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Leather Furniture, Sofa and Upholstery care:
In France, a decree, handed down in 1986 and modified in 1989, made compulsory a standardized labeling which specified the type of material, the animal species and the finishing of the leather product. Rare are those manufacturers, however, who follow the guidelines. We still hope other countries will adopt this kind of measures. So before you make a purchase don't hesitate to ask for any and all essential information pertaining to the leather article. This can include having the type and quality of the leather written directly on the bill.
Full Grain Aniline -
Definition : A leather which has kept its full grain, has a naturally textured full pored surface. The deep aniline colouring is achieved with dyes.
Our point of view : This leather is of the highest quality and is the most expensive. Only flawless skins undergo such a treatment. Not well protected, these leathers darken well with age but remain fragile. Not recommended if you have children or a cat.
Care : First clean the sofa with Leather SHAMPOO, then wipe with TENDERLY or URAD (for more shine). Apply a small amount with the sponge (included) and rub it in gently. Let dry. Rinse out the sponge under the tap (reuse dry).You can also stain proof it with SAHARA. Spray 15-20 cm from the cleaned surface. Wipe off the excess and let dry 6-8 hours. (Use a mask, vacate and ventilate room for at least one hour) Use Urad if leather is dry and colors have faded.
Full Grained Pigmented -
Definition : This leather has also retained intact its full grain but has received, on top of a penetrating dye, a colored finishing which gives a unified appearance, hides small defects and protects the leather.
Our point of view : Only high quality rawhides are used. This treatment makes leather pleasing to look at and to touch, and makes it resistant. It's the best compromise between esthetics and resistance.
Care : First clean the sofa with Leather SHAMPOO, then use URAD neutral. Take up very little of the product with the enclosed sponge. Apply without rubbing and let dry. Rinse out the sponge under the tap (re-use dry).
Corrected and Pigmented Grain -
Definition : To smooth out the leather surface and to eliminate its imperfections, wrinkles, scratches The skin is slightly pounced and a tinted film is applied. This leather is also called Protected Aniline.
Our point of view : These leathers are not of the highest quality and they have a slightly artificial appearance. They are, however, quite resistant to heavy wear.
Care : First clean the sofa with Leather SHAMPOO, then use URAD neutral. Take up very little of the product with the enclosed sponge. Apply without rubbing and let dry. Rinse out the sponge under the tap (re-use dry).
Nubuck -
Definition : The velvety appearance of this leather is obtained by a light pouncing of the skin thus highlighting the grain and the pores of the leather. CAREFUL: not to be confused with the velvet rind (suede). Sometimes one finds Nubuck cushions and a suede under structure on the same sofa. If used on either the base or the back of the sofa the suede can work well, however, a combination of Nubuck and suede is not advised. They do not age the same way over time and may not change color the same way.
Our point of view : To obtain a good-looking Nubuck a quality skin is generally used. It's a pleasant material, soft to the touch with velvety colors. Nubuck is fragile however and requires a careful maintenance. A waterproofing treatment is mandatory. It remains a costly material.
Care : First use Leather SHAMPOO to clean the sofa and then spread on Neutral MAT & OILY to revive the material. Then use SAHARA for protection. Spray 15-20 cm from the cleaned surface. Wipe off the excess and let dry 6-8 hours. (Use a mask, vacate and ventilate room for at least one hour). Spread on very little Mat & Oily with the enclosed sponge and let dry 15-20 minutes. Do not rub in, dab the surface. Let dry.
That's it, simple as A B C, and your leather will look and feel like new for years!
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