratch can only be prevented by carefulness on the part of the person who uses the furniture.
Problem: Stains
Stains can come from a variety of sources. The list is endless: food spills, liquids, ink, bodily fluids, and even water. We think that a quick swipe with a cloth (or our sleeve) solves the problem, but the surface isn’t really clean and residue can remain.
Prevention: Once again, stains can generally be prevented by carefulness on our part. Be mindful of how and where you place things that could stain your furniture. And if you do spill something, clean it up immediately, making sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions so as not to cause further staining.
Problem: Dirt & Dust
Dirt and dust mostly come from constant use and the environment. Sometimes it’s brought in by people and pets, and it’s pretty much always around, and furniture is often the recipient.
Prevention: Since most of this unpreventable, being proactive in keeping the furniture dust free, vacuumed and wiped clean, will stop the buildup of dirt and dust. If you let it build up your furniture will look dingy and clean up will take longer and require more effort.
Basement and lower-level living spaces can naturally cause dust and dirt build up.
Problem: Tears, Cracks & Punctures
Cracks can come from constant use, while tears and punctures are caused by sharp objects coming into contact with the material.
Prevention: There isn’t much we can do about the cracks that occur from constant use. But you can keep the material well-conditioned to prevent dryness that will lead to cracks. As for tears and punctures, once again be mindful of the objects you have in your hands. If you’re carrying something sharp, like a knife, have it in a sheath or make sure the blade is in such a position that it won’t come in contact with the soft material of your furniture. When talking specifically about your leather furniture, you may want to learn how to make your own beeswax leather polish to ensure your expensive investments last a lifetime.
Problem: Fading & Bleaching
Constant use will lead to fading or a worn look in the material, while bleaching is due to the furniture being exposed to direct sunlight on a consistent basis.
Prevention: This problem is actually a fairly easy one to prevent. Simply put, keep your furniture out of direct, constant contact with the sun.
Problem: Pet-Related
Pets can cause a variety of problems: smells, residue, stains, and scratches. Some pets can be trained, but others (like cats) consider themselves the rulers of their domain.
Prevention: We all know that pets have a mind of their own, and generally don’t care about our wishes and how we want them to treat our furniture. In some cases, they can be trained, while in others we may need to use a product that will deter them from damaging our furniture. Take a look at our post on How to Make Your Own Cat Repellent for some natural ways to discourage your pet.
Final thoughts on your furniture
As you can see, most prevention involves carefulness and mindfulness on our part. If we are proactive in the care of our furniture, that will help prevent many of the accidents that can occur. It will keep our furniture looking good and comfortable to sit in. When something does happen to damage your furniture, be sure and take care of it immediately so that more damage does not occur from neglect.
We have several articles on our blog that will give you some good tips on taking care of your furniture:
If your seating has been damaged to the point where a homemade, natural or store-bought solution cannot cure it, then it may be time to turn to our professional color restoration and repair technicians. Find a Color Glo Franchise Location HERE on our website.
Top 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Leather Furniture
Are you thinking about buying leather furniture? Are you aware that there are different types of leather? Which one is the best fit for you? Answering some important leather buying questions before pulling out your wallet is the best decision you'll make for your home and for your family.
What should I ask when buying leather furniture?
Are you thinking about buying leather furniture? Are you aware that there are different types of leather? Which one is the best fit for you? Answering some important leather buying questions before pulling out your wallet is the best decision you'll make for your home and for your family. So what questions should you ask?
How is the leather finished?
Long-term usage is the first place to start; what usage patterns will your leather furniture see? If you have children and pets and the furniture is placed in a high-impact area with food, beverages, etc., this may cause a buying decision. If your leather furniture is more likely to be the centerpiece of a luxury home or single loft, then you may make a different buy decision.
Leather is incredibly durable and if you know How To Take Care of Your Leather Furniture, it can provide many, many years of comfort and elegance. However, the right type of leather should be selected based upon how you expect the furniture to be enjoyed. As leather furniture repair and restoration professionals, Color Glo specialists often hear from their clients how their salesperson or designer never told them the leather would stain, fade, tear, etc. You can avoid these problems by asking a few questions and knowing your leather beforehand. Some of the best interior designers are also brushed up on their leather/fabric knowledge and can guide you through this phase.
Finished.
Leather that is both dyed and pigmented is referred to as "finished". Finished leather is colored with the same aniline dye as unfinished leather, however, these hides go through a secondary coloring process. A pigmented coating (which is referred to as "finish") is applied, that has undergone some chemical engineering specifically for leather. It allows the leather to breathe and expand and is very different from the pigment in say, a wall paint.
Pigmented leather finishes are opaque, creating a colored film on top of the hide. The color coating is then augmented with a clear coat forming its primary protection. This clear coat also dictates the sheen, from the scale of gloss to matte. High-end finished leather may not feel as soft and supple (or luxurious) as unfinished leather, but it will be able to withstand the high-impact areas of your active household. Finished leather is much easier to clean, and fades very slowly, providing years of beauty without notice of wear.
Here are some types of finished leather:
- Aniline Finished: The most natural of finishes, colored mainly through the dying process, and light if any, extra finish is applied. This leather has a soft natural and luxurious feel. It is recommended for formal, light soiling areas only.
- Antiqued: Leather that is finished with one color over another (usually darker over lighter) so as to create rich highlights and an artificially aged appearance.
- Semi-Aniline: Aniline leather to which a matching pigment layer is added to even out the color and add protection.
- Pigmented Leather: Leather that has been spray or roller coated with a flat surface color on top of or instead of the usual dye finish. The leather is usually pigmented to add durability and hide natural blemishes. This type of leather is uniform in appearance and very resistance to wear. Recommended for high wear areas.
- Embossed Leather: Leather that has been "stamped" with a pattern applied by extreme pressure in a press to give a unique design or imitation of full grain characteristics. Sometimes leathers are embossed to make them appear to be another leather, such as embossing an alligator pattern into cowhide.
- Hand Antiqued: Also known as "hand rubbing". The process of skilled craftsmen hand-rubbing a contrasting color onto the surface of the leather to accentuate the natural grain and embossing.
- Oil or Wax Finish: Leather whose surface has been applied with oil or wax to create a soft pliable finish
Unfinished.
If you choose leather that is colored only with dye, then there is no protective coating. It is sometimes referred to as “pure-aniline” leather. The color of this leather is rich and deep and the dye penetrates deep into the leather. Often, these pieces are soft and supple to the touch, and the leather's natural beauty is accentuated by the dye, creating that feeling of luxury.
Only the finest leather hides can qualify to be unfinished, so unsurprisingly, it’s the most expensive category. The downside, however, to unfinished leather is that is stains easily, can tear more easily and can fade in very rapidly in some cases. So the question remains, "What does usage look like in your home?"
There are only 3 types of unfinished leather with variations of what has been done to the surface.
- Full Grain Leather: This is leather in its most natural form with its surface left untouched by sanding or buffing.
- Full-grain leather can be embossed or dyed without damaging the natural fibers.
- Less than 20% of all hides are suitable for use as full grain leather.
- This type is expensive and is used only for the highest quality leather finishes.
- Full grains vary based on different origin, thickness, and tanning process.
- Corrected Grain Leather. The surface of the leather has been sanded to minimize natural imperfections.
- It can also be dyed and embossed with an artificial grain.
- This is the most common type of leather used.
- Nubuck. Nubuck is brushed grain sueded leather. It has been lightly buffed or sanded to produce a very fine, soft leather with a textured, suede-like appearance.
How is it constructed? Is the leather top-grain leather?
Budget is key, we know... Sometimes price just dictates where we land. Top-grain leather is will definitely be on the top of the heap when it comes to cost but it will be the most durable. So if your home analysis sits in the high-traffic category, you may want to justify the price of top-grain leather for your furniture.
Top-grain is the epidermis of the skin which offers the vast majority of the hide’s durability. Split-hide leather (leather “split” from the epidermis) won’t stand up to the test of time in an active household. As a lower grade it is generally more affordable if your budget is dictating it. If you want your piece to potentially last a lifetime, then you must save pennies for top-grain leather.
Construction of the furniture is also a key point. We've all owned low-budget furniture at some point in our lives and the first thing to happen is the frame starts to wobble and pull apart. Pressed wood frames, cheap construction, and poorly machined templates will equal a short-term saving and long-term struggle. Furniture solutions like Ashley and Ikea, though wonderful for many applications, are not the best solutions when it comes to permanently adorning your home.
Lastly, is it all leather?
You heard that right... is it actually all leather? Or did the manufacturer sneak in some vinyl? Vinyl has a handful of fancy name derivatives like leatherette, leather-mate, leather–match (and there are more) is synthetic. It is not the real deal and it won't stand the test of time like the real deal.
It's less expensive than leather, but it won't feel or wear like real leather. The durability will not be there, nor will the luxurious touch and fell of a fine leather furniture piece. And yes, you guessed it; some manufacturers will sip some vinyl into various pieces to drive down their cost.
So the key to buying leather furniture for your home is to know what you're looking at. With so many options, like every other category in life these days, you have to be educated on what you're spending your money on. Just remember these three questions when shopping for leather or when working with an interior designer and you should get steered in the right direction:
- How is the leather finished?
- How is the leather and furniture piece constructed?
- Is it constructed of all leather?
Types of leather information found at Helvetia
The Fascinating History Behind Leather Couches
The leather seat, whether chair or couch, also has a long and fascinating history. Did you know it has been present in homes for thousands of years? This blog post originally appeared on BuildDirect.com and was written by Anabelle Bernard Fournier
This blog post originally appeared on BuildDirect.com and was written by Anabelle Bernard Fournier
Leather Couches: A Tour Through History
Imagine entering a living room with dark, naturally-colored leather couches. The effect is immediate: you have a sudden desire to run your hand along its cool, smooth surface. The leather gives in under your touch and makes that squeaky, satisfying sound. Yes, it’s real. And you want to stay in this luxurious, inviting room forever.
Leather has been used for thousands of years for clothing, armor and even as material for building tents in nomadic tribes. The techniques for transforming raw animal skin into supple material that was easily dyed, sewn and worn or upholstered have existed for just as long. It’s an ancient art, full of history and traditions.
The leather seat, whether chair or couch, also has a long and fascinating history. Did you know it has been present in homes for thousands of years?
There is proof that the throne of Arabian rulers was made of leather. Sitting on leather was his privilege and a sign of power and wealth.
In Roman society, you could find in the wealthiest and most powerful patrician homes leather lounge chairs. The men would lie back in them while they ate, drank and conducted business, while the women would sit on regular plain wood chairs.
Because of the amount of work involved in making leather, the material was reserved only for the elite. It was very expensive, and possessing a piece of leather furniture was considered a status symbol.
Leather Couches - Medieval times to the industrial revolution
This rather long period of time sees leather used in an increasing amount of household objects, including chairs and couches. The increase in trade between Europe and Asia and the discovery of America brought new kinds of furs and hides to Europe, increasing the interest in leather.
However, the leather-making process remained tedious and expensive, and leather furniture remained a luxury reserved for the rich. You would find leather-covered couches in the households of royal families, kings, and noblemen. Ordinary people would still have access to leather in the form of clothing and small accessories, but the furniture was out of their reach.
The industrial revolution and leather furniture
We all know what happened during that time: new machines increased production, and new techniques made the fabrication of everyday objects easier and cheaper. People started to give up making their own household items, as they used to do before and started buying them from manufacturers instead.
Leather didn’t escape industrialization. Although some steps still need to be done by hand, the discovery of new dyes and tanning techniques contributed to an explosion of leather goods, including furniture.
During the 19th century, the leather sofa began making its appearance in common, middle-class households. The leather seat was no more reserved for the rich and influential.
The leather couch became a symbol of comfort and “homey-ness”; a home without at least a small leather chair or sofa was considered unsuitable for receiving people. The addition of new colors and new hides made it easier to use leather furniture in a variety of décors. And the Victorians were avid home decorators!
The 20th century
As the 20th century progressed on, technology advanced and trade increased even more between countries. The leather couch remained an essential manly piece of furniture, usually in the form of the man’s easy chair, where he would sit after a long day of work. Leather couches served as the center of the living room, where the family would gather to listen to the radio, and later, to watch television.
In the 1960s, leather couches became a trend. Clothing and furniture designers began to use leather more widely, and leather appeared in colors such as white and bright green and red. The famous pod chair often had a leather lining inside. A home was not trendy unless it had a leather couch.
Leather couches and furniture today
Since then, the leather couch has retained its reputation of a premier, luxury piece of furniture. Leather furniture gives an instant boost of luxury and comfort to any living room and is still perceived as a status symbol, despite its democratization and cheaper prices.
Today, leather couches come in a variety of colors not previously imaginable: pinks and purples and turquoises and oranges. They are now as versatile as fabric couches and will fit any style and any décor. However, too much leather can look severe; you can soften it by using throw blankets and pillows in complementary or accent colors. Or you can hire an Interior Designer.
Do you have old leather couches, chairs or leather furniture that needs to be repaired? Contact the leather and fabric restoration specialists.