introduction

selecting the right leathercaring for leatherprotection/cleaningleather facts




leather care
 
about leather

Gascoigne leather is a lasting investment.

Leather is excellent value. Under normal usage it will outlast fabric by up to 4 to 1. Leather is not only measurably superior when new but actually looks better as it gets older.

Leather is a dense interwoven mass of fibers with amazing qualities of elasticity that allow it to keep its shape. Leathers porous structure allows it to 'breathe' and gives it insulating properties that make it warm in winter and cool in summer.

It is also fire and water resistant and will not emit toxic fumes. Leather has a natural grainy look and is often marked by scars and creases that give each piece an individual character. Gascoigne Furniture only use upholstery grades of top grain leather, tested to stringent standards.

SELECTING LEATHER can be a confusing process . While some people suggest that one leather is better than another ie their leather is softer or thicker or whatever than another. We at Gascoignes like to tell our customers that different leathers are suitable for different uses ,for instance a glove soft nubuck or aniline leather used in a restaurant with a high traffic flow and people eating on it is only asking for trouble. A less expensive but more durable pigmented leather is a better choice in this example.

At the most elementary level there are two types of leather .
Aniline and Top Coated or Pigmented Leathers.
Aniline leather is dyed right through during tanning but is naked and has no coating on the top of the hide.
Pigmented leather has a top coat which protects the leather as well as making the colour uniform over the whole hide. Confusion starts when terms such as 'Semi-aniline leather' is used. This is an aniline leather with a light top coat , such as a wax coated leather but is sometimes used for a soft full grain pigmented leather.

Most leather used for upholstery is Top Coated or Pigmented ,either corrected or full grain. Generally full grain leather is softer to the touch but can vary considerably as can corrected leather. Corrected leather has been buffed and embossed during manufacture to make the hide more uniform .

Top Coated leather is harder wearing and more resistant to sun fade than aniline leathers. Also pigmented leathers are more resistant to staining than aniline leathers.

If a Pigmented leather is damaged, it can be repaired. Little can be done if a aniline leather is scraped, except to replace the leather.

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Care of Leather


Gascoigne furniture is upholstered in only genuine leather hide. Leather is a natural skin that breathes and will maintain its unique characteristics with a minimum of care. Here are some easy leather care instructions.

PROTECTION:


Protect from strong sunlight for long periods
Protect from excessive heat,or exposure to weather
Protect from sharp objects

CLEANING:

Regularly brush or vacuum away dust and grit
Clean leather when required with approved cleaner such as Pelle or Leathermaster
Do not soak the leather
Wipe clean and allow to dry away from direct heat

AVOID:


Do not use saddle soap
Do not dry clean
Do not machine wash
Do not use solvents, oil, varnish, abrasives or detergents
*Note:
Always try the cleaning method in a hidden area first to check results
These are recommended or suggested cleaning methods, but Gascoigne is not responsible for damage incurred while cleaning.

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WHEN IN DOUBT-OBTAIN EXPERT ADVICE


LEATHER FACTS


Leather has distinguishing features unique to living products . Within the beautiful grain of the leather, you may find some markings or flaws on the skin. Do not be concerned. These are natural characteristics and proof of the leathers natural origins Animals, just like humans, are subject to a few bumps and grazes during their lifetimes. These markings are natural and are the visible distinction between the aesthetic appeal of natural leather and synthetic materials.












Gascoigne Furniture. New Zealand's leading specialist leather furniture stores. Online since 2000. Last updated June 2005