If you want a place in the sun
You've got to put-up with a few blisters
-ABIGAIL VAN BUREN-

Reality is merely an illusion
albeit a very persistent one
-ALBERT EINSTEIN-

If you lose an aglet (that plastic tip on the end of a shoelace), replace it by dabbing nail polish on the end of the lace, or with a small piece of tape wrapped around the end. That will keep the lace from fraying.

How to take care of Leather ??

Leather furniture is unparalleled in its look and style. It lends an inimitable aura to the room and the very quality of leather dominates the milieu. Leather can endure seasons and be a safe investment in terms of furniture. Leather care is easy if you get the basics right. And we are here to help you with that.

Here are some of the FAQ’s that we come across. It will surely help you understand your leather. Also do check out the easy care pointer at the end of the article.

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1.Where does leather come from and how is it made?

Leather comes to from all over the world, though primarily furniture leather comes from tanneries in South America, Germany and Italy. It goes through a four-step process from rawhide to finished ready-to-upholster leather. Splitting, Tanning, Coloring and Finishing.


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2. What are the different kinds of leather finishes and why do they differ in price?

From hide to upholstery, every tanned hide is finished.
Pigment: protective opaque color, which coats the grain very consistently. It is the most durable, stain resistant finish but is slightly cooler to the touch.
Semi-aniline: combines aniline with pigment to enhance uniformity in color and soil resistance while remaining soft to the touch

Aniline: Aniline leather is leather in its most basic form in transparent dyes. It is less stain resistant, but leaves the hide softer, more pliable and warmer to the touch. You see the natural surface grain and markings bearing testimony to the life surpassed and genuineness of the material.

The different uses they are designed for and qualities justify the price ranges.

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3.How do I know I'm getting best value for money and genuine quality?

The presence of natural marks tell the story of the leather’s life, such as healed scars, grain differences, wrinkles, veining, differences in color shades and any other sign that nature has left on these hides, proves that they are absolutely genuine and bears witness to their great worth and are not to be considered as defects. Good Quality leather is soft pliable and slightly heavy.



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4. Does leather change with weather?

Leather, has tiny pores, which offers an ideal level of comfort during the hot months and the cold months thanks to its properties of transpiration and flexibility.


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5. Which leather requires most care? Darker colors or lighter pigments?

Leather with heavier pigment (opaque coloring) and corrected grain are the easiest to care for. Aniline leathers, with transparent color, require more delicate care. Darker colors tend to hide dirt and soil more easily than lighter colors.


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6. What is top grain and split grain?

At the tannery, a leather hide is split into 2 layers — top grain and the lower grain or "split." The lower, bottom grain is the flesh piece and may be split one or more times. The lower grain is likely to be used on the outside parts of a piece of furniture.


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7. How do I know its original Aniline Leather?

Do a bit of forehand investigation while purchasing and find out if the surface has been brushed (has a texture like velvet) or not. If you are not sure how to identify aniline leather then there is help at hand.

1.Lightly scratch the surface to see if it leaves a lighter color scratch mark. If it scratches to a lighter color, it is Aniline. This is not the only test because some Nubucks will also do this.
2.Wet your finger and lightly rub it into the leather to see if it darkens. It should darken lightly, but dry invisibly.
3.Apply the Protection Cream to a hidden area and dry it. If it dries invisibly, it is Aniline leather.


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8. How Often Do I Clean My Leather?

Once per week - Dust your furniture weekly or you can lightly dampen a soft cloth and wipe the surface. Twice a year fully clean your furniture. For pieces in high use rooms, you should clean them every four months. It is important that you pay particular attention to clean all high usage and skin contact areas like: seats, arms, front railing and inside backs. Four times a year apply the Leather protection Cream to renew the original protection level. As always focus on high use areas.


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9. Why Clean Leather?

Over time body oils, perspiration, skin acids, and soiling will work into the leather if you don't clean it. Just follow the tips we provide and it should be cakewalk. Leather is sought for its life and you surely would love to protect it.


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10. What should I watch out for?

Household food and beverage product stains.

Human and pet bodily fluids

Rips, tears, burns and punctures.

Ballpoint pen ink.

Cracking and peeling of leather finish.

Perspiration and body or hair oils.


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Easy reference leather care guide.

Avoid using or placing any sharp objects on leather goods. Leather is durable but not entirely damage free.

Periodically dust with a clean, dry and non-abrasive white cloth. Pay particular attention to treat high use areas like arms, seats and backs.

Do not soak the leather surface, and dry the surface immediately using a clean cloth.

Some stains (caused by greasy substances) may require that the cloth be dampened in a dilute solution of a neutral soap.

Never clean with a micro fiber cloth.

Keep materials like fingernail polish, bleach, nail polish remover and household cleaners away from your leather.

Maintain at least two feet between your furniture and heat. Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. All materials will fade over time when placed in direct sunlight. Do not place Aniline leathers in windows or under skylights. In case of fading, call for professional help.

Dust your leather regularly as you would other items in the room. Dampen a soft cloth with the Leather Soft Cleaner and wipe the surface of the leather.

Call professional help for a product to moisturize your leather.


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FOR SPECIAL LEATHERS

New Buck (NABUCK) Leather: After using the above cleaning procedures, if the surface seems "flattened" you may restore the new buck effect by delicately rubbing with a thin abrasive paper.

ROYALIN, PALOMA, CLASSIC & BATICK: Apply "Leather Protection Cream" (which comes packed with the furniture) immediately upon receipt of the furniture. Leather conditioner should be applied 2 to 4 times a year or when the leather appears dry.